Miss Kitty and Skatta Burrell, two of the judges in Magnum Kings and Queen of Dancehall.
The seventh Season of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall is in full swing with the 5th and final auditions set to take place this Sunday (December 15) at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston.
With over 2000 talented Jamaicans Auditioned so far in Sav-La-Mar, Ocho Rios, May Pen and Portmore, Kingston is expected to carry the biggest crowd; attracting all those who have tried and failed to secure a place at the other four auditions as well as those who have waited until the last minute to show their talent.
Marketing Director, Wines & Spirits at J. Wray & Nephew Limited, Gary Dixon, says Kingston is the heartbeat of Dancehall so it is only natural for it to host the biggest and most exciting of the 5 auditions: “Every year Kingston continues to impress and this year we expect no different. Over the past 6 seasons some of the best talent to grace the Magnum stage were unearthed at the Kingston Auditions. Kingston will be the last chance to get Into the competition this year and based on history people from all over Jamaica will be there to show the best of their talent.”
Judges Miss Kitty, Skatta and Professor Nuts select the best from each auditions. These auditions’ finalists are placed in a pool for the Judges to then deliberate and select the Top 28 Live Show finalists (14 Princes and 14 Princesses) who will compete for the title of 2014 Magnum King and Queen of Dancehall.
The Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre will be buzzing with activity this Sunday December 15 between 9am and 3pm when talent from all corners of Jamaica will seek their final chance to Be the Boss by taking the first step towards Magnum stardom.
Gary Dixon, Wray & Nephews Marketing Director speaking at the Sting 30 launch
After 29 years, the greatest one night reggae and dancehall show on earth, Sting, has attracted hundreds of talented artistes to its stage along with millions of viewers and numerous corporate sponsors. Fast forward to the 30th staging of this, the most anticipated stage show on the reggae / dancehall calendar, and Sting is now boosted with the return of Magnum Tonic Wine, to fuel Sting 30.
Strategic Advisor to the Sting 30 Board, Howard McIntosh, says this partnership is vital for the survival of the show: “Corporate partnership is the life and blood of the event. It is what makes the engine roll. Required partnerships and support is necessary to making the event and industry survive. The show suffered over the past 2 years without strategic partners as a partnership allows us to leverage the possibilities that the brand brings.
“This year Magnum Tonic Wine have demonstrated their support for Jamaican culture by coming on board as the presenting sponsor for Sting 30. Magnum is a perfect partner, and we are happy to have them back. Magnum was on board for our 20th staging and we are all elated that they are back with us as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary and are looking forward to a continued partnership for many years to come.”
Sting 30 Strategic Partners Gary Dixon, Josef Bogdanovich, Isaiah Laing and Howard McIntosh
Over the last 11 years, Magnum Tonic Wine invested significantly in Jamaican culture with partnerships such as Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall, Magnum Containa Satdaz, The Star’s Magnum All Star Face Off and their regular Magnum Road shows which all promote the Dancehall art form.
Marketing Director, Wines & Spirits at J. Wray & Nephew Ltd, Gary Dixon, explains why Magnum Tonic Wine decided to partner with Sting 30: “Sting is a Boss show and Magnum is a Boss drink, so this partnership makes sense. Magnum is deeply associated with true and authentic Jamaican culture and Sting embodies that culture and gives it a stage for the world to see.
“We are working with Supreme Promotions and Downsound Records to ensure that Sting 30 is a responsible event and as such all patrons and artistes are expected to be on their best behaviour. The organizers will be implementing all the necessary plans and procedures so that all our patrons will enjoy Dancehall in a clean responsible and safe environment.”
For 2013, Magnum Tonic Wine will be presenting American rapper 2 Chainz, Gully Gad Movado and the much anticipated return of the Dan Dadda Super Cat.
Magnum will also be doing several Sting 30 ticket giveaways on radio and through social media. Magnum advises Twitter fans to follow the buzz with #MagnumStings for news, prizes and giveaways.
The 30th staging of the greatest one night reggae / dancehall show on earth has added immense value to its product by making this authentic cultural experience available to millions around the globe via pay-per-view. This revitalised venture has not only re-attracted corporate sponsors like Magnum Tonic Wine, but has also brought on board a most valuable asset in the Jamaica Tourist Board who feel that Sting is a critical event to Jamaica tourism.
The excitement builds around the December 26th event with a stellar line-up featuring 2 Chainz, Super Cat, Movado, Ninja Man, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Sizzla, Kiprich and many more of the hottest Reggae and Dancehall acts.
It’s absolutely no secret natural hair has been a movement for several years, however, lately a lot more persons have been seen sporting the look. Many thinks what we’re seeing now is a confirmation that this is a lifestyle that is very important to a lot of persons, particular those who once thought they had to straighten their hair to “fit in” or”get ahead” in the workspace.
Local bloggers Island Essence are big supporters of the natural hair movement and will this Sunday host their first Natural hair Meet-Up in Jamaica. Here is a video with the full details of the event which happens this Sunday, June 9.
Guest Post by Sashana Sanderson, 2nd Year Journalism Student at Caribbean Institute of Media & Communications (CARIMAC), located on the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
When one thinks of the term the Next GENDERation several things may come to mind, for some it’s the empowerment of men and women or a focus on young people in terms of their gender, for others it’s about emphasizing the teachings of Marcus Garvey seeking true equality for both men and women.
In all of these perspectives, there is some commonality, for Dwayne Gutzmer, President of the CARICOM Youth Program, the Next GENDERation is about catching the next crop of innovative and creative young people out of violence. But what does the Next GENDERation Initiative mean to you?
The Next GENDERation Initiative is a partnership agreement between the Government of Jamaica, local agencies and the World Bank. It aims to raise awareness and promote discussion among youth, local organizations and the government on youth violence using specifically a gender perspective. Youth violence and violence generally is seen as a development problem in Jamaica. The idea is that to solve this developmental problem, youth violence can be better understood if analyzed focusing primarily on gender.
Traditionally, when people hear the term gender voiced in society, they immediately think about women’s issues or female empowerment but really, the term involves a lot more. Essentially it’s described as the social construction of men and women. In other words it’s how society perceives the role of a man as opposed to a woman.
The World Development Report (2012) identifies education and awareness campaigns targeting the youth population as a good way to rid the cultural norms and behaviours which contribute to violence. As a result, one of the goals of the Next GENDERation Initiative is to develop appropriate and creative messages in an innovative way against violence. These messages will be done primarily by young men and women to be used by the government in national communication campaigns.
The Next GENDERation Initiative also seeks to incorporate elements of society which affect gender such as cultural norms and societal behaviours. Some of the areas focused on in the initiative include; Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, Gang Violence and Bullying, each portraying societal norms, and their effect of gender.
The first day of the launch of the initiative was Monday in Montego Bay at the Gloustershire Hotel, several youth organizations, government agencies as well as youth from several community organizations were in attendance.
So far the discussions have been lively and engaging, involving role plays and interactive sessions, much to the benefit of the participants who openly appreciated the knowledge gained from the presentations at the launch. Some of the issues that came out of the discussions were the role of the technology, the role of the media, constraints on gender equality, access to information and the influence of the home.
Keen attention was paid at the relationship between violence and social norms, as the two are closely related in the Jamaican context. Along with the issues there were also a number of potential messages against youth violence as well as ideas on how to further the cause of the Next GENDERation Initiative. Terisa Thompson, President of the JSI and avid youth advocate, explained that in terms of the role of the home in influencing change, parents need to know their children, and know exactly how and what to teach their children. She shared ideas on how to further the cause of the initiative by exploring all avenues of technology, and using popular social websites for easy sharing of information.
The Next GENDERation Initiative is will host the second day of its launch in Kingston on Wednesday. It is the first of three phases and its administrators anticipate great and wonderful things on the second day and thereafter.
After weeks of bated breaths and pines for her return, the ‘Fluffy Diva’ Khadine ‘Ms. Kitty’ Hylton will be back on afternoon radio on July 1. The effervescent radio/TV personality will return to Nationwide 90FM weekdays from 2pm-5pm with her show ‘Ms. Kitty Live’.
CEO of Nationwide 90FM Cliff Hughes highlights that Ms. Kitty “is returning home to welcoming and open arms as she will be an asset to the broadcasting industry and specifically the afternoon time slot”. Mr. Hughes says Ms. Kitty’s return to Nationwide 90FM in the 2-5pm slot “virtually completes the revamping of the station from 6am-2am and signals a repositioning of Nationwide 90FM in response to the changes in the radio landscape and wider economy”.
Ms. Kitty’s return not only promises to
Anticipations are high for this month staging of KingsToon festival, a two-day animation conference and festival
June 20-21, 2013 at UWI Mona Visitors’ Lodge & Conference Centre, which will provide the opportunity for local and regional animators to get a foothold in the growing US$222.8 billion global animation industry.
I had the chance to catch up with the KingsTOON Project Manager & Consultant in the Sustainable Development Unit of the World Bank Iván Gonzalez Berenguer Pena to find out what the event. Check out the interview below for the 4-1-1.
This Guest Post was written by Sashana Sanderson, 2nd Year Journalism Student at Caribbean Institute of Media & Communications (CARIMAC), located on the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
Innovations, style, creativity, are just a few words to describe today’s youth in Jamaica. The irie land of Jamaica popularly known for its gorgeous beaches and jamming reggae music has for decades been crippled by high unemployment, lack of financial resources and violence particularly among its youth.
These issues have led to the merging of partnerships, to harness the creativity of the youth as a means to generate income, thereby creating jobs which in turn will build our economy. The World Bank in conjunction with other key stake holders has decided to use the Virtual Industry with a combination of the Visual Arts as a means to this end in Jamaica.
Next month’s highly anticipated KingsToon festival will provide the opportunity for local and regional animators to get a foothold in the growing US$222.8 billion global animation industry.
The two-day event will be held at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Andrew, from June 20 to 21.
Jamaica’s growing crop of local animators will get a chance to showcase their talent at the event.
State Minister for Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Julian Robinson, during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 28, informed that the event will bring together, international and local leaders in the animation industry, international and local universities, Jamaican professionals, and visual arts students and practitioners.
He said among the objectives of the festival is to… READ MORE
Students from six high-schools across the island showcased their entrepreneurial skills and business development projects during the “I am the Change Expo: An Initiative to Develop Young Entrepreneurs” today at the Mona Business Lodge. The project is a partnership between the Digicel Foundation and the Mutual Building Societies Foundation. Participating schools are: Seaforth, Porus, Green Pond, Godfrey Stewart, McGrath and Mile Gully High Schools.
Launched in 2011, the Young Entrepreneur “I am the Change” Programme encourages innovation and business development through entrepreneurial activities. Since its inception, the Digicel Foundation has invested approximately $15 million. During the course of the last year, students were charged with developing mobile applications that would assist with solving issues within their schools and communities. These apps include; emergency notifications, study guides, job search mediums and produce distribution channels.
“This has been a great experience. One that has provided us with a number of opportunities and the chance to meet successful entrepreneurs in Jamaica,” noted Ashley Ann Porter, Mile Gully High student. “The programme has really been wonderful and I want to thank all the sponsors including Digicel Foundation, MBSF, JN and all the others for making this happen.”
Samantha Chantrelle, Executive Director of Digicel Foundation applauded the efforts of the participants, saying, “The work displayed by the students today is not only amazing, but truly inspiring. I am confident that these students have bright futures ahead of them and I commend their teachers and mentors, for having played instrumental roles in their development.” Chantrelle also reiterated the commitment of the Foundation to Youth endeavours across the island, “The Digicel Foundation remains fully committed to the empowerment of our youth through innovation and the use of information technologies.”
Shelly-Ann ‘Dr. Sexy’ Weeks, writer/producer/host of Sextacy on Fame 95FM is making a big move to Nationwide 90FM with a new radio show DR. SEXY LIVE.
For almost three years Shelly-Ann has been the voice of Sextacy on Fame 95FM on Mondays at midnight. Over this time period, she has grown loyal listenership with persons following her programme for her frank and open views on sex, relationships and sexuality among other things.
“Education is at the foundation of everything I do,” says Shelly-Ann. “I recognize that because sex is still a taboo topic in Jamaica many persons are misinformed on quite a few topics. I want to do my part in equipping my audiences with facts about sex and sexuality so that can make informed choices and ultimately achieve satisfactory sex in their lives.”
When asked the reason for the move, Dr. Sexy commented “My show is very interactive and my audience gives continuous feedback, I have gotten many requests to have the show on air more often. Another deciding factor was that I really want to see the full potential of the show and reach more people. All of this will be achieved through my airing in an earlier time slot, longer show and more nights on air at Nationwide 90FM.”
Dr Sexy LIVE starts on Nationwide 90FM, June 3, 2013 and will be aired Mondays to Fridays 10:00PM to 2:00AM.
Shelly-Ann ‘Dr. Sexy’ Weeks – Picture Courtesy of Skkan Media Ent
About Shelly Ann ‘Dr. Sexy’ Weeks
Shelly-Ann ‘Dr. Sexy’ Weeks is the creator, writer, producer and host of Dr Sexy Live (formerly Sextacy on Fame 95FM) and is no stranger to the media as she has written for publications such as The Gleaner, Jamaica Observer and BUZZZ Magazine. She currently writes a weekly column in the STAR called SEXY CHAT. She has made many guest appearances on TV Talk shows for her expertise on sexuality including, Smile Jamaica, The Susan Show, CVM @ Sunrise, The Karen D Show and she was a host on CVM Naked Truth. Shelly-Ann holds Certification in Clinical Sexology from The Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality, USA. Her mantra is simple: People who have satisfactory sex live longer, happier, healthier lives.
Like Shelly-Ann ‘Dr. Sexy’ Weeks on Facebook by clicking here
Listen here on NationWide Starting Monday, June 3rd by clicking here
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