I recently read an extremely noteworthy article via The Root about Haitians from the Diapora returing to their home land post earthquake to not only continue to rebuild Haiti, but also re-connect to their culture. Diasaster Brings Haitian Americans Back Home two young Haitian-Americans Samuel Darguin and Fabrice Armand, talk about their efforts in Haiti and how they plan to continue their work. Here are some key points that really stood out:

“For our parents’ generation, Haiti is the place they were forced to flee from in search of a better life. So for [many of Haitian descent], visiting Haiti was often discouraged because it was the land their parents had left behind. Yes, Haiti is a difficult place for some,” he points out, “and the luxuries of the West aren’t always available here. But Haiti is ours, and if we don’t take care of our inheritance, who will?” (Samuel Darguin)

Read in it’s entirety HERE. It’s and article that ALL Caribbeans in the diaspora should read and be inspired by to help those in your home land. It’s more than just embracing the culture abroad but reaching back to invest and help our own.

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Dancehall Soul Queen Cherine Anderson appeared on the final episode of The Travel Channel’s documentary series “It’s a Woman’s World”. Jamaica was one of four featured countries throughout the 2011 season, where the “It’s a Woman’s World” team journeyed to explore the island, its culture and delve into the lives of some of the country’s most interesting and inspiring women.

Cherine was handpicked by the producers of “It’s a Woman’s World” and was highlighted as one of Jamaica’s inspirational, intriguing and empowering young female talents. Her life as a musician on and off stage was featured and the crew got a first hand look into her family life and rapped with her friends. “There were definitely many aspects of the interview that involved Cherine the person, not just Cherine the musician. Overall, the interview was broader than just my music”, Cherine shared.

Taking them back to her roots, Cherine took the crew to her childhood home in Rockfort, a tough community in East Kingston Jamaica. The “It’s a Woman’s World” crew got a rare interview with Cherine’s mother and sister and even a tour of sections of the community. Additionally, the crew caught up with Cherine at a studio session with the legendary drummer Sly Dunbar from the duo Sly and Robbie as well as a band rehearsal at Grafton studio. After a long day it was time to unwind, the crew met up with Cherine at her 1st in a series of unplugged shows called Rockfort Live featuring her band the Rockfort Rebels. The Queen of Dancehall Soul delivered a great performance belting out her hits such as “Make up sex”, “Good Love” and “Coming over tonight”.

“It was very important to me that the Travel Channel was interested in filming the ’real’ Jamaica, the way a lot of us young people live, where we eat and hang out on a day-to-day basis. There was nothing pretentious for the camera; even them drinking bag juice,” Cherine said with a wide smile. (Source)

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It’s only right that I resume Web Wednesday and feature LargeUp. With a re-designed site the layout and imagery are amazing!

LargeUp is an exclusive journey into authentic Caribbean lifestyle. Brooklyn based selector/promoter, DJ Gravy and NYC/Kingston based photographer/artist, Martei Korley, lead the the Large Up team capturing the unique sounds, styles, flavors, destinations and activities that define Island culture in the Caribbean and abroad.

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Caribbean American Cultural Caucus Inc. presents the Caribbean Cultural Music Conference  at the Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, New York, NY, 10036 beginning today through tomorrow Friday, September 23.

This conference has received official endorsements from the office of Brooklyn’s Borough President, Marty Markowitz, and the City of New York. In 2009 and 2010, the Caribbean Cultural Conference hosted a wide cross section of stakeholders including musicians, artists, attorneys, producers, educators, record label executives, music business students, and entrepreneurs, traveling from across the US as well as from Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados and other Caribbean territories. Panelists and guests from ASCAP, COSCAP, VP Records, Golden Krust, Headline Entertainment, Tunecore, SoundExchange, SiriusXM Radio, IRIS, A2iM, The Orchard and RightFlow were also present. We expect similar support this year. Check out the entire program after the jump.

CARIBBEAN CULTURAL MUSIC CONFERENCE 2011 PROGRAM GUIDE
DAY 1       September 22, 2011 
 

Topic: INSIDE THE PRODUCTION BOOTH
Panelists: Computer Paul, ED Robinson, Mastermind, James “Bonzai” Caruso 
11:40 am – 01:10 pm: Plenary Session 2

Topic: A look at Publishing
Moderator: Michelle Arthurton
Panelists: Alex Holtz, Jonathan Jones, Erica Smith, Heather Cunningham
01:20 pm – 2:50 pm: LUNCH
03:00 pm – 3:30 pm: One-on-one interview:

PITCH IT! (Music Service Company)
Jamaicansmusic.com
03:40 pm – 4:50 pm: Plenary Session 3

Topic: Brand Building, Endorsements + Marketing – Your Music in a Digital Age
Presented by: ASOM Production
Moderator: Irwine Clare
Panelist: Jay Warsinske, Stacey Bethel, Trevor Smith, Mario Evon, Keishel Williams
04:50 pm – 5:00 pm: Closing remarks

DAY 2 – September 23, 2011

Topic: Artist Management
Moderator:
Panelists: Camille Evans, Victor Lewis, Shamita Carriman – Natasha Andrews
11:10 am – 12:40 pm: Plenary Session 2

Topic: Navigating the New Music Business. What are my options?
Moderator: Karen Marie Mason
Panelists: David Weiss, Steve Gordon, Tyesh Harris, Kelly Griffin
12:40 pm – 01:25 pm                LUNCH
01:30 pm – 02:30 pm:

Topic: Financial Management
Tips for Music Business Practitioners
Presenter: 
02:40 pm – 3:40 pm                    Plenary Session 3

Topic: The Do’s and Don’ts of Touring
Moderator:
Panelists: Oliver Millwood, Copeland Forbes, George Michailow – George Crooks
03:50 pm – 04:50 pm                  Plenary Session 4

Topic: The Changing face of radio
Moderator: Stan Smith
Panelist: Gary Bernstein, Pat McKay, Dubmaster, Sidney White, Kerry Dennis
04:50 pm – 5:00 pm        Closing statements

ARTIST SHOWCASE CLOSING PARTY
6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
LIVE Performances By Ed Robinson, Lyrikal, Mario Evon, Mastermind
Artist Showcase Contest, Caribbean Dance off, PLUS invited celebrity guest and host
MUSIC BY:  Road International
WEBSTER HALL @ THE STUDIO
125 East 11th Street NY N.Y 10003
ADM: $15.00
Sponsored By: RedStripe Tower Isles VP Records Road International ASOM

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Married to the MOB celebrated their seven year anniversary with a Fashion’s Night Out party at swanky midtown hotel, Yotel. Married to the MOB owner, Leah Sweeney teamed up with Dancehall artist Mavado for a celebration that included radio personalities, DJs and some flyest people in New York City. The success of the party and Mavado’s collaboration with New York City based streetwear designer, Married to the MOB (MTTM), proves that Caribbean celebrities can connect non-Caribbean brands without compromising their own their style. As Caribbeans, we are constantly consuming brands, specifically in fashion, from international designers and receive little credit or acknowledgement for contributing to the international fashion world. It was great to see the genuine connection between MTTM’s audience and Mavado’s fans.

 In an exclusive interview with both Leah McSweeney and Mavado we discuss their growth as artists, how they connected and what the future holds for their.

S&V: How did you get your start in fashion?
Leah McSweeney: When I was 12 I babysat for the editor of Seventeen Magazine and she would invite me to fashion shows during fashion week, she lived in my neighborhood. I went to private school and all the kids were dressed fly really young. Growing up in the city, no matter what school you go to, fashion is a big part of the city. Kids in New York grow up around fashion. Professionally, when I was 18 I started an internship at Mass Appeal magazine with the fashion editor. From then on I started assisting stylists, styling people on my own and from there I started Married to the MOB.

S&V: How did you come up with the name Married To The MOB?
LM: I came up with it at the time I was not working and at the time I said I had a Mob wife lifestyle kind of, minus the money and MOB was my crew of girls Most Official Bitches.

S&V: Tell about how you chose the direction of your line.
LM: I basically started from my personality. I’m basically putting out there stuff that I want to wear, that is for the MOB girl, not prissy stuff. It kind of takes a bitch with balls to where my stuff.

S&V: Tell me how the connection with Mavado came about?
LM: Because I have a friend of mine that’s a friend of his, I told him I’m doing this FNO / 7 year Anniversary party and we thought we’re kind of gangster in our own way, kind of evolving together. Music and fashion compliment each other so well.

S&V: Who are listening to right now?
LM: I listen to a lot of Lil Wayne, a lot of Britney Spears (laughs). I’ll be listening to Britney then throw on some Mobb Deep, then Buju (Banton). I listen to a lot of different stuff.

S&V: How would you describe your personal style?
LM: Simple. Sometimes I feel like I dress pretty boring to be honest with you. Simple, but tough and chic at the same time.

S&V: Where do you see your brand 3-5 years from now?
LM: I use to think so much about the future, I’m so in the moment. Doing what I want now matters. Thinking about what I want in the future doesn’t matter.

S&V: It must be a great feeling to do what you love?
LM: Besides my daughter it’s the biggest blessing. I’m so fortunate that I’m to be able to do it and I’m able to live off of doing it and it’s fun.

S&V: Advice for international designers who want to bring their brands here?
LM: Go for it and don’t take no for an answer, keep trying and doing it. It’s a great idea for Caribbean designers to bring their stuff here, we need some new shit! New fresh stuff.

S&V: How do you feel about coming back to NY?
Mavado: Great feeling. Now my music is better. My music can play everywhere. I’ve been in the game so many years now and I take my heavy step just to go higher. I’m always trying to learn something in the mean time. Now is just the perfect time for me to be here.

S&V: How do you think that your music has changed from the beginning to now?
Mavado: Back then I had competition, so it’s all about who’s the best, who’s putting out the most music. At that time we were going hard at each other. I think now, not I don’t have a competition. So now I’m taking advantage of it.

S&V: How do you plan to take advantage of the opportunity?

Mavado: Sky is the limit for me. It’s all about We The Best, Gullyside and I have my new label Mansion Records.

S&V: So from a business aspect, how have grown?
Mavado: I’m still learning, never too old to learn.

S&V: I know you have a great team around, but I’m sure the final decision lies with you, so how do you go about making the right decisions with regard to your career?

Mavado: It’s all about making the right decision, not being hasty. Take time to make the decision. I’m the kind of person that when I hear something I don’t just jump to it. I’ll have something for a couple of days thinking. You got to have a plan. You can’t build a house without a plan. So with my career I’m always thinking ahead, what’s the next step. My every move can be a complicated step.

S&V: You seem to have a reserved personality; do prefer to be on stage or in the studio?
Mavado: Both of them, it’s all about the music. I love music in the the studio, on the stage, I’m ready.

S&V: What’s your favorite song to perform
Mavado: I got so much of them.

S&V: Which did you get the best reaction to at Reggae Rhythm & Blues?
Mavado: All of them really, but true Delilah is that new hot song, as soon as my band drop the riddim on that song (hums the riddim) the crowd went crazy!

S&V: Speaking of Delilah, how did you come up with the concept for that song?
Mavado:  I’m from the ghetto. Walking 20 miles until you grow up and get a chance to buy a bicycle, but then here comes the man with the money and sometimes you as a young youth and you have this girl that you like. But you have some goal digger girls. I’m not saying you have good girl, you have excellent girls out there, but you still have goal diggers and you still have to be looking out for them. I think this song is an evolution, cause even I, myself have been through a couple “Delilahs” (laughs).

S&V: So I’m a female, what would I call the male version of “Delilah” ?
Mavado: (Laughs) I don’t know (laughs more) I really don’t know.

S&V: Tell me about your style, how do you go about picking out clothes for your shows and appearances?
Mavado: I’m a very picky person when it comes to my fashion. Cause no one can do my wardrobe for me. I have to do it myself. Whenever I have to do a show my manager is always like “dawg we ah go late, how much tings you ah go buy” I say “I have a few more stores dung deh suh”.

S&V: Is that what happened today?
Mavado: (Laughs) Something like that. I always want to look perfect cause I always want when my fans to see me they say “yo!” Cause the stardom come with the fashion and how you carry yourself and all of that.

Be sure to check out Mavado’s new single “Delilah” available on iTunes

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(Image: From NY Daily News)

For Carnival weekend being cute is an option, but having fun is mandatory. We Caribbeans love to look and feel our best, but aside nails done, hair done, everything did; you’ll need a few additional essentials to survive the West Indian American Carnival.

1.) Sneakers: No matter how cute you think you are in those heels, ladies please be sure to wear a pair of comfortable sneakers on the parkway. Be sure they are a pair that you mind getting them a little dirty if you plan to wuk up on de parkway.

2.) Water: Keeping hydrated during carnival weekend is essential to avoid a hangover from all the rum in your cup exhaustion.

3.) Phone with a Camera: Documenting your memories via phone is part of the fun of living in the digital age. Make your Facebook friends jealous with pictures, your tweet up with friends or keep them up to date on what your’re doing and see if you get any special deals along the parkway on Foursquare. (I wonder if WIADCA has check in badge?)

4.) Crash Pad:  If you’re planning on partying hard in one borough, but live in another then make sure you have an official crash pad. Stay with a friend to avoid driving, especially if you will be drinking. Be sure you know exactly how to get there.

5.) Flag: Represent your country to the fullest!

Bonus: If you’re a newbie, attend with someone who has been before. They will know how to navigate the crowd as it tends to get thick.

Stay tuned … tomorrow I’ll non-costume fashion for carnival.

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While some head to the Hamptons, Caribbeans in New York City – or those visiting the New York area – head to Brooklyn! Labor Day weekend has become synonymous with Carnival in New York (aka the West Indian American Day Parade). Caribbean events will be at an all time high this weekend and it’s one of the best times to partake in festive events as sort of a last “hoo-rah” of the summer. The weekend is filled with fetes and festivals sprinkled throughout the boroughs. Here’s a list of a few events on my radar that you may want to check out over the weekend.

Hot 97’s On Da Reggae Tip is hosted by Bobby Konders & Jabba. The duo have been holding down the riddims on Hot 97 every Sunday for years with their radio program On Da Reggae Tip, this concert is an extension of their program and has become the unofficial kick off to Labor Day weekend. Performances by Mavado, Stephen Marley, Barrington Levy, Gyptian, Demarco, Elephant Man, Stephen & Chino McGregor, Ding Dong. If you can’t make it to the concert, the after party at BB Kings.

Reggae Rhythm & Blues is one of the first attempts in the New York City area to present Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and R&B on one stage. On Sunday, Sept. 4 Babyface, Monica, Mavado, Machel Montano, Tarrus Riley and recently added John Holt and I-Octane will all hit the stage in true reggae festival style at the outdoor venue, Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.  As a family friendly event, children under 12 are free, for additional details and ticket information click here.

The artist line up for 5 Alarm Blaze looks like you may get exhausted (in a good way) so make sure you have enough energy for this concert/party Sunday, Sept. 4. Damian & Stephen Marley, Elephant Man, Mr Vegas, Bunji Garlin, Faye-Ann Lyons, Lyrikal, TallPree, Serani, Ding Dong, Ricky Blaze & more will perform Sunday night, Sept. 5 at Webster Hall.

Taking in the parade on Monday, Sept. 5 is a must! Whether you are playing mas or watching from the sidelines, the West Indian American Day parade is a great time to see Caribbeans coming together carnival style. The elaborate costumes, the music blasting from huge speakers, the flags waving, hips gyrating … and the food!  It’s a great time for newbies to experience Carnival culture and if you’re not into the parade you can always participate in J’Ouvert to see the floats setting up. Check out the West Indian American Day Carnival Association for parade route and details.

If you’re not too tired, head to lower Manhattan for Rice and Peas Party. The Labor Day edition of the monthly party kept every first Monday of the month is sure to be filled with good vibes to close out your Caribbean weekend.

For additional parties and events going on this weekend check out sites like Trini Jungle Juice, DatzWhatzUp and Event Bug.

Stay tuned for the my NY Carnival Survival Kit, everything you need to survive this weekend!

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Being a writer is one thing. Publishing a book is another story. For young writers the competition continues to grow.  Although many choose to go the self publishing route, there are still rules to that game as well. For Caribbean novelists the competition is no different, in fact the barrier to entry may be higher since there limited publishing resources within the region and international publishers are hesitant to enter into a region to which they have no expertise.

Having the skills to create a story and a company that believes in your project is key to having a successful book career. For Caribbean based writers Miller Publishing LLC, recently founded by Roshane Miller, is a professional publishing resource for writers looking to take their career to the next level. The Jamaican based publishing company offers a wide range of publishing services including writer workshops, marketing and distribution. In an intimate Q&A Roshane we discuss his humble beginnings in publishing, Jamaica’s publishing industry and what he can offer Caribbean writers who want to be published. (Continue reading for a chance to win a ticket to Miller Publishing’s “Becoming an Author” workshop)

Style & Vibes: How did you get into publishing?

Roshane Miller: I grew up reading. I frequented second hand bookstores and traditional bookstores. My friends and I read and built conversations around those experiences. I knew I wanted to write and wanted to help others develop their own work.

It started in the late 1990s with a dream of being in charge of my high school’s newspaper and I gained a more distinct profile in 2004 when I started to prepare a manuscript for publication. From 2009-2011, I worked in various positions at the management level in areas unrelated to publishing — I managed an art gallery in the states, at a large commercial bank and then moved on to be in-charge of a campus of a private school — this jolted me! Why was I so eager to live the dream of others? Why not live my own dream? I started Miller Publishing in January of 2011.

Books, writing, training, marketing, distribution; I’ve always been interested in. So with years of different experiences and a boost of faith I went for it. I actually knew it would happen. I was only unsure of the timing. Looking back, it seems that I had always made strides in publishing, but now my inner publisher was awakened!

S&V: Tell me about the mix of authors you work with, different genres and how that came about (education, fiction, non-fiction, children’s etc.)

RM: We have started work with authors in the fantasy genre —poets, short story writers and novelists. Fiction, and especially fantasy, in Jamaica, does not have sufficient outlets.

Our core team has a distinct interest in this genre and this directly impacts the type of submissions — though we do invite authors from other genres to engage us.

Interestingly, we have authors who have engaged us from as far away as the United States and even further, Dubai. We hope to help authors from across the globe in their pursuits in publication.

S&V: Tell me about your writing workshops and how you help authors get published.

RM: We have different training initiatives. We have an initiative to reach out to high school students to help develop their writing skills and techniques. We have an initiative with tertiary level students to help prepare them for the world of publishing from the business end. We also have a general gathering known as the Writers’ Circle. This last initiative is for everyone, and is an empowerment session where we share information from different perspectives and experiences in hopes of developing all those in attendance.

We have specialized training sessions for companies as well as private persons. We are also working on community initiatives.

S&V: Do you work directly with the schools in Jamaica, if so tell me about the importance of you working with the schools in Jamaica (and throughout the Caribbean) to promote a variety in literacy.

RM: Miller Publishing  is committed to engaging young adults. We believe that working with this group helps in national and regional development efforts—we basically try to assist before problems manifest.

We want schools to contact us to learn more about our programs and how they can get their students involved. For the academic year starting in September 2011 we will be approaching schools to layout some of our initiatives.

S&V: What are some of the issues that come with being an author in the Caribbean and how does your publishing company assist with that?
 
RM: Many authors from the region find it hard to write about experiences outside their own island. We find many persons struggle to produce work that appeals to a wide audience. Miller Publishing tries to expose our clients to different forms of expression through interactive sessions. We also allow the writers to learn from each other by encouraging participation and open discussion in the training sessions. The product must be dynamic, multi-layered and easily assimilated!

S&V: What are some of the most prominent writing topics and trends you see from up coming authors?

RM: Many young adult writers deal with relationships, platonic, familial and intimate. We find that many authors write from a place of personal experience. Sometimes this is expressed through the use of fantasy, involving creatures and magic — there is a trend of vampires, werewolves and things of that nature. However, the major themes remain present — love, lust, envy, jealousy, betrayal, redemption and justice to name a few.

S&V: What’s the publishing industry like in Jamaica (how is it different or similar to that of the states)?

RM: The publishing landscape in Jamaica is dominated by educational publishing houses. We are trying to invigorate the industry and help propel a growing sub-section. We also believe that the distribution of books to larger markets is also an issue.

S&V: Do you think that there are any misconceptions when if comes to novels written by Caribbean authors?

RM: No I do not. I don’t think that avid readers or readers in general focus on an author’s geographical location. If anything Caribbean literature, (used to mean literature that originates in the Caribbean and not necessarily literature about the Caribbean) especially our new forms of fiction, that have a greater impact from globalization, are easier assimilated into international markets.  Authors need only write at an international standard; a standard to which all other great authors from across the world are held.

Readers give us a fair chance. I think that we need to understand the pitfall of writing for ones self and not for ones audience. An author does not have to sacrifice all his/her experiences but should endeavor to write in a way that others, not from the same geographical or cultural background, can readily understand.

I also believe that we should also be more strategic in our packaging — book design.

S&V: E-book are all the craze in the U.S. do you foresee that trend in the Caribbean, especially via mobile applications?

RM: It has already begun. Markets around the world are receptive to electronic formats for books. We can work with authors on how they can explore this further.

 S&V: On an international level, how do you propose Caribbean writers garner the attention of the Diaspora?

RM: The Diaspora is already eager to see the material that comes from their home country and the region at large. The international markets simply respond to well crafted and marketable literature. The ball is in the authors’ court; along with their publishing team.
 
S&V: Do hardcore street literature authors and traditional authors clash in terms how they are viewed amongst the community?

RM: The ’street material’, I take to mean raw, unedited material from ones personal experience, has a market but it may not have as wide a market as work that is refined with a cosmopolitan audience in mind.

S&V: What is the best advice you could give to a young Caribbean author?

RM: The advice I would give to a Caribbean author is the same advice I would give to all authors, find a publishing house that works extensively in your genre or has a similar mission or has a team that will be dedicated to your project.

Additionally, I would recommend them getting out of the habit of introducing themselves as ‘Caribbean’ authors, unless it suits their purpose in that particular instance. Be strategic in your endeavors — this is what you love, do it properly and professionally, you are aiming to be a world class author!

S&V: Who are some of the promising writers you like from the region?

RM: There are quite a few and it would seem a bit unfair to mention some and not all. We at Miller Publishing commend the strides being taken across the region and encourage readers from all over to support where possible! The next JRR Tolkein, JK Rowling, Stephen King or Anne Rice is here in the region. Authors should continue to work hard and understand that it may take a few tries before getting a number one seller; perseverance is key!

S&V: Do you have any upcoming events?
RM: Yes, we have a major event in September. It is an initiative by one of our subsidiaries, The Miller School, it is called ‘Becoming an Author’. This is a seminar for writers and those who are contemplating writing. It provides persons with essential information about publishing.

For more information visit Miller Publishing’s Facebook Page , Follow them on Twitter:  @MillerPublish and @TheMillerSchool. Visit the Miller Publishing Giveaway for your chance to win a free ticket to Miller Publishing ’s “Becoming an Author” workshop.  Additionally visit their website for a  calendar of events will be posted soon on our website.

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Caribbean crafts are a rich part of the culture that is sometimes overshadowed by music and travel. Caribbean artisans create fine handmade pieces that are sometimes only found when on vacation. Design Caribbean is a trade show for Caribbean designers and artisans who make handmade merchandise like jewelry, ceramics and home furnishings to meet with potential buyers (wholesale and retail).

Design Caribbean is the region’s largest trade show displaying the Caribbean’s finest handmade designs and innovative products onto the world stage.

Encapsulating the spirit of design to celebrate the ‘beautiful,’ our event takes place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from Sept. 1-4, 2011. Showcasing a broad product range of handmade quality products, it will connect artists to buyers, and design enthusiasts from the Caribbean region, North America and Europe.  Design Caribbean visitors will come away with a true sense of the diversity and splendor that breathes vibrancy into the Caribbean region.

Design Caribbean is organized by Caribbean Export, a trade and promotion organization with 15 state regions, whose mandate is to “take Caribbean excellence to the world.”

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How could the foodie in me not have found this site sooner! I came across Caribbean Pot through the Uncommon Caribbean (another blog I recently found through twitter) as soon as I clicked on the site’s Youtube page I instantly became hungry. Soups, stews and vegetarian dishes all seem quite yummy to me. Chris De La Rosa offers a variety of recipes for dishes with a Caribbean flavor and not just one particular island in mind.  I think I’m going to try this Island Stew Chicken with Chick Peas soon. Check out this Steamed Fish recipe.

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