Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall goes international

Contributed – Scenes during the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall audition in Trinidad and Tobago recently.

Trinibagonians made dancehall history recently when they became the first set of international talent to audition for Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall.

The studios at Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) in Port-of-Spain provided the perfect opportunity for the intermingling of two cultures as contestants put their best effort on show, hoping to join the ranks of Magnum Royalty in season eight which is set to premiere on TVJ in Jamaica and TV6 in Trinidad & Tobago on January 17, 2015.

“One thing that stood out during auditions is how pervasive the culture of dancehall is and the extent to which it has positively influenced upcoming talent in Trinidad and the wider Caribbean. We were anxious about the type of reception that our concept would get, but it wasn’t long before we were impressed at the crop of talent that came out,” said Mark Kenny, executive producer of the show.

Seemingly reflecting what is popular within dancehall circles, male contestants outnumbered their female competitors but that did not stop the ladies who came out armed with bold and entertaining selections. Smalls and Luscious were the female acts that stood out to judges Miss Kitty, Skatta Burrell and Professor Nuts.

brand’s influence

“We were thrilled with the talent in Trinidad last Saturday. The contestants came hard and we definitely found some worthy of the Magnum stage. Magnum is committed to deepening the brand’s influence across the Caribbean and what better way to do so than integrating our musical culture with our Caribbean neighbours in a positive way. We hope that Trinibagonians will support their own in the competition by watching on TV6 and voting each week come January 17,” said Sophia Bernard-Fairman, group brand manager, Fortified Wines & Liqueurs at J. Wray and Nephew Ltd.

Producer and Magnum judge Skatta Burrell was also impressed by the talent coming out of Trinidad. “I’m excited to hear new flavours of dancehall emerging which undeniably comes from a soca infusion,” he said.

Successful Trinibagonian contestants will fly to Jamaica early next year to be part of the 32 princes and princesses vying for lyrical greatness. Contestants who make it to the live show will be competing for a cash prize of J$1 million (equivalent of TT$50,000), in addition to a two-year contract with Star$truck Records, which will include providing assistance with the production of an EP, voice training and public relations.

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Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall goes international

Gareth Henry values lessons learnt at Puerto Rico International

BY RUDDY ALLEN Observer staff reporter

Friday, December 26, 2014    

JAMAICA’S number one male badminton player Gareth Henry crashed out of the Puerto Rico International Tournament when he was beaten by Howard Shu from the United States of America (USA) in the third round of the competition in Puerto Rico on Monday.

Henry played valiantly and could have upset the number one seed Shu, but seemed to have lost his focus and went crashing in a thrilling three- setter 21-18, 21-23 and 14-21 in his last international tournament of 2014.

Henry, however, should gain some valuable points for his world rankings, which will now boost his process of qualifying for the Olympics set for Rio 2016.

“I really thought I was going to win this one, but tactically I wasn’t at my best. Many points I had the upper hand in and didn’t capitalise on them as I wasn’t aggressive enough in the front court to finish them. Then I rushed too many overhead shots and made a little too many unforced errors in doing so.

“But that is what makes the difference against players of this calibre. I must work on finding the balance now,” Henry said.

As the 2014 tournament circuit ends, Henry is ready to shuttle into 2015 as he gets prepared for Rio 2016. He now heads to Indonesia for eight weeks of intense training.

“Disappointed with the loss, but I took a lot from it. This was my final tournament of the 2014 circuit. I will hopefully get two proper months of training in Indonesia with the help of the Jamaica Badminton Association (JBA). I am very excited about the possibility as I will finally receive good sparring and training of the highest level,” Henry noted.

Earlier in the competition, Henry easily defeated Germany’s top player Nilis Kloeppel 21-17 and 21-11 in the first round before he went on to beat Puerto Rican Ivan Morales 21-12 and 21-7 in the second round.

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Gareth Henry values lessons learnt at Puerto Rico International

Fabigeez - International artiste with authentic Jamaican sound

Reggae dacehall artiste Fabigeez recently released his latest single You A Di Man on the Reggae Land rhythm produced by Street Digital Records.

The single has been garnering some attention locally and regionally in Barbados and Canada. A video for the single has since been released on YouTube and will be aired on local television in coming weeks.

Fabigeez, originally from the parish of St Mary but now based in Toronto, Canada, strives to maintain his Jamaican heritage, as he keeps in tact his zeal to produce authentic reggae and dancehall singles.

He has built, cemented and maintained his ties with local artistes and producers and as such has produced tracks such as Feel Your Pain, Drop It Gyal, Fresh And Neat and Dem A Pree, featuring popular local artiste Tidal, Fabigeez’s younger brother. The artistes has also collaborated with international artiste Ruby Black for Gotta Make The Money.

“I am very proud of my Jamaican heritage, so anywhere I am, and in every aspect of my life, I will be flying the Jamaican flag high, and my music will reflect this, as I’ll never dilute my potent Jamaican sound or lyrics to suit anyone. I get good responses here in Canada and Jamaica, as everyone respects authentic Jamaican music,” he said.

He has shared stages with artistes such as Beenie Man, Sizzla and Tidal, to name a few.You can visit www.facebook.com/ Fabigeez, or www.youtube.com/Street Digital Records to watch the video for You A Di Man, which is also available on iTunes.

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Fabigeez - International artiste with authentic Jamaican sound

International foundation awards scholarship to local students

The Lynne Mitchell Foundation, based in Miramar, Florida, has awarded its second annual scholarships to Brianna Blair, Goldie Bourne and Ricardo Greaves formerly of Seaview Primary School in Southfield, St Elizabeth.

All three students earned a US$2,500 scholarship to attend their respective high schools.

The students were chosen for the award based on their excellent academic records and the leadership qualities they brought to light in their stellar scholarship essays. Each student will continue to earn the scholarship yearly in US$500 increments, provided they continue to demonstrate strong academic progress and extra-curricular leadership skills.

“We are so proud of their accomplishments,” said Marlene Gordon, president of the Lynne Mitchell Foundation, which was created to honour a Miramar resident of the same name. “We wish them continued success in their future endeavours.Our hope is that they will excel and use their talents to make a positive impact in the lives of others.”

Blair now attends St Elizabeth Technical High School, Bourne the Hampton High School for Girls and Greaves Munro College.

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International foundation awards scholarship to local students

Experts call for international action as greenhouse gas levels hit record high

GENEVA, Switzerland, Friday September 12, 2014 – A surge in the level of carbon dioxide drove greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere to a record high last year, a recent study claims.

Scientists say carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations grew at the fastest year-to-year rate since reliable global records began in 1984 and have called for international action to combat climate change.

The volume of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas emitted by human activities, was 396 parts per million (ppm) in 2013 – a 2.9 ppm increase over 2012.

The second most important greenhouse gas, methane, reached a global average of 1824 parts per billion (ppb), increasing at a similar rate as the last five years, while nitrous oxide, the other principal contributor, reached 325.9 ppb, growing at a rate comparable to the average over the past decade.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), greenhouse gas emissions are rising mainly due to industrial growth in China, India and other emerging economy nations.

The rise in CO2 levels is now outpacing fossil fuel use, moreover, which suggests that the planet’s natural ability to absorb emissions of the gas may be slowing.

The biosphere, which includes plants, soil, and the oceans, absorbs around a quarter of man-made CO2 emissions.

If the absorption level drops, more of the planet-warming gas will stay in the atmosphere, where it can remain for centuries.

“We know without any doubt that our climate is changing and our weather is becoming more extreme due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels,” WMO Secretary General Michel Jarraud told a news conference.

“It may be due to the reduced uptake of CO2 by the biosphere. If that is confirmed, it is of significant concern.”

WMO experts noted that the ocean is getting rapidly more acidic, impairing its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and the rate of ocean acidification is unprecedented at least over the past 300 million years.

According to WMO scientific officer Oksana Tarasova: “The total change of ocean acidity since pre-industrial (times) is 25 percent, and six percent was done within the last 10 years.”

The longer fossil fuel use grows, the harder it will be to reverse the warming effect, so even if human-made carbon emissions fall by 80 percent by 2050, the total warming effect of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will have barely receded by 2100 the WMO said.

As Jarraud explained: “Past, present and future CO2 emissions will have a cumulative impact on both global warming and ocean acidification. The laws of physics are non-negotiable. We are running out of time.”
Representatives of about 200 governments will meet at a summit in Paris next year to work out a deal to limit global warming.

The aim is to keep global warming within 2°C above pre-industrial times, a goal that was set by the UN in 2010.

If this could be achieved, it would “give our planet a chance and our children and grandchildren a future,” said Jarraud.

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Experts call for international action as greenhouse gas levels hit record high

Stuart defends Barbados as a reputable, sustainable international financial centre

Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart (File photo)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Friday September 12, 2014, CMC – Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart Thursday said his administration places high priority on ensuring the sustainability of the international business and financial services sector, (IBFSCs) and is seeking new ways to improve the value offered to those who view the island as the international financial centre of choice.

Addressing the one-day international conference on international financial centres (IFCs) in a borderless digital economy, Prime Minister Stuart said that over the years, progressive legislative changes had been made to provide investors with the tools needed to do business.

“This has meant, in many cases, upgrading existing products and introducing new ones. In recent times, the moves to allow for Private Trust Companies and Foundations bear witness to our recognition of the need for evolution and adaptation,” he told delegates.

He said the term “International Financial Centre” now appears to focus mainly on the small developing countries providing business and financial services, and some have been labelled as “offshore financial centres”, tax havens, or “sunny places for shady people.

“In every area of economic endeavour where developing countries have managed, through a spirit of independence, and by dint of hard work and investment in the development of their human and other resources, to perform as well as or better than developed countries, the playing field ceases to be level, and new and creative obstacles are placed in their way.

“There are, therefore, increasingly robust debates, discussions and empirical studies on the contribution of IFCs to the global financial system, focused in particular on the contribution provided by developing countries.

“IFCs offer competitive tax rates and other concessions which attract business, and this raises concerns about tax evasion, and more recently about money laundering. In spite of adverse public comment fuelled by vocal critics, however, an increasing body of research contradicts this negative narrative,” Stuart said.

Prime Minister Stuart noted that a number of world-renowned academics had rejected the notion that IFCs were locations of choice for secret accounts and other vehicles for international tax evasion.

He said that some findings point to this being the reality in larger, more developed countries, rather than in small developing countries.

Prime Minister Stuart said Barbados’ strong regulatory framework gave assurance of its commitment to operate according to global standards.

He said the sector is of great benefit to the international partners, as well as the Barbados economy. He said it not only generates taxes and salaries for employees, but also revenue in the areas of real estate, tourism, health and education services.

The conference, targeting officials in the local, regional and international financial services sector is sponsored by Invest Barbados and The Central Bank of Barbados.

The organisers said it will demonstrate the Barbados value proposition with an examination of the Canada Barbados relationship, and will take an objective look at the role of nation states in protecting the efficacy of IFCs.

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Stuart defends Barbados as a reputable, sustainable international financial centre

Marley"s album honoured by international ice cream company

CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

Internationally renowned ice cream brand, Ben & Jerry’s, will release a special flavour of their popular ice cream in honour of Bob Marley’s Legend album, as a part of the celebrations for the album’s 30th anniversary this year.

The flavour will be called ‘Satisfy my Bowl’ and is aimed at drawing awareness to Marley’s vision for peace, love and social justice.

The socially conscious ice cream company wanted to pay tribute to the man who dedicated his life to bringing people together through music.

‘Satisfy My Bowl’, which was named by a Ben & Jerry’s fan, is a concoction of banana ice cream beats, a mash-up of caramel and cookie swirls, and a chorus of chocolatey peace signs.

All proceeds from the partnership will be contributed to the 1Love Foundation and Partners for Youth Empowerment, in an effort to empower young people in Jamaica, and continue Bob Marley’s legacy of using music to change the world.

According to Cedella Marley, representing the 1Love Foundation, the partnership will bring people together.

“To mark Legend’s 30th anniversary, we’re celebrating our father’s legacy of bringing people together and using music to drive social change through a sweet partnership with Ben & Jerry’s. Proceeds from a special edition ice cream flavour will enable the 1Love Foundation and Partners for Youth Empowerment to support young people in Jamaica by igniting their creative skills to promote peace, love and social equality.” she said.

Ben & Jerry’s Social Mission Manager, Ed Shepherd, also stated. “In the same way Ben & Jerry’s stands for more than just (delicious) ice-cream, Bob Marley stood for more than just music – he advocated for social change and inspired millions to think about peace, love, and equality. Ben & Jerry’s has a rich heritage of campaigning for social justice, by partnering with the Marley family’s 1Love Foundation and Partners for Youth Empowerment. We want to lend our voice to Bob’s vision, and do this in a fun way that brings people together.” he said.

Bob Marley is one of the most important and influential artiste of the 20th century. In the digital era, Marley has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity, with the official Bob Marley Facebook page now surpassing 69 million fans, ranking it among the Top 20 of all Facebook pages and Top 10 among celebrity pages. His music catalogue has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide since 1992.

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Marley"s album honoured by international ice cream company

Marley"s album honoured by international ice cream company

CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

Internationally renowned ice cream brand, Ben & Jerry’s, will release a special flavour of their popular ice cream in honour of Bob Marley’s Legend album, as a part of the celebrations for the album’s 30th anniversary this year.

The flavour will be called ‘Satisfy my Bowl’ and is aimed at drawing awareness to Marley’s vision for peace, love and social justice.

The socially conscious ice cream company wanted to pay tribute to the man who dedicated his life to bringing people together through music.

‘Satisfy My Bowl’, which was named by a Ben & Jerry’s fan, is a concoction of banana ice cream beats, a mash-up of caramel and cookie swirls, and a chorus of chocolatey peace signs.

All proceeds from the partnership will be contributed to the 1Love Foundation and Partners for Youth Empowerment, in an effort to empower young people in Jamaica, and continue Bob Marley’s legacy of using music to change the world.

According to Cedella Marley, representing the 1Love Foundation, the partnership will bring people together.

“To mark Legend’s 30th anniversary, we’re celebrating our father’s legacy of bringing people together and using music to drive social change through a sweet partnership with Ben & Jerry’s. Proceeds from a special edition ice cream flavour will enable the 1Love Foundation and Partners for Youth Empowerment to support young people in Jamaica by igniting their creative skills to promote peace, love and social equality.” she said.

Ben & Jerry’s Social Mission Manager, Ed Shepherd, also stated. “In the same way Ben & Jerry’s stands for more than just (delicious) ice-cream, Bob Marley stood for more than just music – he advocated for social change and inspired millions to think about peace, love, and equality. Ben & Jerry’s has a rich heritage of campaigning for social justice, by partnering with the Marley family’s 1Love Foundation and Partners for Youth Empowerment. We want to lend our voice to Bob’s vision, and do this in a fun way that brings people together.” he said.

Bob Marley is one of the most important and influential artiste of the 20th century. In the digital era, Marley has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity, with the official Bob Marley Facebook page now surpassing 69 million fans, ranking it among the Top 20 of all Facebook pages and Top 10 among celebrity pages. His music catalogue has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide since 1992.

View the original article here

Marley"s album honoured by international ice cream company

Marley"s album honoured by international ice cream company

CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

Internationally renowned ice cream brand, Ben & Jerry’s, will release a special flavour of their popular ice cream in honour of Bob Marley’s Legend album, as a part of the celebrations for the album’s 30th anniversary this year.

The flavour will be called ‘Satisfy my Bowl’ and is aimed at drawing awareness to Marley’s vision for peace, love and social justice.

The socially conscious ice cream company wanted to pay tribute to the man who dedicated his life to bringing people together through music.

‘Satisfy My Bowl’, which was named by a Ben & Jerry’s fan, is a concoction of banana ice cream beats, a mash-up of caramel and cookie swirls, and a chorus of chocolatey peace signs.

All proceeds from the partnership will be contributed to the 1Love Foundation and Partners for Youth Empowerment, in an effort to empower young people in Jamaica, and continue Bob Marley’s legacy of using music to change the world.

According to Cedella Marley, representing the 1Love Foundation, the partnership will bring people together.

“To mark Legend’s 30th anniversary, we’re celebrating our father’s legacy of bringing people together and using music to drive social change through a sweet partnership with Ben & Jerry’s. Proceeds from a special edition ice cream flavour will enable the 1Love Foundation and Partners for Youth Empowerment to support young people in Jamaica by igniting their creative skills to promote peace, love and social equality.” she said.

Ben & Jerry’s Social Mission Manager, Ed Shepherd, also stated. “In the same way Ben & Jerry’s stands for more than just (delicious) ice-cream, Bob Marley stood for more than just music – he advocated for social change and inspired millions to think about peace, love, and equality. Ben & Jerry’s has a rich heritage of campaigning for social justice, by partnering with the Marley family’s 1Love Foundation and Partners for Youth Empowerment. We want to lend our voice to Bob’s vision, and do this in a fun way that brings people together.” he said.

Bob Marley is one of the most important and influential artiste of the 20th century. In the digital era, Marley has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity, with the official Bob Marley Facebook page now surpassing 69 million fans, ranking it among the Top 20 of all Facebook pages and Top 10 among celebrity pages. His music catalogue has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide since 1992.

View the original article here

Marley"s album honoured by international ice cream company

International Dancehall Queen Contest to help boost tourism

Adrian Frater, News Editor

From left, Kingsley Cooper, chairman of the Entertainment Advisory Board in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, Brian ‘Big Head’ Martin, the promoter of the International Dancehall Queen Contest, and Robert Russell, chairman of Summerfest Productions, the promoters of Reggae Sumfest, in discussion during Tuesday night’s launch of Dancehall Queen 2014. – Adrian Frater

Western Bureau:

Kingsley Cooper, chairman of the Entertainment Advisory Board in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, says the International Dancehall Queen Contest, staged in Montego Bay annually, is tailor-made for the government’s new Jamrock Summer – 90 Days, 90 Ways initiative, which is designed to boost both tourism and entertainment.

Cooper, the guest speaker at Tuesday night’s launch of the 18th renewal of the Big Head Promotions event, to be held at Pier One on August 2, says grassroots events like ‘Dancehall Queen’ are integral to the preservation of Jamaica’s culture.

“90 days of summer is designed to showcase a range of entertainment activities over the 90 days of summer,” said Cooper. “It has the capacity to boost tourism and other business-related spin-offs associated with entertainment, so ‘Dancehall Queen’ would fit perfectly into the concept.”

Commending the organiser for keeping the contest alive over so many years, Cooper spoke to the global appeal of Jamaica’s music as girls travel from all over the world annually to vie for the title.

Promoter Brian Martin, who started the contest to help expose talented inner-city dancers and has since taken it to over 40 countries, said he is not convinced that dancehall and its various spin-off activities are getting enough respect locally.

This year’s event, which will be streamed all over the world via the Internet, will see the winner walking away with a whopping J$1 million in cash and prizes. The second- and third-place finishers, as well as the winners of sectional awards, will also be handsomely rewarded.

“So far, we have had confirmation from more than 40 countries, to include newcomers Slovakia and South Africa and, as usual, we will be expecting the usual strong representation from Japan, Poland, the United States, and across the Caribbean,” said Martin.

In last year’s contest, Keja ‘Tall Up’ Christie, a student of the G.C Foster School of Physical Education, copped the coveted title. Brandi Watts, of the United States, was second; while Lillian Wamini, of Canada/Uganda, was third.

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International Dancehall Queen Contest to help boost tourism

In new show of confidence international bond offer raise US$800m

 Days after International Monetary Fund Chief, Christine Lagarde, gave the thumbs up to the country’s progress under the IMF programme Jamaica has received a vote of  confidence from international investors. That confidence helped Jamaica raise US$800m in a bond offer Monday.  A release from the Finance Ministry indicated that the original aim was to raise US$500m, but the offer was up sized to US$800m based on investor response. Investors had shied away from lending money to Jamaica in the aftermath of  the failure of  the 2010 IMF deal. 

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In new show of confidence international bond offer raise US$800m

In new show of confidence international bond offer raise US$800m

 Days after International Monetary Fund Chief, Christine Lagarde, gave the thumbs up to the country’s progress under the IMF programme Jamaica has received a vote of  confidence from international investors. That confidence helped Jamaica raise US$800m in a bond offer Monday.  A release from the Finance Ministry indicated that the original aim was to raise US$500m, but the offer was up sized to US$800m based on investor response. Investors had shied away from lending money to Jamaica in the aftermath of  the failure of  the 2010 IMF deal. 

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In new show of confidence international bond offer raise US$800m

Caribbean Airlines pilot ‘sick out’ affects domestic and international flights

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Tuesday July 1, 2014, CMC – The Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines Tuesday confirmed that all its international and domestic flights had been affected as a result of industrial action taken by its pilots.

In a statement, the airline said that AVIATION “many of its pilots who were rostered to operate flights (were) calling in sick”.

Chief executive officer, Michael DeLollo, in an internal memo to staff said “we are naturally concerned firstly for the health and welfare of our pilot body since this is an unprecedented occurrence.

“This unfortunate situation has disrupted our scheduled services at the beginning of our critical summer season, during which we count most on our operational crews to demonstrate reliability and service for our loyal customers.”

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DiLollo said the airline was also concerned about the potential negative impact of the disruptions to its passengers.

“Many families choose this time to travel and have committed hard-earned savings to enjoying this time together. To disappoint them will surely be a serious breach of our unspoken contract with them, a betrayal far deeper than even our legal commitment to provide the promised service.”

The airline said that while it is in communication with the Trinidad and Tobago Pilot’s Association (TTALPA) it “is disappointed with the action of the pilots. TTALPA has not yet commented on the industrial action.

“However, Caribbean Airlines will continue to urge further open and frank discussion in good faith with TTALPA while exploring all options available.

“Caribbean Airlines apologizes to its loyal passengers for all inconvenience caused by these delays and assures that all will be done to minimize the delays,” the airline said, urging passengers to confirm their flight times on the website prior to arrival at the airport, to avoid any potential further inconvenience.

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Caribbean Airlines pilot ‘sick out’ affects domestic and international flights

Langi Di Future promotes "International Love"

Langi Di Future

Up-and-coming entertainer Langi Di Future, is hoping to get his break into the music industry by the end of 2014.

The singer believes his ability to play instruments sets him apart from other up-and-coming acts and hopes the local music industry is ready for a fresh face.

Influenced by the likes of Agent Sasco, Sean Paul, Damian Marley, Ludacris, and Kid Ink, the young artiste says his music is a fusion of reggae, hip hop and pop.

“I just want to capture life as I see it through my lyrics. My music represents what I experience and feel,” he said.

Having raised eyebrows with his performance at the recent staging of Ardenne’s Summer Splash, the young artiste says he is not going to wait around for opportunity to come knocking on his door, but will try to achieve success using his natural talents.

This self-belief has led the artiste to form his own record label called Langi Music LLC, under which he operates as an independent product. He is also hoping to work with other fresh acts as his career progresses.

Langi Di Future is promoting a new single called International Love, which he hopes will blow up over the summer. He is slated to perform at Insomnia on July 19. For bookings, persons can call 1876-860-8978 or follow him on twitter @itz_langi.

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Langi Di Future promotes "International Love"

Langi Di Future promotes "International Love"

Langi Di Future

Up-and-coming entertainer Langi Di Future, is hoping to get his break into the music industry by the end of 2014.

The singer believes his ability to play instruments sets him apart from other up-and-coming acts and hopes the local music industry is ready for a fresh face.

Influenced by the likes of Agent Sasco, Sean Paul, Damian Marley, Ludacris, and Kid Ink, the young artiste says his music is a fusion of reggae, hip hop and pop.

“I just want to capture life as I see it through my lyrics. My music represents what I experience and feel,” he said.

Having raised eyebrows with his performance at the recent staging of Ardenne’s Summer Splash, the young artiste says he is not going to wait around for opportunity to come knocking on his door, but will try to achieve success using his natural talents.

This self-belief has led the artiste to form his own record label called Langi Music LLC, under which he operates as an independent product. He is also hoping to work with other fresh acts as his career progresses.

Langi Di Future is promoting a new single called International Love, which he hopes will blow up over the summer. He is slated to perform at Insomnia on July 19. For bookings, persons can call 1876-860-8978 or follow him on twitter @itz_langi.

View the original article here

Langi Di Future promotes "International Love"

International sport briefs

Berbatov says Evra convinced him to join Monaco

MONACO, France (AFP) — Dimitar Berbatov said yesterday that a recommendation from his former Manchester United colleague Patrice Evra convinced him to join Monaco on loan at the end of the January transfer window.

The Bulgarian striker joined the club, who lie second in Ligue 1, on loan from Premier League strugglers Fulham until the end of the season to cover for Colombian star Radamel Falcao, who is out with a long-term knee injury.

The 33-year-old moves from a relegation battle in England to a title fight in France, with a meeting with Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain to come this weekend at the Stade Louis II.

“My friend Patrice Evra told me a lot of good things about the club. And when Monaco called me, I said why not. I was looking for something new,” said Berbatov, who played alongside the France left-back at Old Trafford between 2008 and 2012.

However, he said that the presence of enigmatic Italian coach Claudio Ranieri — another familiar face from his days in England — was also a factor in convincing him to make the switch to a new country.

Considered something of a maverick and known for his languid style, Berbatov, who has also played for Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham Hotspur, believes his way of playing will help him be successful in the French game.

European giants for preseason US tour

MIAMI GARDENS, Florida (AP) — Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid and AC Milan will play preseason games in the United States.

Inter Milan, AS Roma and Olympiakos also will be part of what is billed as the Guinness International Champions Cup, to be played from July 26 to August 4, with the final at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens.

Additional venues for the games include Arlington, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago; Denver; East Rutherford, New Jersey, and/or New York; Glendale, Arizona; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; and Washington. Two additional cities are to be announced February 20.

Some players may not be with their clubs because of the World Cup, which ends July 13.

Attack on Corinthians players sparks outrage

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AFP) — An attack by fans on players of top Brazilian club Corinthians has sparked outrage and promoted calls for a player strike, damaging the domestic image of the game five months before the World Cup.

“We are preparing documentation to provide legal support to players and are ready to strike -— we can’t go on like this,” Sao Paulo state player union chairman Rinaldo Martorelli told Estado de Sao Paulo daily.

Around 100 fans angry at the club’s poor recent form attacked Corinthians’ training centre as they prepared on Saturday for a state league match the following day.

The fans cut through wire netting to reach top stars including Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero, who scored the club’s winner in the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup final.

Chairman Mario Gobbi was unwilling to cancel the match against Ponte Preta, citing league and broadcast agreements.

But the attack has sparked a storm amid reports several players now want to leave the club over fears for their safety.

Also attacked along with Guerrero was Alexandre Pato, an expensive signing from AC Milan, as the fans went on the rampage — one grabbing Guerrero around the neck while others tried to break Pato’s legs.

Ancelotti: Ronaldo will be available for Copa semis

MADRID, Spain (AP) — Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expects Cristiano Ronaldo to be available for the Copa del Rey semi-final today despite the threat of a four-game ban.

Ronaldo was shown a straight red card in Sunday’s 1-1 Spanish league draw at Athletic Bilbao, leaving his availability for the semi-final against Atletico Madrid up in the air.

The Portugal forward made a mocking gesture as he left the field, which could result in a longer suspension with any ban of at least four games extending to all competitions. A decision is expected by today.

There is a precedent of adding two games to any initial ban for using the gesture, which mocks a slap to the cheek to suggest the referee has a lot of nerve.

The Italian coach says forward Gareth Bale will be available after being left out of the squad against Bilbao.

Bach slams politicians over Sochi Olympics

SOCHI, Russia (AP) — IOC President Thomas Bach has criticised politicians for attacking the Sochi Olympics “on the backs of the athletes”.

Bach has also slammed politicians who publicly snubbed the games even though they had not even been invited.

The International Olympic Committee leader spoke in a hard-hitting speech yesterday, three days before the opening of Russia’s first Winter Games.

The build-up to Sochi has been overshadowed by Western criticism of Russia’s record on human rights and the law against gay “propaganda” among minors.

Bach says sports should not be “used as a stage for political dissent or for trying to score points in internal or external political contests”.

President Barack Obama and key European leaders are shunning the games. Obama, in a key message against the anti-gay laws, has sent a delegation made up of three openly gay athletes. The presidents of France and Germany also won’t be coming.

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International sport briefs

Warner Park, St Kitts boosts lighting for international cricket fixtures

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 | 11:12 AM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A lighting project at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium in St Kitts has beefed up the venue to better accommodate international night cricket and also allow for training at nights.

According to a report from the St Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS) people moving throughout Basseterre the capital town last week may have noticed the rack of outdoor sports lights mounted on four, two-pole design structures. 

“There are 72 individual bulbs on each structure for a total of 288 bulbs. These will provide about 3,600 lux of lights to illuminate the field for night matches. Lights have also been erected at the Len Harris Cricket Academy located in Warner Park allowing players to train at nights – a convenience not available anywhere else in the Caribbean,” SKNIS said. 

SKNIS added that five screens, including a 44×22 foot ‘jumbotron’, were now being installed by local electrical engineers guided by the expertise of officials from Ardent Lighting Group in the United States. 

“The next five to seven days is going to be critical,” SKNIS reported Senior Sports Officer Vernon Springer as saying. “It’s going to be an ongoing process and all of this is in preparation for two scheduled games which are already on the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) calendar.”

 The first match is between the Leeward Islands and the Combined Campus and Colleges teams slated for February 28 to March 03. The second is a day-night match slated for March 07 to 10 between the Leeward Islands and Jamaica.

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Warner Park, St Kitts boosts lighting for international cricket fixtures

The body of T&T international to be flown home next week

Sport

Friday, January 03, 2014

BUDAPEST, Hungary (CMC) — The body of Trinidad and Tobago international footballer Akeem Adams, who died here on Monday, will be flown home next week, his local agent Dion Sosa has confirmed.Adams, who has been in a Budapest hospital fighting to recover from a massive heart attack in September, died two days after suffering a stroke.“The club (Ferencvárosi TC) is handling all the financial arrangements for his body to be flown back home,” Sosa revealed.Adams, who joined Ferencvaros in August, played just a handful of games for them, including his last match which resulted in a 3-1 victory over Ujpest.Adams’ family is expected to hold a media conference to announce plans for his funeral when the body arrives in the Trinidadian capital.“The funeral should be the following week, after we have had time to have a wake and so on.”Adams had been hospitalised since the heart attack in September and his left leg had been amputated to alleviate circulatory problems.He died shortly after his mother Ancilla decided against taking the player off life support.

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The body of T&T international to be flown home next week

Barrington Levy thrills Sumfest International night

Entertainment

Barrington LevySaturday, July 27, 2013 | 1:15 AM

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Veteran reggae artiste Barrington Levy had almost everyone in a sing-a-along as Sumfest International night unfolded inside the Catherine Hall Complex in Montego Bay Friday.The entertainer delivered an energy-filled set lasting approximately an hour highlighting the second night of the world-renown Reggae Sumfest stage show.Backed by a California based band Levy churned out well rehearsed notes in a catalogue of hit songs including ‘Under Mi Sensi’, ‘Murderer’, Living Dangerously (a collaboration with Bounty Killer) and ‘What kinda World’.This is the singer’s first performance in Jamaica for a few years. Earlier in the night, Droop Lion, Nature and Sophia Squire also delivered tight sets.-Simone Morgan.

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Barrington Levy thrills Sumfest International night

Record breaking performance for Jamaica in international karate

Latest News

Monday, July 08, 2013 | 10:02 AM

ORLANDO, Florida (CMC) -Jamaica grabbed a record 91 medals at the International Sports Karate Association United States Open staged in Florida over the weekend.The increase medal count, which surpassed their 83 won last year, included 52 pieces –18 gold, 17 silver and as many bronze — in Saturday’s final day of action at the Coronado Resort in Orlando.Rising Sun Academy emerged the top Jamaican school with 11 gold and 33 medals overall, fending off a late surge from Jamaica Taekwondo which picked up nine gold in their 27-medal haul.The Jamaicans seem set for a record-breaking weekend when the male and female combined teams won gold and silver, respectively, in the Continental Gold Cup, against the United States, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.Jamaica Taekwondo’s Ashieka Dyer was the top adult black belt performer — male or female — with two gold medals.“It’s my first time getting two gold and it felt great. I am proud of myself,” said Dyer, who is in her second year of competition as an adult black belt.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Record breaking performance for Jamaica in international karate