St Kitts Born Comedian and Actor Felix Dexter Has Died

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

St. Kitts born comedian and actor Felix Dexter died on Friday from cancer at the age of 52. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer.

Felix Dexter

 

At the age of seven, Dexter moved to London with his family where he studied law at the University College London, before embarking on a career in comedy.

Felix first came to the public's attention in the early 90s when he appeared in the ground breaking "black and Asian" sketch show The Real McCoy, playing a variety of characters, and when it finished we worked with him on a pilot for his own show, Felix Dexter on TV. He was typically brilliant in this, but the BBC never picked it up for a series and after that Felix appeared mainly in cameo roles on other people's shows, including Absolutely Fabulous (2003, as John Johnston, father of Saffy's baby), The Lenny Henry Show and, most recently, Adil Ray's Citizen Khan (2012-13, as Omar).

Felix Dexter, centre in the grey jacket, with the cast of The Real McCoy

 

He is survived by his mother, Doreen.

Felix Dexter, born July 26 1961, died October 18 2013

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Batsman, Kieran Powell Signs Deal with Pinneys Plantation Resort

Monday, May 20, 2013

West Indies opening batsman, Kieran Powell, has sealed a deal with the ultra-exclusive Pinneys Plantation Resort, in the Caribbean island of Nevis.

Powell, the dashing cricketer recently described in global media reports as "enigmatic," will partner with a leading UK-based group of companies, who are set to develop Pinneys.

The deal comes on the heels of a successful ad campaign featuring Powell and a leading national Bank, which is set to air later this month, with the charismatic player also recently re-signing a two year deal with his long-term sponsor, Indian cricketing gear giant, Sareen Sports.

The gifted left-handed batsman, a former student of the exclusive Millfield school in England, is a star undeniably on the rise.

He has even stirred interest from Bollywood film producers out in India, owing to his model good-looks and eloquent mannerisms.

This, despite an unfortunate blow, that resulted in surgery to the finger of the stylish 22-year-old left-handed batsmen two weeks ago, following an injury acquired during a regional match in early April, which has left him out of contention for the 2013 West Indies Champions Trophy squad that will compete in England next month, much to his disappointment.

Powell, however, says he is determined to get back to blistering form quickly and is concentrating hard on becoming fully fit in time for the West Indies' forthcoming Tri-Nation Tournament against India and Sri Lanka, in late June.

One of the most successful cricketers to emerge out of his native island of Nevis, he made his Test debut against India in 2011 and scored two centuries in a single match during the Test series against Bangladesh in November of last year to become only the first West Indian player since Brian Lara, and the ninth West Indian player in history, to achieve the feat.

Powell has displayed elegance, confidence and maturity beyond his years, which saw him kick off his recent tour of Australia with a sensational knock of 83 (his highest ODI score to-date) during the West Indies v Australia ODI series, in February this year.

But it's not all about chasing runs and bearing the fruits of his on-field success for this exciting young cricketer. Kieran Powell is also both eager and willing to give back to the game, to his fans, and to the community.

Following the ODI match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the same tour, Powell took time out to meet and greet cricket fan Callum, (pictured), an 11-year-old patient from Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick. The personal invitation from the international star and his Manager for Callum to attend the SCG game was an inspiring experience for the youngster, who is in remission from cancer and had just been through hip replacement surgery.

Powell also recently arranged for a cheque to be presented to the family of former West Indies cricketer and his Leeward Islands teammate, Runako Morton, who was tragically killed in a car crash in 2012.

Despite the buzz surrounding his incredible ability, the end-focus has remained firmly unchanged for the popular batsman. As the world watches in anticipation, the next steps of an exceptionally talented international cricketer, Kieran Powell remains humble, focused, committed and diligent about perfecting his craft and his first love; playing cricket and representing the West Indies.

 

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St. Kitts Ranks High Among Top Caribbean Destinations by the Media

Monday, January 7, 2013

Basseterre, St. Kitts – 2012 was a banner year for St. Kitts in the travel press with a number of top publications, including US News & World Report, MSNBC, About.com and USA Today, singling out the island as among the best places to visit. The most recent accolade, on December 27, went to St. Kitts’ popular Mr. X’s Shiggidy Shack, named as one of the 20 Great Caribbean Beach Bars by About.com, which had also included Cockleshell Beach in a list of the Top 20 Beaches in the Caribbean earlier in the year.

Cockleshell Beach

“More and more respected media outlets are recognizing St. Kitts as our tourism product develops,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport. “These publications are read by affluent, discerning travelers, who have the discretionary income to spend on our islands to the benefit of our local people.
The six-year story of the acceleration of our tourism development since the closure of our sugar industry is a remarkable one that is being discovered by more and more quality media concerns.

In 2006, our Government created a multi-tiered strategic plan aimed to stimulate investment in our tourism infrastructure and a shift to a more targeted visitor. Simultaneously, we began aggressively marketing our destination and focusing on improving our standards and empowering our people in order to reap the maximum benefits from the sector.”

St. Kitts is currently ranked at #2 in a list of the 16 Best Caribbean Vacations and #4 in a list of the 12 Best Islands in the World by US News & World Report. Just last month, St. Kitts was named one of the Top 10 Winter Sun Holiday Destinations by PureTravel.com and in November it rated among the Editor’s Picks for 2012-2013: Best of the Caribbean by Caribbean Travel & Leisure. In February, St. Kitts was dubbed one of the 10 Caribbean Islands You Shouldn’t Miss – The Best of the Caribbean in 2012”  by SmarterTravel.com as well as one of 5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now by MSNBC (as syndicated from a December 2011/January 2012 article in Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel magazine. The island was also designated as one of the Top 12 Spots that Should Be On Your List for 2012 by Caribbean Travel + Life magazine.


In addition, many of the island’s tourism attractions were selected as hot spots to experience in 2012. In January, the island’s Brimstone Hill Fortress was cited as one of 10 Great Places To Explore The World's Best-Kept Secrets by USA Today while Cruise-Addicts.com called Port Zante one of “10 Great Caribbean Cruise Ports.



The combined readership for the above designations alone is more than 1 billion, effectively promoting St. Kitts as a premiere vacation destination.





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Frame by Frame Productions to capture events from St Kitts Music Festival

Thursday, June 14, 2012

The selection of top Caribbean video production company Frame by Frame Productions to handle the video requirements for this month's 16th St Kitts Music Festival is being hailed by a former Caribbean cabinet minister.

Former St Lucia Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Allen Chastanet, co-founder of the renowned St Lucia Jazz festival, said the selection of Frame by Frame "was an inspired choice."

The special skills of the Jamaican video experts Lukkee Chong and Max Earle meant St Kitts and Nevis would "surely benefit from the decision," predicted Chastanet.

The Frame by Frame team: (from left) Producer/Director Lukkee Chong, Director
 of Productions Diba Mohammed, and Max Earle, Creative Director.

"We need to integrate first world Caribbean talent into global Caribbean marketing campaigns," asserted Chastanet, now a tourism consultant and regional vice president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

Frame by Frame, which for more than a decade has produced Air Jamaica's in-flight video programming as well as Caribbean specials on the now defunct BET J channel, returns to the St Kitts event.

The company took a six-year absence after it was first commissioned to produce a television special and about a dozen video vignettes on the history, culture and people of the twin-island nation.

Festival chairman Faron Lawrence said the Caribbean company was brought back on board this year for a fresh injection of video production ideas.

"We are pleased to welcome back the video quality and overall high reliability standards that we know we can expect from Frame by Frame," he added.

Set for June 28 to 30, 2012, this year's festival line-up features Toni Braxton, Roberta Flack, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Morgan Heritage, Courtney Pine, Machel Montano, Spectrum Band, krosfyah, among other local, regional and international music acts.

Frame by Frame will manage video screen projections each night and produce a 30-minute television special on the 16th edition of the festival. The company will collaborate with the Miami-based Midtown Video Rentals, which has designed a custom system of video equipment to meet international specifications and enthrall festival audiences.

Frame by Frame has provided similar services for major music festivals in Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and St Lucia

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The new Miss Caribbean Talented Teen 2011-12 is Siobhan Phipps of St Kitts

Friday, December 30, 2011

The Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant was held on December 29 at the Sugar Mill stadium in Warner Park, Saint Kitts and Nevis, where Siobhan Phipps of St Kitts walked away with the title.

Vying for the prestigious crown this year were 12 young beauties from across the Caribbean, but 15 year old Siobhan won with a total of 826 points.

Siobhan won four out of the five judged segments including Production number, Ambassadorial Wear, Evening Wear and the Talent segments. Miss Bermuda Shaunte Simmonds won the Interview Segment .

 Miss St. Kitts SIOBHAN PHIPPS - Best Gown

Winner of the Amabassodorial Appearance Miss St. Kitts SIOBHAN PHIPPS

Miss Jamaica Aba Sykes was the first runner's up, with 753 points while Miss  British Virgin Islands Ashellica Fahie received 695.5 points was second runner's up. Fourth place went to Miss Anguilla Keivanee Lake.

The other contestants were Miss Bahamas Monesha Bowleg, Miss Antigua & Barbuda Aaliyah Thomas, Miss Barbados Sacha Clarke, Miss Bermuda Shaunte Simons, Miss Grenada Kande Duncan, Miss Nevis Erica Doras, Miss St. Lucia Kadijha Mason and Bailey Dukes of the United States Virgin Islands.

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Miss St Kitts National Carnival Queen 2011 - 12 is Kalia Huggins

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The St Kitts National Carnival Queen Pageant winner was chosen last night (December 27th) at the Sugar Mill, Warner Park, and 23 year old Kalia Huggins, walked away with the coveted title. 








Kalia also won along with  with the crown a 2011 lime green Hyundai Accent

Six beauties vied for the title and were judges in five segments Swimwear, National Pride, Talent, evening wear and Interview.

Points standings were:
National Carnival Queen  2011 – 2012: Miss Development Bank, Kalia Huggins (431.5 points)
1st runner up - Miss Carib Brewery, Trevicia “Barbie” Adams (426 points)
2nd runner up - Miss National Bank, Desri Weekes (425 points)

In the sectional titles, Trevicia, who wore a light blue and silver one-piece, won for "Best Swimwear". She also won for "Best Evening Wear" continuing with her blue theme, this time wearing an aqua dress.

Trevicia

Best Evening Wear- Trevecia Adams

Best National Pride costume winner went to the Kalia which featured the National Flower, which is the Poinciana

Best talent went to Desri Weekes, while the interview section won by Jody Carter, who spoke about the importance of a strong family support system, also capped the Miss Amity award.

The Miss Photogenic Award went to Markysa O’Loughlin, along with Chairman’s Award, which was shared with Kalia. Markysa also won other several titles including Miyvue.com Best Radio Interviewee, Best Television Interviewee and the People’s Choice for both interviews.

The emcee for the evening was the dynamic host of Tempo television's "Downtown Island," Jeanille Bonterre. 


Photos courtesy of Ryddim Magazine

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St. Kitts Nevis National Carnival Queen Pageant 2011-2012 Contestants

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The St Kitts  National Carnival Queen Pageant winner will be chosen on December, 27 2011.

The six pageant queen hopefuls are Trevecia Adams, Jody Carter, Khaila Huggins,  Maryska O’Loughlin, Desri Weekes and Verlyn Williams.


Meet the Contestants

Miss Lime- Markysa O’Loughlin
Twenty year old Markysa is  currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Management Studies

Markysa is  scholar, musician, an athlete and loves to cook

Miss Music Festival-Jody Carter

Twenty four year Jody hopes to become Certified Public Account. Currently she studies at the University of the West Indies in the Long Distance Learning Programme.

Jody enjoys playing steel pan

Miss St. Kitts & Nevis Development Bank-Khalia Huggins

23 year old Khalia, intends to pursue a career in the field of Psychology with special focus on children and teens.

Khalia enjoys drawing, painting and producing music

Miss St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank- Desri Keeva Weekes

Desri currently works at St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Ltd, as a lead Customer Service Representative, and hopes to one day become a  Certified Public Accountant

She enjoys enjoy reading and dancing.

Miss National Carnival Committee-Verlyn Williams

Verlyn is enrolled in the Marketing Programme at  Ashworth College., where is she pursuing her  Bachelors' Degree and hopes to obtain her Cosmetology Certification.

Verlyn currently works as an Accounting Clerk at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort

Miss Carib Brewery (St. Kitts-Nevis Ltd)-Trevicia “Barbie” Adams

21 years year old Trevicia  is a Customer Service Representative at the St Kitts Co-operative Credit Union.

She possess an Associate Degree in General Studies. and hopes to one day becomes a human resources professional.

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Concert featuring "Beenie Man" Cancelled in St Kitts

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Beenie Man was scheduled to perform at Carnival Village, in St. Kitts on Saturday September 10th, but organizers of the event was forced to cancel  due to a Tropical storm heading for the Island.

Concert organizer , Sunil Gehan stated that even if the Island does not get a direct hit from the storm, the possibility of rain is very strong


A new date will be set for the the concert. Other artiste to perform includes  the dynamic Evolution Sounds along with the Small Axe band and Nu Vybes Band International .

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NATIONAL Carnival Queen Sudeakka Francis vying for "Miss Carival "

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – NATIONAL Carnival Queen Sudeakka Francis will be representing the Federation in the coveted Miss Carival Pageant on Friday, July 2.


The other contestants are Miss Anguilla Sangrena Harris, Miss Antigua & Barbuda Shelana George, Miss British Virgin Islands, Jasmine Perez, Miss Dominica Marcia Baptiste, Miss Grenada, Beverly Victor, Miss Martinique Joane Daniele Lirus, Miss St Lucia Iva Satney, Miss Trinidad & Tobago Keda Lou-Ann Pascal, Miss Venezuela Lucia Di Matteo Cacua and Aphesha Mattews will be representing St. Vincent.


Francis will leave the island on Monday, June 28 and is expected to return Saturday, July 3. She said that this is her first pageant since capturing the National Carnival Queen title and is focused and determined to be successful.


“I am quite excited about meeting the other contestants and being a part of the Miss Carival experience. Just as I gave it my all for the National Carnival Queen Pageant, I will do the same at Miss Carival,” she said.
She said although there are no platforms for the Miss Carival Pageant, if the opportunity arises she would be enthused to speak about and promote “Building strong bonds between parents and children”, a platform she executed superbly during the National Carnival Queen competition last December.

Francis is also thrilled that she will be able to be an ambassador for her country at the pageant.
“I am quite thrilled about representing my twin-island Federation. There is no better feeling than when you stand in front of an audience as an ambassador of the land of your birth. It is a great honour to have been given the opportunity to represent St. Kitts and Nevis at this pageant,” she said.

In terms of her performance at the pageant, Francis was tight-lipped but hinted it would reflect hard work and dedication over the months.
“It is my desire to perform to the best of my ability, making not only myself but my country proud,” she said

Francis also understands that she could not have been where she is today without thanking those who supported her in her endeavours. She said that she would like to thank God for giving her the strength to overcome her obstacles during her preparation for the event.

“A heartfelt thank you goes out to my mother for always being by my side rendering her support and guidance,” she said. “I would not have been able to make it thus far without the kind assistance and encouragement from my chaperones, choreographers and team. To each one of you, I say thanks. I would also like to thank my family, friends, co-workers, community members, well wishers and all those who have assisted me in any way. Thank You!”

The show takes place at the Victoria Park at 8.00 p.m.

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Wyclef Jean rocks St. Kitts/Nevis

Monday, January 25, 2010

It was a musical explosion last Saturday night (to the wee hours of Sunday morning) when international superstar, Haitian-born artiste, Wyclef Jean took to the stage at the Warner Park Football Stadium before a crowd of over 7,000 people for the launch of the St. Kitts/Nevis Labour Party’s manifesto, entitled "Progress, Not Promises".

In an over three-hour performance, the artiste continually whetted the musical appetite of his adoring fans and all musical lovers. However, the venue would soon turn into dance fete with DJ mixes, freestyles as well as "off-stage and into the crowd" interaction through the artiste’s energetic flow, making it clear that he wished to party long with the people of St. Kitts.

On 12 Jan., Haiti was hit by an earthquake that measured 7.0 on the Richter scale. Reportedly, it left an estimated 200,000 killed, 250,000 injured and 1.5 million homeless. Wyclef Jean had immediately flown over to his homeland but remained committed to his performance in the Federation.

It was a musical explosion last Saturday night (to the wee hours of Sunday morning) when international superstar, Haitian-born artiste, Wyclef Jean took to the stage at the Warner Park Football Stadium before a crowd of over 7,000 people for the launch of the St. Kitts/Nevis Labour Party’s manifesto, entitled "Progress, Not Promises".


In an over three-hour performance, the artiste continually whetted the musical appetite of his adoring fans and all musical lovers. However, the venue would soon turn into dance fete with DJ mixes, freestyles as well as "off-stage and into the crowd" interaction through the artiste’s energetic flow, making it clear that he wished to party long with the people of St. Kitts.

On 12 Jan., Haiti was hit by an earthquake that measured 7.0 on the Richter scale. Reportedly, it left an estimated 200,000 killed, 250,000 injured and 1.5 million homeless. Wyclef Jean had immediately flown over to his homeland but remained committed to his performance in the Federation.

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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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St. Kitts and Nevis, National Carnival unveiled this Saturday

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Thirty-eight years since the debut of National Carnival in St. Kitts and Nevis, its organizers are committed to continue building both its brand and buzz.

Executive Director of Festivals, Allister Williams says the public can expect more lead-up events to Carnival, which means that the month of December will be jam packed with excitement from the very start.

Moreover, the National Carnival Committee and LIME – Carnival’s premier sponsor – will team up for weekly Friday events, starting November 6 and culminating on December 11. The events will be held in Independence Square.

“These promotional events will feature entertainers, who are known for livening up Carnival, as well as the contestants for various shows,” said Williams.
Apart from the entertainment, a highlight of these weekly Friday events will be the giveaways that LIME plans to distribute to its customers in attendance.
Terrence Crossman, VP Corporate Sales for LIME, says the telecommunications provider continues to support National Carnival because of the role it plays in developing a strong national identity.

“National Carnival is vital to St. Kitts and Nevis’ brand development,” said Crossman. “Therefore, as the leading telecommunications company in the Federation – which is due in part to the strength of our own brand – we recognize the value of National Carnival and continue to pledge our commitment to it,” he added.

LIME in collaboration with the National Carnival Committee ran a text-to-win promotion last week to elicit creative Carnival slogans from the public.

The winning Carnival slogan will be announced at the unveiling of the National Carnival programme schedule this Saturday, October 31 in Independence Square.

This event will include live performances by four-peat National Carnival Calypso King, Konris Maynard and reigning Road March Champions, Grand Masters. The public also will get a first look at the National Carnival Queen Pageant Contestants.

All are invited to attend the unveiling this Saturday in Independence Square, which starts at 8:00 p.m

Source:ZIZ News

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Former Kittitian Superstar dies in traffic accident

Thursday, June 11, 2009

BASSETERRE, S. Kitts – FORMER Kittitian Superstar and the reigning Virgin Islands Carnival Queen Karence De Costa died early this morning (June 8) in a traffic accident in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

Circumstances surrounding De Costa’s death are sketchy, but according to unconfirmed reports, the accident occurred around 1:00 a.m. after celebrating her graduation from the Charlotte Amalie High School yesterday.

Known for her powerful voice at the 2005 Kittitian Superstar competition which she convincingly won, De Costa also ‘blew’ persons away to capture the 2009/10 Miss VI Carnival Queen title.

The VI Daily News previously reported that De Costa stole the show during the Talent segment of the contest and received the Miss Cooperative, Miss Photogenic, Best Cultural Costume, Best Talent and Miss Intellect awards.

Chairman of the Virgin Islands Carnival Committee Kenneth Blake said, on behalf of the committee, that they would like to extend heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Karence De Costa.

“It is a great loss to all of us and she was also a very dynamic young lady,” he said.
De Costa was a student of the St. Theresa’s Convent School while living in St. Kitts but migrated to St. Thomas in 2006.

Source:SKNVibes

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St Kitts Music Festival June 25-27

Thursday, May 28, 2009

From June 25-27, the St Kitts Music Festival will showcase some of the biggest names in Caribbean entertainment. Ziggy Rankin, Beres Hammond, Burning Spear, Stephen Marley, Edwin Yearwood, Biggie Irie, Iwer George and Mavado are among the confirmed list of performers. Regina Belle, T Pain and KC and the Sunshine Band will represent the international contingent.

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Regina Belle will headline the 13th annual St. Kitts Music Festival

Monday, April 20, 2009

Grammy Award winning R&B singer Regina Belle will headline the 13th annual St. Kitts Music Festival which is set to unfold from June 25 to 27. Michael Bolton, Air Supply, Shaggy, Boyz II Men, and John Legend are just some of the big name stars who have performed at the festival. Several Caribbean and US acts are still be added to this year’s lineup.

And still in St. Kitts Over Davina Cranston Doras emerged the winner in the 2009 Miss Back to Root Pageant which was held in Carnival City. The contestants were drawn from the History and Sociology Class at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. In what was supposed to be a five-contestant showdown, only four beauties were there to showcase their talent and other abilities as one of the contestants was hospitalized just before the show. The main objective of the competition was the showcase the students’ talents while re-implanting in the audience a sense of where they came from.

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Shaggy, Estelle and Chaka Khan for St Lucia Jazz Festival

The line-up for the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival has finally been announced. Reggae artiste Shaggy and R-and-B singer Estelle will headline the show at Pigeon Island. Other performers include Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan, Amy Winehouse, and the Original Wailers. The festival is scheduled for May 2 to 10.

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Jamaican play heads to St. Kitts and Nevis

One of Jamaica’s most popular and successful plays, Bashment Granny, is coming to Saint Kitts and Nevis. The play is scheduled to run three nights, from May 1 to 3. Organizers say the proceeds will go towards funding the participation of Miss Saint Kitts/Nevis, Venetta Zakers, in the Miss World competition.

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C-Money releases new single ‘Walk & Model’

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ‘WALK & MODEL’ is one of the latest tunes from local artiste Colin ‘C-Money’ Wyatt which also features Quazim ‘Q-gyalist’ Walker.

According to Wyatt, the tune is an up-tempo club song and is especially for ladies as it builds up confidence and brags about the best of the best ladies and is said to make everyone feel their best.

“This song is the type of song that will make ladies walk with their heads up high and feel even better about themselves,” said Wyatt.

The song was produced by Mark ‘Mr. Quice’ Willets of Lyquid Line Productions, who is also the producer of the local hit by Wyatt featuring another local artiste ‘Kash Man’.

Wyatt has been into the music industry and singing since Grade five and appreciates various genres of music.

“My genre of music is widespread as I branched off into different styles and explore all sorts of music. Once it’s listenable, I'll listen,” he said. “The way to describe my style is like a radio station, as I just give you everything.”

Under his label Mo-Money Entertainment, Wyatt said he would continue to promote his artistes and his music and to contribute significantly to the local industry. He extends thanks to his management team Tresil Topdappa Twells of Ghetto Shanty Productions and Leslie Farrel of 7 Image.

He is planning on releasing an album titled ‘C-Money D Gyal Dem Honey’ along with a mixtape titled ‘Ghetto Poetry Da Mixtape’.

He also said has plans for the release of another single called ‘Hater Blockers’ featuring ‘Lil Barzie’.

This song speaks to a growing issue that many persons, especially entertainers, face. The issue speaks to those known as ‘haters’.

“It’s a song which tells you to just give your haters that eclipse feeling pay them no mind,” he said.

He said persons could also look out for ‘Gyal Magnet’, which also features Kash Man, and songs ‘It's Over’ by Cassy B and ‘We Going Rise’ by M.K-J.

He said that he would love to see the music taken to another level with more shows and overseas exposure for the local artistes.

“A lot of us youngsters have talent and if most people would only take time to listen instead of saying ‘Tek dem off de stage’, it would be better.”

“I have already seen a change from when I've started out to now, and I thank God I never quit and continue to do it because I see much bigger things for SK and our artistes,” he said.

Source:SKNVibes.com

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13th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival June 25-27, 2009

Basseterre, St. Kitts - Now enjoying its 13th anniversary, the multi-genre St. Kitts Music Festival will be held this year over three nights from June 25 to 27, 2009.

While providing a platform for Caribbean artists, the event has previously attracted such popular and in-demand acts as John Legend, Billy Ocean, Michael Bolton, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Boyz II Men, Mario, Ashanti, Shaggy, Eve, the Temptations, Chaka Khan, Busta Rhymes, Marchel Montano and more. Artists performing at this years Festival will be announced over the next few weeks.

The annual St. Kitts Music Festival is the perfect opportunity for Caribbean-Americans to explore their roots more deeply through music. It is the only Caribbean music festival to feature such a widely varied mix of musical styles, lending it appeal to all genuine music lovers.

Among the many genres of music represented at the St Kitts Music Festival are soca, calypso, reggae, dance hall, R&B, hip-hop, zouk and jazz. Typically held over the last weekend in June, the Music Festival is also ideally timed in conjunction with the conclusion of Black Music Month, which pays tribute to music originating from black culture.

Music is an important part of our Caribbean way of life today, as it has been throughout our history, said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports & Culture. Hosting premier music industry events like the annual St. Kitts Music Festival allows us to support local, regional and international artistes while simultaneously attracting Caribbean nationals and other tourists who have a strong desire to experience music as part of an overall vacation experience that connects them to our local people and culture.

After enjoying Music Festival at night, St. Kitts offers a wealth of attractions during the day for those interested in exploring more than just the musical aspect of an Afro-Caribbean heritage.

In capital city Basseterre, Independence Square was the site of the islands slave market during the colonial period and is now home to a striking memorial. In the North, the massive Brimstone Hill Fortress (an UNESCO World Heritage Site) was built using slave labor over approximately a 100-year period.

Former sugar plantations that once were home to hundreds of slaves brought in by settlers to work the fields can be spotted throughout the landscape. Circling the island using the original train tracks that brought the sugar cane from the plantations to the factory in Basseterre, the St. Kitts Scenic Railway is now the Caribbeans only scenic passenger train. Its choir members wear traditional clothing and serenade passengers with their unique folkloric songs while authentic Kittitian sugar cakes are served.

During Carnival on St. Kitts, which is held annually between Boxing Day (December 26) and New Years Day, harmonious tunes and rhythms reflecting a distinctive blend of sounds developed from the islands African and Caribbean roots are played throughout nearly every activity from authentic and elaborate costumed parades, street jams and calypso competitions to traditional plays such as the Bull and Bear, lively masquerades performing folkloric dances and more.

Visitors can also visit the National Museum for an in-depth look at the various elements of African culture and history that can be found on St. Kitts

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Assassin live in concert in St. Kitts

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Assassin live in concert this Friday night!

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DIMITRIS COSVOGIANNIS, General Manager of the Royal St. Kitts Hotel & Casino, is extending an invitation to everyone to attend the hotel’s popular hang spot ‘De Lime Bar’ located at Frigate Bay for the Assassin concert slated for Friday, January 30.

The popular Jamaican artiste is known for his high energy, passionate delivery and fierceness as a performer in recent hits singles like ‘Boring Gal’, ‘Jah nah mek we suffer’, ‘Wha do dem gyal dey’ and ‘Leave us alone’.

Cosvoviannis feels very strongly that the artiste is very fitting for this event as he is a very good performer. Although he was in St. Kitts last September for the Prime Minister’s Free Concert, Cosvogiannis said perhaps many were unable to attend and that this weekend’s event would be a great time for them to see him.

That is why the price for the event (EC$20) is one of the lowest, if not ever, for an event featuring an overseas artiste, Cosvoviannis explained.

“This is not a free performance by Assassin; however, we’re not having this event to make a profit but to entertain and revitalise,” he said. “We want to keep it accessible to everyone.”
Each patron attending the event will be given a free drink and entertainment from local bands, Nu Vybes, Odisi, and more.

“It is a strong belief that every hospitality venue has an obligation to locals and tourists alike. We want to be perceived as peaceful, vibrant but safe where people can come and enjoy themselves.

“And I’m happy to spearhead such events of healthy, civilized ways to have fun as contrary to belief that where a large gathering of young people are illicit activities will occur,” he said.

The General Manager also said that they are a strong supporter of youth and the community and they have brought the finest local talent to help them make their vision a reality.

He said that Kayrecia Nero-Simmonds is one of those talents and would be the Marketing Coordinator at the De Lime Bar.

Plans for future events
Cosvogiannis said that they also have plans to bring an overseas act at least once per month, as it is needed to uplift entertainment in St. Kitts and Nevis.

He said that they are presently negotiating to bring the ‘gully god’ Mavado, and once all goes well with local authorities patrons could expect the “So Special” artiste very soon.

He also said that he is looking at having international artiste Chris Brown as well.

When asked if with certain acts the price would rise, the General Manager said that the Assassin event is just a test for them to see how things would go.

He said that the price may vary but would still be very affordable.

Jam packed weekend
Along with the Assassin Concert, De Lime will also host a mega Super Bowl and Fashion Show event on Sunday (Feb. 1).

He said there would be flat screen televisions and a great lime for persons wanting to watch the Super Bowl in a comfortable atmosphere.

There will also be a fashion show hosted by Itsy Bitsy Swimwear, a line created by young designer Mikieda Franklin. Her swimsuits will be modelled by Prestige Modelling Agency out of Nevis.

Cosvogiannis revealed that the Cane Club would be making a comeback and would reopen for a special event in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

He said that event would be called Champagne and Roses and they are currently still planning details for it.

He said that on Wednesdays and Thursdays will be a Jazz night while on Fridays and Saturdays will be a night club.


Assassin live in concert this Friday night!

By Suelika N. Creque
Editor-SKNVibes.com

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