Kimhia Toussaint Crowned Miss St Lucia UK 2014

Monday, May 12, 2014

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t the second staging of the Miss St Lucia UK 2014, 20 year old Kimhia Toussaint has been crowned the winner.

Toussaint a real estate agent was crowned before a packed audience at Kensington Town Hall, where 21-year-old university student Diandra Shortee was first runner up and second runner up went to 19-year-old college student Kathline George.

Contestants were judged in swim and evening wear as well as their knowledge of St Lucia which included performing a short skit to re-enact life experiences back in the Caribbean island.

The evening was part of St Lucia’s 35th Independence celebrations which highlights the island’s history, culture and accomplishments.

Guest included St Lucia’s High Commissioner, His Excellency Dr. Ernest Hilaire. Also in attendance were director of marketing St Lucia Tourist Board Jean-Marc Flambert and assistant director Atlyn Forde who sponsored the entertainment package.

The entertainment of the night was popular St Lucian Soca artist Teddyson John who had the patrons on their feet as he belted out his carnival hits.

Sponsors for the evening were Bay Gardens Resort, Hotel Chocolat, Chairman’s Reserve, Melalleuca, GMQex and St Lucia Tourist Board.

 

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New Gospel Artist LATEEFAH Makes Her Musical Introduction with New Single, “Here I Am"

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

London-based Artist Hopes to Inspire Self-Esteem through Music

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ospel music is adored overseas and one of the genre’s best kept secrets, a London-born artist, is catching the ears of fans on this side of “The Pond”. New Urban Contemporary Gospel Artist Lateefah (pronounced la-TEE-fah) has been embraced by the United Kingdom with her song, “Here I Am”. Flaunting reggae beats and her St. Lucian heritage on the record, “Here I Am” has been a chart-topper on the Reverbnation R&B and Christian/Gospel Charts for St. Lucia.

Recently introduced in the States, the single has been welcomed by fans due to the vibrancy of the feel-good song. “Here I Am” has hit the Top 50 National Airplay Gospel Chart, monitored by Digital Radio Tracker, in the US.

 

Receiving airplay in London and other countries, “Here I Am” is a song about total surrender to God. “Initially, when I wrote the song, it was a ballad,” recounts Lateefah. “It wasn’t until I went back home on holiday to St. Lucia that I got in the studio with my producer and we changed the arrangement. We thought it would be great to give the song a Caribbean vibe, something that reminded me of home.” The inspirational message and tropical feel of the track is a perfect complement to the strong and persuasive vocals of the artist.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Lateefah is already putting the finishing touches on the follow-up record, “Love Me Through”. Spreading her musical wings, this song showcases a throwback groove, reminiscent of the days of soul. She is greatly influenced by soul music, but not for the reasons many would think. “For me, soul music is whatever music my soul wants to write,” she shares. “What comes out of me musically is the color of my soul. To me, if what comes out of me sounds classical, it’s still soul music. Music lets me express every side of me.”

Born in London, England, Lateefah comes from St. Lucian and Dominican parentage. She honed her musical skills at the St. Lucia School of Music and the London Centre of Contemporary Music (LCCM), where she received a bachelor’s degree in music with a concentration in music production/performance. At an LCCM workshop, she sang background vocals for mainstream artist, George Clinton, known for his work with Parliament Funkadelic. Her live performance experience came as one half of Gospel rap duo One 2 One. She also has backed PP Arnold, known as one of Tina Turner’s “Ikettes”, and shared the stage with Gospel artist Carlene Davis.

Lateefah understands that music has power and she wants to uplift others who have dealt with low self-esteem issues. She says, “Although I have always been gifted with a talent for music, I struggled with low self-esteem. Even though my parents encouraged me to get on stage, there were experiences in my life that made me doubt myself. But my faith helped me. The difference between being born again and not being born again is how you deal with situations. As a Christian, I have my faith in God. That has changed me forever. Now when people see me on stage, they can’t believe I was ever fearful of the stage.” For more information on Lateefah, log on to www.latekorecords.com or connect with her on Facebook.

Publicity:

Andrea R. Williams

Tehillah Enterprises, LLC

info@tehillahpr.com

240.222.3022 / 1.888.844.7701

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St Lucian Nina Compton-Miller Runner-up on Bravo Top Chef Season 11

Thursday, February 6, 2014

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ast night was the finale on Bravo’s popular reality TV show “Top Chef”, where St Lucia Nina Compton-Miller was the runner’s up to Nicholas Elmi.

Nina Compton-Miller & Nicholas Elmi

Nina has been the strongest contender since the season premiere and in the season finale viewer polls she was favored to win.

 “You be the judge, who should win Top Chef”. The viewers voted 82% to Nina and 18% to Nick.

Even though she didn’t win one cannot deny how talented of a chef she is. The Caribbean and the people of St Lucia are very proud of her accomplishment.

In a statement issued by The St Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB)

"Although not emerging Top Chef, Nina’s performance is being celebrated not only by herself and her immediate family, but indeed all of St Lucia and particularly by the hospitality industry.

"Over the years we have consistently extolled the awarding winning culinary delights of St Lucia, as exemplified in our indigenous recipes so masterfully brought to life by Nina, week after week, throughout her presence on the show," the Board said.

The statement added that thanks to her accomplishments, the culinary creativity of chefs at award winning resorts and fine restaurants across the island is now further magnified.

Compton, is the daughter of the late Sir John Compton, and is currently the Chef de Cuisine at the Scarpetta restaurant at Miami Beach’s Fontainebleau Hotel.

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Rising Star, MonCherie, Brings Caribbean Heat to the Holiday Season with Release of “No Santa”

Thursday, December 5, 2013

New Caribbean R&B/Pop singer, MonCherie, has been building anticipation for the release of the official music video for her first single, “No Santa.” Now, the wait is finally over, and the tune which adds a sexy, Caribbean twist to Christmas songs, has been unveiled for the world to see.  Viewers can watch the video on her official website, Moncheriemusic.com and on YouTube.

“No Santa” brings a different flavor to the holiday season which generally centers around children, toys, knitted sweaters and of course, Santa Claus.  With playful lyrics and high octane beats, the track is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Not to mention, the video will showcase MonCherie’s vocal abilities and feature some of the hottest dance moves.

“People are always talking about Santa Claus, gifts, Charlie Brown Christmas CD’s and a bunch of kid stuff,” MonCherie said. “We decided, we don’t want Santa, we want to have fun and party. Therefore, our goal with the song is to give people something with a unique spin that is fun and that they can dance to.”

Born and raised in Castries, St. Lucia, MonCherie always believed she was destined for stardom.  At the tender age of five, she picked up a microphone for the first time and immediately gained the adoration of those she came in contact with, especially on her native island of St. Lucia.  She went on to represent her country in numerous pageants, including an island wide pageant in St. Martin, where she was awarded “best promotional speech” and “Ms. Congeniality”. The country adored her presence, burning passion for music, and positive outlook on life. Now, she wants to share with the world some of what has made her so beloved on her island.  This starts with her music.  She has already built a loyal fan-base across the Caribbean, and as a current New Jersey resident, fans in the states are also eager for her material.

“I am so excited to share my music with the fans,” she said. “It has been a long road for me, and I have endured many trials and tribulations. I have experienced working with people who did not have my best interest at heart.  Now, I am confident that I have a great support system around me, and people who want me to succeed.”

“No Santa” is the first of a plethora of tracks MonCherie has under her belt, and in 2014 more songs are to follow. And not all of them are party tracks.  An aspiring St. Lucian ambassador for music and tourism, MonCherie wants to share a wide range of her experiences and messages. She wants to inspire, and she also wants to empower women worldwide.

“I don’t consider myself a role model per se’, but I want to show people that anything is possible. It doesn’t matter where you come from, who your parents are, or what you have been through. Only you can stand in the way of your success.”

The official video for “No Santa” is now available for view and can be seen online at Moncheriemusic.com and YouTube

The song is also available on iTunes. To schedule an interview with MonCherie, please contact Ivan Thomas at 202.904.4790 or intriguemg@gmail.com.

 

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St. Lucia Native Nina Compton-Miller to Appears on Bravo’s Top Chef New Orleans Series

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

St Lucian-born Chef Nina Compton-Miller will be appearing on the Bravo’s Top Chef New Orleans series which airs tonight.

Compton-Miller who currently resides in Miami has trained in French, Caribbean and Italian kitchens and worked with renowned chef, Daniel Boulud. She holds an A.O.S Culinary Arts, C.I.A. degree.



Nina Compton-Miller

She is now works as the Chef de Cuisine for acclaimed chef Scott Conant. Nina a self-proclaimed “gnocchi queen,” Compton-Miller always keeps Maldon salt, good olive oil, lemon, calabrese chilies, and either pancetta or guanciale on hand. She strongly believes one should enjoy the moment whenever they are cooking.

Top Chef New Orleans airs on Bravo on tonight (October 2, 2013) at 10:0 Pm EST.

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Saint Lucia to Host Annual Health & Wellness Retreat: “Elevate Yourself": - November 1-3, 2013

Friday, May 3, 2013

From November 1 – 3, 2013, the idyllic setting of Saint Lucia is once again host to a roster of renowned health, fitness and wellness experts during the third Annual Health & Wellness Retreat: “Elevate Yourself.”

Noted experts include Cat Cora, the only female Iron Chef winner, and Gabrielle Bernstein, featured on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday as a next generation thought leader, who join premier yoga practitioner John Schumacher and Dr. John Douillard, a leading natural health and Ayurveda teacher, along with island-based experts in exercise, weight loss and Tai Chi.

During the three-day retreat this group of experts will provide nutritional, wellness, health, relaxation and beauty advice, tips and hands-on experiences through beachside clinics, healthy cooking demonstrations, wellness seminars and sunrise mediations.

Priced at US $595 per person, the weekend includes daily spa treatments, classes, receptions and transportation from select hotels. A day rate of $200 per person is also available, and a number of the island’s top hotels are offering discounted rates starting at $75 per night. For hotel rates, a complete schedule and more information, visit www.stlucianow.com/hw.

“Saint Lucia has a reputation as a tranquil, rejuvenating and even spiritual destination, with a number of resorts widely recognized for their world-class spa and wellness programs,” said Louis Lewis, Director of Tourism for the Saint Lucia Tourist Board. “Our reputation as a sporting destination is growing as well, and the Health & Wellness Retreat the first weekend of November is the beginning of a month-long focus on Saint Lucia as an active vacation leader.”

Rounding out Health & Wellness month, Saint Lucia will host its first international triathlon, November 22 – 23, challenging participants to swim, bike and run picturesque Pigeon Island. Triathlon organizer Human Race is the largest and most diverse mass participation events company in the United Kingdom hosting over 55 events each year. Human Race Director John Lunt organized the amazing Olympic Triathlon at London 2012. For more information on the Saint Lucia Triathlon, visit www.tristlucia.com.

 Retreat to “Lift the Senses”

With time built-in for relaxation and island exploration, the Health & Wellness Retreat will take place in locales across Saint Lucia, from Pigeon Island National Park near the capital of Castries to the natural mud baths of Sulphur Springs in the southwestern town of Soufriere, near the UNESCO World Heritage Pitons.

The diverse program will be led by renowned experts in the wellness field including:

• Cat Cora, known for being the first and only female iron chef on Food Network's "Iron Chef America" and best-selling author, will lead healthy cooking demonstrations and host the seminar entitled “Elevating your Living.”

• Gabrielle Bernstein, New York Times bestselling author of “May Cause Miracles,” motivational speaker, life coach, and founder of HerFuture.com, a social networking and mentoring website for women, will lead seminars on ‘Living a Miraculous Life’ as well as morning meditation.

• John Schumacher, founder and director of Unity Woods Yoga Center and one of only 13 certified advanced lyengar yoga teachers in the U.S., will lead daily yoga sessions on the basic postures and breathing exercises that energize and center the body.

• Dr. John Douillard D.C., physician, writer, professor and chiropractor specializing in sports medicine, will lead seminars on Ayurvedic, a holistic system of medicine originating in India aiming to provide guidance on achieving healthy lifestyles.

• Dani Devaux, creator of Blood, Sweat and Tears fitness program, will lead multiple sunset beach boot camps based on her high intensity interval training program, designed for all fitness levels.

Each day retreat guests will find a choice of seminars, activities such as guided Rain Forest hikes, beachside Tai Chi and Yoga, and healthy cooking demonstrations led by the experts, as well as the opportunity to indulge in the natural therapeutic benefits of Soufriere’s mineral and mud baths.

 

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The Jacksons,Ginuwine,R Kelly and Akon to Headline Saint Lucia Jazz Festival

Thursday, February 28, 2013

The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival will be held this year from April 30 to May 12, where over 50 world-acclaimed entertainers will woo audience.

The 13-day festival will be held at various scenic locations such as Pigeon Island National Landmark, quaint and rustic village settings like Fond d’Or Heritage Park in Dennery; Rudy John Beach Park in Laborie; and the tranquil Port Castries waterfront, showcasing an innovative infusion of Music and Arts designed to highlight the island's rich historic and cultural legacy.

Revamped, redesigned and with a broadened artistic direction, the Caribbean's premier cultural event – the SaintLucia Jazz & Arts Festival – will attract thousands to Simply Beautiful Saint Lucia.

Headliners of this year event include; The Jacksons, R&B multi-platinum singer Ginuwine, multiple Grammy-winner R&B singer-songwriter, and record producer R Kelly and hip-hop recording artist, songwriter and record producer Akon.

Other performers includes: Trinidadian born Trumpet player Etienne Charles; Cuban jazz pianist Roberto Fonseca; contemporary jazz bands from the French Antilles Fal Frett , electric guitarist The John Scofield Uberjam Band, the legendary Ojays; acclaimed Caribbean maestro David Rudder, bandleader and mambo musician Tito Puente Jr.; celebrated guitarist and singer Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson.

Past performers include Kenny G, Air Supply, John Legend, Rihanna, Santana, UB40, Kassav and many, many more.

The 2013 festival is presented by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and is supported by Platinum sponsor Digicel along with other Gold, Bronze and Collateral sponsors.

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Ajrenalin & Christopher Martin to perform at St. Lucia Lovefest 2012

Friday, December 7, 2012

Set to release the official video for his single 'One Room' on the Overtime Rhythm, shot last week, emerging Dancehall star Ajrenalin in now making  final preparations to depart the island this weekend with Christopher Martin for a concert in St. Lucia.

 

The annual event dubbed Lovefest is a three-night concert series hosted by Hot FM, one of the island's leading radio stations. The highly publicised series will feature several of Reggae and Dancehall's biggest names including Mavado, Tommy Lee, Jah Cure, Boris Gardner, Mighty Diamonds, Noddy Virtue, Duane Stephenson, Luciano and Admiral Tibet.

Christopher Martin

 

Ajrenalin who will open for headliner Christopher Martin is featured on the Sunday when the curtain comes down on the festivities.  Now is its 10th year the festival will runs from December 7th -9th at the Beasejuor Stadium. 

 

According to organiser Patrick Smith, "This year Lovefest is celebrating its 10th anniversary and we have moved to a bigger venue with bigger artistes to enhance the quality of the event. We know a lot of people in Saint Lucia are looking forward to the event and we have a huge contingent coming from Martinique for Lovefest, so we have gone all out to ensure maximum enjoyment by patrons. We are working with the police to ensure that all patrons are safe and we have also added some new features to the event so to put it simply Lovefest 2012 will be the biggest and best concert series Saint Lucia has event seen." 

 

Locally, Ajrenalin is currently promoting his new single 'Hide' produced by New League Music for which an accompanying video will follow suit.

 

FOLLOW ON TWITTER || @AJRENALINMUSIC

LISTEN AUDIO || AJRENALIN – HIDE (New League Music)

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Teddyson John aims for Groovy Soca Supremacy

Sunday, December 2, 2012

St. Lucia’s current Groovy Soca Monarch Teddyson John has been having a truly blessed and productive musical year since capturing the title this past July with his smash hit “Land of Wine”. The talented and humble vocalist now has his sights set on making a powerful statement during the upcoming 2013 Trinidad and Tobago Carnival season.

 

Teddyson more commonly known as ‘TJ’ was recently on a promotional tour in the twin island republic and shared his ambitions of partaking in the International Groovy Soca Monarch competition in February. He stated, “In addition to entering competitions my goals have always been to make a positive contribution to the music world, now in particular the Soca industry. Placing in competitions are fantastic, however, I’m really looking forward to building further strong connections in T&T as I admire and respect so many of the artistes, writers and producers in this country”.

 

According to several local and regional music enthusiasts and industry insiders, TJ’s latest Groovy offerings make him a strong contender for the title currently held by reigning champ Machel Montano. In addition to turning heads his with most recent hit song “Push Back” which is featured on the ever popular ‘Paradise Riddim’ alongside Montano, Kerwin Dubois, Nadia Batson and Farmer Nappy, TJ is still riding strong on the momentum of his Groovy Monarch winning “Land of Wine” which was produced by T&T’s own Precision Productions.

 

TJ who was also the first Groovy Soca Monarch of St. Lucia is a mainstay at the island’s renowned Jazz Festival and has toured the Caribbean region, the US, Canada and UK. Also, this modest crooner who has been compared to the likes of Krosfyah’s Edwin Yearwood is musically versatile and can flow from Soca (Groovy and Power), to Reggae, R&B and even Jazz in addition to being an accomplished keyboardist and drummer.

 

With an optimistic attitude, a musical spirit and two already pumping tunes, Teddyson John plans to ride the wave of success which he experienced in 2012 into 2013 and beyond. Having shared several stages around the world with some of T&T’s biggest artistes, this St. Lucian dynamo is ready to emphatically leave is stamp on the forthcoming festival season.

 

Follow Teddyson on Facebook:  Twitter: @tjgroovymusic and search for his music and videos on Youtube.

For Booking inquiries contact: dahliaguard@gmail.com

 

 

 

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