Rihana to appear on "Talk Asia"

Monday, February 22, 2010

Rihana recently won her third Grammy, has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry and is still only 22. This week on TALK ASIA, CNN’s Anjali Rao heads to Seoul to sit down with singer/songwriter sensation Rihanna who talks in-depth about her latest album “Rated R”, her past relationship with Chris Brown, troubles in her childhood and her first nerve-wracking meeting with Jay-Z.


The “Rated R” album which has sold more than 2 million copies since its November release, is according to Rihanna “absolutely the most personal album I’ve done so far.“ She collaborated with Justin Timberlake on “Cold Case Love”, the song about her relationship with Chris Brown, and explains: “It’s a song that everybody wanted to hear, everything that I didn’t say for the past eight months, exactly how I felt about that relationship and how I feel about it now- that song says it all.”

On the relationship with Brown, she admits: “I know that I’ll be asked about it probably for the next couple of years unfortunately but I’m in a different place, you know. It was a rough time for me I’m gonna admit, it was tough and when I think about it, it was a really dark time for me.” On the assault and the huge media attention it received, she says: “It would have made it a lot different only because it’s something no one wants anyone to know that’s happening in a relationship. Even if it just happened one time nobody wants to talk about that. That’s just a memory you want to erase right away so seeing it plastered over every news channel like I felt like it was a natural disaster that was happening, the amount of attention that it got.”

Rihanna recalls her childhood and reveals to Anjali Rao how she caught her father doing drugs in the kitchen. Although she didn't know what drugs were, she credits her mother for ensuring her daughter immediately knew it was wrong. “I just remember that that made me know it was wrong. She just- every time she saw this specific thing- the foil and the ashtray- she just would go off and they separated several times because of it, and eventually it ruined their marriage you know, she was just like ‘you’re either gonna kick that drug habit and see your kids, or you’re not gonna see your kids at all, cause they can’t see you like that.’”

Her all-important break into the industry came through meeting Hip Hop superstar Jay-Z, a meeting as exciting as it was daunting: “I’m gonna see Jay-Z. I’m gonna see Jay-Z!’ I could not believe it. And not only that, there was the pressure of that fact that it was the audition of my life...You know it was do or die,..”

On musical collaborations with some of the biggest names in music and who intimidates her most, she mentions: “I would say the person I was intimidated by the most was Bono. Working with him, I couldn’t believe it was happening. That was something that I just put on a pedestal like it would never happen, or if it did happen, it would take a very long time until I was worthy of being on a record with Bono.”

For the girl from Barbados whose family still call “RiRi” back home, who’s still waiting for that opportunity dream duet with Depeche Mode and Kings of Leon, says her next steps musically - speaking has to be: “something that’s really coming from me. It doesn’t have to be sad, it probably won’t be as dark because I don’t want to experience that time ever again.

Source:Medianewsline

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Claudette CP Peters to headline "Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant"

Monday, December 14, 2009

Antigua’s Soca Queen Diva Claudette CP Peters has been recently confirmed as the headline guest performer at the 30th Anniversary edition of the Digicel Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant to be held in St. Kitts on 30th Dec as part of the annual Carnival Celebrations there.

The exiciting announcement was made by the Pageants Marketing and Promotions Coordinator Wallis Wilkin at a recent briefing by the pageants organizing committee.

The pageant, which is considered to be the most prestigious of its kind in the Caribbean, has seen many big-name Caribbean entertainers grace its stage over the years including soca king and queen Machel Montano and Alison Hinds , Edwin Yearwood, Jamesy P, Rupee, Jamaican Crooner Christopher Martin and Bomani along with a number of well known personalities who served as guest hosts including Trinidadian comedians Rachel Price,Tommy Joseph and Jamaican radio personality Jenifer Jenny Jenny Small.

The talented singer/performer CP, is a multi time Antiguan Party Soca Monarch Champion . She first entered the competition in 2004 with Something Got a Hold on Me, which placed her as the first runner-up. She returned in 2005 with her Trinidadian penned hit All I Know, which she used to claim her first Party Monarch Title. In 2006 she held on to her crown with Make Wave and in 2007 with Showtime. She was also named the first ever Groovy Monarch in 2007 with her popular hit single Go Claudette Go.

In 2008, she made Antigua soca monarch history with a straight four-peat win for the Party Monarch title, and also repeated as Groovy Soca Queen as well. Literally taking it to the sky with her hit song Bring it On and grooving the audience with Carnival Day CP continues to be a reckoning force in the Caribbean region. She competed in the 2009 Trinidad Carnival’s International Soca Monarch, and CP made waves like never before.

Miss Peters is also a former contestant of the Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant having competed in 1996 representing her native Antigua. Claudette is one of the many success stories of the pageant which has produced a plethora of regional and international artistes including 2 time Road March Queen from the USVI Pat Raguette among others.

“I am truly excited to perform at and grace the stage of this years Miss Caribbean Talented teen Pageant,” said Peters. “The Pageant holds many memories for me as it played a part in my early development as a performer. I am looking forward to performing once again at the pageant and patrons can expect a truly memorable performance,” Peters Continued.

“We are truly excited to be able to host Claudette once again for this our 30th Anniversary, said Pageant Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator Wallis Wilkin. “Inviting Claudette to be the headline guest performer for this years pageant was simply a no-brainer as she is easily one of the pageants most noted success stories and we felt that it was quite fitting that one of the pageants past and most noted contestants headline the event.” Wilkin continued.

The Haynes Smith Youth Club Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant is easily the most prestigious pageant of its kind in the Caribbean.. The event is in its 30th year and 11 countries will be at this years event.

The contestants will be appearing in five segments: production number, ambassadorial appearance, talent, evening wear and interview.

The countries confirmed are Anguilla, Barbados, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Guyana, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, US Virgin Islands and host country St. Kitts.

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Atlanta Carifest Music Festival

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Atlanta Carifest Music Festival, the first of its kind in Atlanta, which showcases artists from the Caribbean Diaspora, is slated to take place on Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 at the Adams Stadium, 2415 N. Druid Hills Rd, Atlanta, Georgia.

The event, which is the brainchild of promoter Venice Lawrence, CEO of D'VA Promotions, will see acts such as Soca stars Machel Montano and Alison Hinds, reggae artists Freddie McGregor, Etana, Tanya Stephens, Kiprich, Tessanne Chin, Singer J, Chino, Laden and Elly Ess & Supah Shane as well as local talents Sophia Squire, Barbaless, Nova Fagan-Lewis, MC Family, Mykal Somers, Balli, KC Tye, and Cutta.

The festival seeks to spotlight the Caribbean community in Atlanta by bringing together all the islands represented in the great city. Patrons can expect a fun filled day as the festival is slated to beginning at 11:00am.

There will be vendors on hand selling Caribbean and American cuisine as well as Arts & Crafts. As stated by the promoter, "it is a family fun day with the emphasis on entertainment. Patrons can expect to have great food and listen to quality music.

" The elite line-up of performers are looking forward to making history in Atlanta. Machel Montano and Alison Hinds will be performing in Atlanta on the same stage for the first time. Freddie McGregor, who is considered one of the biggest reggae singers Jamaica has ever produced, will be on hand to perform his mega hit "I Just Don't Want To Be Lonely". Empress Etana, whose empowering lyrics continue to uplift audiences all over the globe is ecstatic to join the line-up and hopes that the festival will be an annual event. Tanya Stephens and Kiprich, two of Jamaica's most popular and electrifying dancehall artists, will also grace the stage.

Tanya is known for hits such as "It's a pity" and the international hit "These Streets", while Kiprich is known for hits such as "Telephone Thing" and "Love Letter." Big ship artists Chino and Laden, who have taken dancehall by storm, will also be performing for the first time in Atlanta joined by "Hide Away" singer Tessanne Chin.

The show will be hosted by Ragashanti from 93FM in Jamaica. Atlanta Carifest is made possible by the following sponsors: Comcast, Eventlinks-atlanta, V-103FM, Blazin 98FM, Xclusive radio 96.9FM and Da Flava Radio.All media outlets interested in acquiring press passes, please log on to www.atlantacarifest.com and complete our accreditation form. All forms must be completed by Monday, August 10, 2009.

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Venice Lawrence via e-mail at atlantacarifest@gmail.com. Vendors who are interested in renting a booth or patrons seeking more information about the event, please call 678-973-9038 or 678-939-9742.

Advance tickets are being sold online at www.atlantacarifest.comand ticket locations listed on the website. Pre-sold tickets are $35 and $45 for VIP until July 31, 2009. After July 31, 2009, pre-sold tickets will go up to $45 for general admission and $60 for VIP. General admission at the door the day of the event will be slightly higher in price. Tickets purchased on the website will be issued at the door, please bring picture ID to the show. Tickets are non-refundable. VIP tickets include front of stage and limited back stage access.To be a part of this extraordinary musical experience and purchase tickets please call 678-973-9038 or 678-939-9742 or visit www.atlantacarifest.com and www.eventlinks-atlanta.com. Please note that a portion of the festival's proceeds will go to Medical Ministries International (MMI

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Barbee set to perform at the annual Jamaica Day Celebration in Toronto, Canada

Dancehall reggae diva Barbee will join a line-up of international stars this weekend for the 19th annual Jamaica Day Celebration in Toronto, Canada.

The stellar event scheduled for Saturday, July 25 will be hosted at the Downsview Park and will feature great lovers’ rockers from Percy Sledge, Beres Hammond, Barbee, Nadine Sutherland, while laughter will be provided by Professor Nuts. Canadian acts Terri Salmon, Culture and rapper Keyz also join the bill.

With popular singles ‘Love You Anyway’, ‘Missing You’, ‘Can I Stay With You’ and ‘Feels So Good’, the soulful, sexy Barbee is expected to woo the Canadian massive with an outstanding performance.

With an atmosphere of fun, family and culture expected to be created from the music, food and entertainment, yardie style at Jamaica Day, Jamaican in heart, soul and music Barbee should be at home.

“Jamaica Day has attracted over 200,000 happy Reggae & Soca lovers in its 19 years. We have showcased over 100 of the biggest Reggae & Soca artistes in world. We have showcased over 126 of the biggest local Canadian Reggae & Soca acts,” a Jamaica Day representative said.
“I assure you, your weekend will be unforgettable.

We will bring together a diverse mixture of people, entertainers and activities creating the traditional style of Jamaica’s Euphoria. The 2008 mission is to broaden and deepen the public’s appreciation of cultural diversity by creating a two-day family oriented festival geared to educate, entertain, and share the rich culture of Jamaican community.”

On her return from Canada, Barbee heads to California for another event before heading to New York to star on the premier reggae event, Irie Jamboree on September 6.

It’s hard to keep up with the talented singer who has been creating quite an impact, jetting across North America, performing on several events as well as making a cameo in the Hollywood movie, ‘House Arrest’ starring The Game and Stacey Dash.

She recently left Jamaica after shooting the Jay Will-directed music video for the soundtrack ‘Paradise Redemption’ for the Caribbean movie, ‘Redemption of Paradise’, featuring herself, Macka Diamond, Tarrus Riley, Duane Stephenson and Lady G. The song was produced and recorded by Dean Frazer and written by movie director Noel ‘Doc’ Howell.

SOurce:Tropicalfete

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Carolyn Yapp the new Miss Jamaica Universe 2009

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

On July 16, 2009 , 25 year old Interior Designer Carolyn Yapp was crowned Miss Jamaica Universe 2009. The event took place at The Refuge at Villa Ronai. First place runner up is 21 year old Fallon Harris a student at the University of the West Indies and fashion model. While 19 year old Krystina Black also a model, singer and designer was placed third

This year's Miss Universe will be held in Nassau Bahamas on August 23, 2009 before a worldwide audience of telivision audience.

In a interview Carolyn says, “It has always been a dream of mine to be an ambassador for my country and this is my chance! I know the competition will be tough but I’m ready to do my country proud and bring the title home.”

Carolyn was a pevious contestant in the Miss Jamaica World 2004 where she placed third, and also a third place winner in the Miss Jamaica Universe 2005 pageant.

Good luck to Miss Jamaica Universe 2009 Carolyn Yapp as she embarks on her journey to win the Miss Universe title.

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