Love Note 2015- Hater Alert!!!

I haven't posted in awhile but I couldn't allow the year to end without doing so. I'm going to keep this one nice and short.

Hate is a strong word so i'll say that I strongly dislike people who are always feeling sorry for them self. Too many people have what I call the woe is me complex, thinking constantly that the world owes them something. These people are always acting has if those who make it to the top only got there because they were cheated, never taking responsibility for the fact that they stopped working hard a long time ago. Too many people believe they're the only ones that have down days so they sit back being lazy while envying people who push through their hard times and make something out of nothing. ‎

I strongly dislike people who never take responsibility for the fact they wasted time in school or wasted the time they could have spent perfecting their talents. I strongly dislike people who somehow still manage to believe they deserve hand outs because it's everyone else's fault and not that they created the mess that is their life themselves.

Enough!!! Get up!!! Stop wallowing in hate or as Jamaicans would say BAD MIND. Enough of making people who work hard feel like they owe you something or they were not deserving of their hard earned sucess. In other words stop being hater. Enough of depending on others (the government, your family, your boss, coworkers or friends) to fix the problems you created. Enough of doubting that you can change your situation and make something of your life. It is never too late for change, it is never too late to own your mistakes. At the end of the day even 

if you were cheated, even if some one dealt you a band hand, even if some one knocked you down you are the only person who can decide if you will stay down. 

‎#HappyHolidays   #YaRoneEntertainment

#LoveNote

Stop looking for some one just to change your relationship status or your financial situation. Choose a partner who brings out the best in you, some one who wants to know your mind, your heart and your soul as much as they want to know your body. Find some one who values every moment you spend with them even if it's just a walk down the road from your home or one minute conversation on the phone. Find some one who appreciates every gift they receive from you even if it's  a wild flower you picked on your way to meet them. Be with some  one you want to spend the rest of your life with the one who wants to spend the rest of their life with you. Love is is two way street so if you are invested and your partner is not then your wasting time. Be with some one you can build with, some one you can dream with because if you can't see yourself marrying and growing old with the person in your life then you are with the wrong one.  Find a partner who doesn't want your relationship to be a dog and pony show for social media likes and comments but some one who values the privacy and sanctity of your "coupledom". I'm not saying there is anything wrong with posting a picture of a moment shared with your significant other occasionally but let's keep it real some people especially women tend to over do the "relationship posts".

Relationships are hard work. If you are in it for the wrong reasons then it will never go the distance and if it ends up where you'd like, if  you can't put in the work necessary your relationship will never last.

#PowHerTalk Launch Highlights.

Krystal Tomlinson on Wednesday October 7th launched her #PowHerTalk series under the theme "Ladies of today, leaders of tomorrow #MakeItHappen" at the University of the West Indies, Taylor Hall. The series is aimed at empowering and encouraging young women; providing them with a space where they can learn, voice their opinions, concerns and gain advice from each other and from women of excellence across different fields.

The guest speakers were all  late and usually waiting would annoy me to the core but I appreciated the fact that all the speakers are hard working women juggling a thousand things all at once but still found a way to make being at the PowHerTalk happen.  If the young women present were not inspired and empowered by just that realization they were not really paying attention.

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The ‎#PowHerTalk featured Senator Imani Duncan-Pryce, journalist Janella Precius and Media personality and event organizer Krystal Tomlinson. Lady Saw was also slated to speak but had to pull out at the last minute.  Each had some amazing things to say, however I'll be highlighting some of my favorite points from each speech. 

Senator Imani Duncan-Pryce was the first speaker and she  was very candid about her professional and personal life. In other words- she kept it all the way real. I honestly didn't expect her to be as open as she was. I'm sure many people when they hear a politician or business person will be giving a speech expect boring and stuffy but she was far from that.  She spoke on the role of women in business, politics and in the home. She informed the audience that though Jamaica has one of the highest percentage of females in management positions many are still being payed less than their male counterparts simply because they are afraid to negotiate for higher salaries. With that point she encouraged the ladies to be fearless and negotiate for a pay increase. The first step towards doing that she instructed is placing a high value on your qualifications and skills and commanding respect whilst being respectful. She also imparted some words of wisdom to those who aspire to enter the corporate world,  "arrive early to business meetings, sit at the table- in the middle, at the front but never on the outside or at the back." Mrs Duncan-Pryce said doing this will ensure that we are not overlooked when decisions are being made.  She also said that has professional women we should try not to make excuses but find ways to get the job done. Doing this she said will ensure that negative perceptions of what a woman can or cannot do is erased in the workplace. She also advised that in the conference room though it's ok to be nice, as women we should never make it our duty or have the duty thrown upon us to make or serve the coffee or take notes. Senator Duncan-Pryce also advised that when it comes down to personal relationships young women must understand that they should never compromise their personal ambitions for a man. She reflected on ho she learned from making that mistake in her first marriage. She pointed out that a relationship is a partnership and a good man will encourage and empower his woman to achieve her goals. She then went on to speak on how many women have issues with the "boys only club" because they feel its the reason they don't make it to the top of their specific professions. She expressed that there is nothing wrong with the brother hood or "boys only clubs" infact she feels that just like the men have created brotherhood and secret societies (her husband is a member of the Free Mason Society aka Lodge and that revelation sent shock waves through the audience) to support each other so too women should create sisterhoods instead of always trying to tear each other down over trivial things. 

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Krystal Tomlinson was next and her first points were centered around women celebrating each other. I agree whole heartedly with that sentiment because even in the room  I heard young ladies being judgmental of each other, picking away and laughing at simple grammatical errors of those who chose to speak and having issues with those who participated by asking multiple questions. One of my male friends has a favorite quote and he reminds me frequently that he doesn't try to understand women because "women understand women and they hate each other." Sad but this is true sometimes and as Krystal pointed out women tend to hold on to grudges too long and leave University carrying those same hard feelings towards each other into their professional lives not realizing that these are some of the reasons they can't get ahead in their organization. My favorite portion of Krystal's talk was when she told the young ladies to Put some "fleek" on aspects of their life that is of actual importance. I'm sure this resonated with every one in the room. I see where women are caught up in the social media world mainly posting about their hair, their nails, a party they went to or throwing shade at some phatom "hater". All very vain and unecessary in the grand scheme of things. Krystal put  it perfectly we should ensure that our social media reflects more than just vanity. She challenged the young women in the audience to post their goals or instead of posting their new hair style or that new outfit for that party make a post about the A+ they received on a test or term paper. She reminded the University girls that life on campus is not the real world and thus they should try not to be consumed by all the frivolous activities they are presented with each day. She encouraged them to soak up all the knowledge needed for entrance into real world ahead.

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Janella Precius was the nights final speaker. She co-signed some of what Krystal and Imani said before her. Miss Precius said that women should know their worth and the perfect way to do this is to set high standards and stick to those high standards. She too challenged the ladies in in room to value themselves higher than a meal at KFC or a trip to Strawberry Hills. Janella told the story of how for years women in the news room were being handed fluff pieces to report on instead of hard hitting stories people were really interested in hearing. She told how that changed during the Tivoli incursion when the men in her news room were afraid to face the gunshots in West Kingston, she took the reigns and used the opportunity to show that female journalist in Jamaica can do anything the males can do.  What I took from Janella's speech is that when a good opportunity is presented women should ensure that they take full advantage and do our best to always  "shock the system".

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I can say honestly that it was good for me to have been at this event. The PowHerTalk was entertaining, informative and empowering. Congratulations Krystal on the launch of what I know is set to be a great series. I look forward to the next installment.  #PowHerTalk #MakeItHappen. 

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Love Notes 2015: Put Yourself Out There.

I was at a women's empowerment seminar recently. One of the speakers Jacqui Tyson  spoke about "Not apologizing for your existence." the way she put it -some times our fear causes us to exude this aura of "I'm sorry". It can be in the way that we stand, walk, sit, enter a room or even speak. She said many times we are placed in a position where we can make a first good impression but don't because of fear.  The speaker went on to say her philosophy is different from most. For example, she said she never enters a room and goes to the back. If the room is full she said she prefers to stand to side where she can be seen, she takes every opportunity to ask questions and to put herself in a position where she will always be remembered. Sounds narcissistic but think about it. How many times do we seek out the back; the back of the class room, the back of church, the back of a seminar etc mainly because we feel like if we are at the front we will be seen, we'll be the first to be pointed at. How many times do we refuse to ask questions. Afraid that the question is stupid, afraid of all the people who will be looking at us, afraid of speaking. How many times are we offered an opportunity to attend an event but pass or asked to give a vote of thanks or introduce a speaker but say no because of fear. Being apologetic. How many of us have put have been in situations where we get to network but  introduce ourselves to a business leader.   Truth is many of us often shy away from the aforementioned. ‎

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The message of not being apologetic about my presence and using opportunities has stayed with me. Since then I've been trying to think about all the times and all the ways I've let great opportunities slip away from me becuase I was afraid to be in the front or afraid to ask a question. Sad to say that I've had many of those moments.   I've actually been on a mission to change. I speak up now. Even when I'm filled up with nervous energy shaking in my shoes. I have been to a few networking seminars just so I can practice. If I'm ever in the building with a business leader or a politician I plan to make an amazing first impression. 

So my message to you my readers is stop apologizing for your existence. Stand tall, head up. Put your self out there. Speak without fear at all times. Ask for what you want in a respectful way. Remember that no is never the end of your journey and there is no such thing as a stupid question. The difference between those who are successful and those who are not or are trying to be is that they put them self out there.

#DRS12 Top Two Review.

Digicel Rising Stars final performance show was the show down that I guess every one expected. Anna Mariah walked away with a not too shabby four hundred thousand dollars third place cheque and Marsha K and the "Teach" Jody Kay James were left to battle it out for the top spot. Shaggy was the nights guest judge and Ding Dong was the "Belleh" guest in the Huawei chill room. So each contestant had a chance to wow us three times and below I give you the play by play.

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Marsha started off with a Fantasia cover of "You are Always On My Mind" which was a nice acoustic set, stripped back and sweet. I keep telling people that she has the better vocal technique in the competition based on the riffs, runs and licks she can do and this song was proof of that. I feel like if she was on a Competition like #NBCTheVoice the judges and audience would have had a better appreciation for her performance . Marsha K's second song was supposed to be the song that gave her the most votes in the competition. "Encourage Yourself" the song she did during Gospel week was her choice.  I didn't think that was the song that gave her the most votes though. That title I'd give to "Grown Woman" by Beyonce. When she did that song is when I think Jamaicans realised she had the full package: the voice, the looks and dancing ability..........Back to the song she picked. There were some "struggly" moments. I felt her pushing through whatever vocal difficulty she was facing and the frustration she was feeling. The performance was ok but was amazing the first time around and the judges basically said the same thing. ‎For her final song Marsha K decided to go with he Billboard hit from Miss  #GraceJones "Pull Up To Mi Bumper". Personally I wasn't happy with that song choice.  But I'll put my personal views aside though to say that she performed the hell out of that song. She was sexy not raunchy; did just enough vocally and then wowed us by showing she can DJ just as well as she sings.

Now for Jody Kay. She's Not my favorite but she did well she held her own against the technique that Marsha has.‎

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Jody Kay' s first song was the Jenifer Hudson cover of I'm feeling good by Nina Simone. It was a great song choice. She did well with it I however began to feel her energy come through close to the end and that's when I got into her performance. Her  second song was "All I Could Do Was Cry" by Etta James. It was the song she wowed us all with during the first live show but  I don't know if that was the song that gave her the most votes.  Her performance again was good she excersised vocal control and all the judges agreed it was a good second performance. Jody's  final song was Whitney Houston's "I Get So Emotional" she failed to do what Marsha did for her final song. She didn't perform the hell out it. She tried but as Shaggy said she didn't look comfortable and it did show. There were great moments though and for that I give her props. All the judges agreed that they'd give the third round to Marsha but becuase Jody is a good singer I doubt voters will hold that performance against her.

The Round Up.
The judges said that Jody K is in the lead. But I am not so sure about that. I think it's evenly tied. It wasn't the knockout showdown that I expected to get from these two. I'll say again she isn't my favorite but I feel that Jody K will win #DRS12 because thousands of Teachers in Jamaica are voting for her and the students from STATHS too. At the end of the day the votes is what decides who wins. I see Marsha and Anna going further in the music industry than Jody however becuase they are all round performers. Anna is the creative Edna Manley student an Marsha is the girl with th technique. And both are more versatile than Jody is. I'd like to see Marsha enter the VOICE she has the vocal ability to go far in that competition. Let's see what happens next week when the winner is announced. ‎

Talk Up Yout Season 5 Episode 2 Review- Easy Money.

About The Show

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This was another great topic. I'll say again that I love the new format of the show but I feel this would probably be one of the times where the producers perhaps should have reverted to the original layout just so we all could get insight from some one who was in the business of getting "easy money". We can only assume why people make certain choices so having some who has "been there and done that" would have been great for this topic.  Not every one's story is the same and even a female who had a sugar daddy could better provide us with the reason she headed down that route, what made her give up having a sugar daddy and what she feels could prevent other youths from choosing that life. The panel did however do a good job  bringing some very good points to the fore. 

They all agreed that many want quick cash because they believe that a good education and hard work can not help them achieve their goals. Another point I also agreed with given by Erieka  is that many who cry for more government aid are the same ones who spend what little they have on material things like expensive clothes, bleaching cream and trending technological items. I also agree that Jamaican youths need to have more of an entrepreneurial spirit.  

There were some statements  I didn't agree with though. One of the panelist was of the view that Jamaican youths needed more training opportunities. I didn't agree with that statement because I see where the HEART NTA and the NYS are providing several programs aimed at helping youths who cannot afford traditional tertiary education. I also know too that the YMCA also has training opportunities for those who choose to take advantage. I also didn't agree that for young people who wanted to start a small business there is no avenue for them to get assistance. I have benefited from the JBDC business clinic where I was provided with free one on one business consultation with business strategist and bankers who wer able to suggest business financing options. I have taken advantage of any free networking seminar in order to learn more about starting a business and marketing. So the facilities are available some are just not willing to researh and take advantage of them.

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My Thoughts

We all want to live the fabulous lives of local and international "celebrities". It seems like every ones goal is to become rich socialite. Not many want to be doctors or lawyers anymore. Not many want to obtain a Masters Degree or PhD. Some of us are willing to work hard because we understand that even for those rich and famous people their big house, expensive cars and clothing didn't come about through over night success but through hard work and dedication to perfecting their craft. The rich and famous continue to work hard to maintain their lifestyle. I heard some where once that it's easy to get the money but very hard to keep it.‎ I feel that even if a young man or young lady has a man or woman taking care of his/her daily expenses he/she should still be ambitious enough to save a few dollars, use the help they are getting to further their education or to start a small business. (I'm not talking about under age youths).  Some are smart enough to do so, others however use the financial support they are recieving to buy clothes, go away on weekend trips, party every night and get their hair and nails done every weekend and that's  not smart at all. 

Solutions

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I honestly can't say how this issue can be solved. It's not an issue only affecting the poor youths. Even educated youths are falling into the trap of wanting easy money. It's how many are now being conditioned through the western celebrity culture being portrayed on socia media and reality tv. I believe youths just need to value hard work. Youths need to be inundated with more stories from programs like Profile and Talk Up Yout of those who came from poor back grounds but through education and remaining goal oriented they have made their lives better.

Those who are engaged in illegal activities for easy month need to understand that one day they will g caught and will end up spending time great portion of their lives behind bars or worst and that's a high price to pay.

Youths need more networking opportunities from as early as fifth form so they can build a relationship with prospective employees and prospective business partners. Youths also need to understand the importance of saving and  taking responsibility for their own future. Youths must understand that they have to invest in their their goals from early and not blame or depend on the government or any one else to provide aid after they have wasted time in school and have squandered money. 

Another great episode can't wait to "talk up" on next week's topic. 

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#TalkUpYout Season 5: Episode 1 Review.

"Talk Up Yout" season five episode one aired on Television Jamaica last night and the first topic tackled was the issue of Brain Drain in Jamaica. Before I get into my thoughts on the first episode, I must say as much as Emprezz is one of my favorite media personalities I'm ok with her not being in front of the camera for this season. I enjoyed the new layout of the show; the panel of young minds and the short debate.

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#AboutTheShow

Throughout the entire episode I was yelling at the panel through the TV. My first issue was that they didn't really stick to the definition of Brain Drain which could be defined as highly trained, educated and professional people with specialization in particular fields migrating to other economies for better pay or living conditions. If we are working with a definition similar to that then the panel some what missed the mark if they were even to educate some one who had no knowledge of what "Brain Drain" is and the impact it has on a country. For example, there was mention of students athletes opting to study abroad due to lack of resources in Jamaica. That in my opinion cannot be considered as a "Brain Drain" issue. I stated on twitter that individuals may decide to attend school abroad for a myriad reasons including wanting to be exposed to a different culture or a particular course of interest isn't being offered in the islands universities. I wanted to add that if a student athlete studies abroad but still competes for his/her country the "Brain Drain" wouldn't be happening in this instance.  

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I needed statistics and more proof that Jamaica has a brain drain problem especially as it relates to degree holders and highly trained professionals leaving the island. For instance what number of Jamaican scientists, doctors or engineers left the island over the past five years. Without those stats even during the debate portion of the show i was left not convinced that Jamaica really has a huge Brain Drain problem. Yes, I agree some of our educated people are leaving but is the country really feeling any impact.

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#MyThoughts‎

I feel that Jamaica loses more skilled workers than university graduates. HEART graduates who are trained in hospitality, food and beverage management and  electrical installation and even construction often opt to go to Canada or even to other Caribbean countries to gain employment especially because the Jamaican market is over saturated with those having the same skills set. Again in this regard I'm not sure if "brain draining" would be taking place because the country has hundreds of workers within the tourism industry and students leaving vocational training institutes quarterly that can replace those that are leaving. Many who are leaving are doing so on a temporary basis as they are not being offered permanent residence in these countries. Personally I have a family member who has been living and working in Grand Cayman as a chef for over ten years she was university trained but still Jamaica has no shortage of chefs.‎

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A friend in Jamaica's shipping industry told me recently that his company is losing several of its crane and strad operators monthly to Canada and Dubai and these operators are not University or community college graduates but they do have a specialized skill. His company is spending more money now on training new operators and being less productive daily due to not having experienced strad and crane operating staff and outsourcing workers that really don't put out the same level of productivity those who left use to. This strengthens my point that the Brain Drain may be taking place in Jamaica but skilled and technically trained workers are the ones that are actually leaving. I also see where Jamaica is losing English teachers to countries like China and Japan but we still have a surplus leaving teachers college so again I'm not sure if losing just a small handful of teachers is really a huge problem that falls under the brain drain banner. 

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#Conclusion 

As the program wrapped with the panelists giving their solutions I found my self agreeing with their points.  Adrian suggested that corporate Jamaica should launch a under study internship program that would assist university students regardless of their address to gain valuable work experience and possibly employment. Another panelist made reference to more graduate recruitment programs being needed on the island and less nepotism and cronyism which I believe is the main reason for college and university graduates not gaining even entry level positions in government agencies and companies. 

"Talk Up Yout" season five episode one was a good start to the new season. Congratulations to Stanley and Empress productions. I can't wait to see what next week's topic will be. 

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The Plight of Jamaica's Athlete.

Photo credit: Twitter @jasondadzmorgan 
The Current Situation. 
Some people believe that because some of Jamaica's top athletes get local and international endorsement deals that all of them are earning millions of dollars. Kayon Raynor's interview Thursday night during TVJ Sports News with discuss thrower Jason Morgan and shot putter Odayne Richards, 400 meter runner Dane Hyatt and 400 meter hurdler Leford Green brought to the forefront the lack of support the nation's athletes receive from the Government of Jamaica. The feature helped to answer the question of why those who decided to switch allegiance to other countries made that choice.  I felt Morgan's pain as he shed tears while speaking to Raynor about his rough journey as an athlete and how many times he felt like giving up. The interview put into perspective how much more work the Government and the JAAA needs to put in to ensure that Jamaica does not lose anymore athletes to countries that are willing and able to pay and provide them with necessary benefits so they can perform at their best and survive outside of competition season.

What's Really Happening 
We see our athletes at these meets and we don't  imagine them not being able to do their best because they have a nine to five and supervisor calling them days before a competition to find out when they will be coming back to work. We couldn't guess that for all the pride they bring us some are basically coaching them self because they can't afford a full time coach, paying their own way to different competitions, taking care of medical bills for injuries sustained at meets or during training and just like everyone else they are worried about  how their bills are going to be paid and how they are going to take care of their families. We need not imagine because the reality is the life described is being lived by some of our elite track and field stars.

 What We Think.
As Asafa Powell said in the interview with Kayon Raynor many Jamaicans believe that the nations track and field team is made up of just ten people. Let's keep it real; how many athletes of the forty Asafa says is on Jamaica's track and field  team to the 2015 World Championships to Beijing do many of us know? Fact is, if they aren't breaking records or getting medals many of don't care to know their names. We forget that those at the top were once at the bottom. We assume that because some have endorsement deals and drive flashy cars and live in big houses or own businesses all of them are living that dream life. Many of our high school stars are hurrying to become professional athletes hoping to join the likes of Usain and Shelly- Ann at the top. They don't understand that it will take them sometime to begin earning and I hope after watching the Kayon Raynor feature they are re organizing their goals and setting up a plan B.

 What Next?
 Brand Jamaica needs brand ambassadors and we have plenty talented ones; but brand ambassadors need to get paid. Maybe the money being using to fund large contingent of political representatives to attend these world games should be spent on helping to finance some of the nation's athletes throughout the year. Instead of spending millions to host a big celebration when the athletes return from competition why not put that cash in a trust fund aimed at providing financial aid for the athletes who need it not just those who are still working but those who are retired too. JAAA needs to not make anymore small mistakes that will cause an athlete an opportunity to compete and possibly earn. Corporate Jamaica needs to stop being wagonists and not only sign athlete after they begin winning. The Jamaican athletes at the top won't be at the top forever so private and public sector entities need to start showing that they believe in the future of Jamaican athletics by investing in or adopting an upcoming talent now or we will find in the years to come more of our athletes opting to compete for other countries.

Digicel Rising Stars Season 12- Top 5.

Photo credit: Twitter @televisionjam

Seven became five Sunday night on season 12 of Digicel Rising Stars. Jay Keda was first to go and her exit performance was the hit Major Lazor song "Lean On" there were elements of the performance that made me say "ok maybe she deserved to stay".  We rockitive lovers also had to say good bye to the rock duo Vanity Club who exited the competition with Trey Songs hit single "Slow Motion". During their performance that I  realized that the taller guy in the group has the better voice he definitely sounds like a rocker. It sucks that they're gone but the show must go on as there can only be one winner.

Brick Bronson was the guest judge this week and he didn't mince words at all which I felt was good for the contestants because the music industry is brutal and you have to grow thick skin. Jody K was first up and as usual she  sounded good doing a Rihanna and Sia mash up of "Disturbia" and "Titanium"  she was strong vocal wise and the performance though it was low energy was still good. There was some talk about her not feeling well but honestly who cares. As an entertainer people who pay their money to come s you perform will not care iif you're sick the show must must on no excuses.

Samantha Bogle followed with a dancehall medley of some o the topsongs making huge waves on the Jamaican party scene. The judges didn't like her performance and although I understand why they didn't, I like that Samanth always keeps her song choices Jamaican. I mean the night was themed "Club Night" and Samantha was the only one that actually selected songs that are Jamaican club bangers. 

 Roshelle Harris was the nights third contestant she selected did Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood".  She started off rocky and then she decided to do the rap portion of the song and that  killed the entire performance for me and for the judges. By the time she was near the end she was all over the place trying make up for th rocky start and baad rapping but she couldn't deliver flawlessly. Marsha K came out hot as ever and killed her performance!! She had me saying "Jody Who???". She brought sex appeal, strong vocals, hit the runs and riffs in the song beautifully, kept her energy up right through and managed to sound almost like the original singer of the song she selected.  Last but definitely not least was Anna Mariah who was back in fighting shape this week with "Bang Bang". She looked fabulous sang well and nailed the Nicki Minaj verse. Although she didn't manage to hit Jesse J's high note leading into the final chorus she did a spectacular job to reclaim her position as part of the top three favorites. 

***Side bar- I loved how edgy the fashion was from Terri-Karrelle's little black dress to Anna's colorful ensemble.

I don't want to underestimate Roshelle and Samantha but I feel that we have a winner between Jody, Marsha and Anna Mariah. I definitely see a future in the music industry for these three they have the look, the confidence and the vocal ability. Samantha I feel is a strong contender but she has failed to deliver consitently good vocals. The votes are what matters at the end of the day so let's see who will go home or who will be saved next Sunday. Until then thank you for reading and please leave a comment. ‎

Love Note: Phantom Social Media Foes.

   

I haven't written a "Love Note" article in awhile. What I'm going to address is something different from what I usually write about. I have noticed a trend on social media where people are always using memes to throw shade or making posts out of nowhere directed at their "enemies" or so called "haters". I've seen people direct posts at their ex who may or may not care about what that person is doing or with whom. I feel that majority of the time some of these posts are actually fake, directed at some phantom person. I also believe that people create these illusions of conflicts so that their mentions can filled with retweets and there instagram and Facebook pages can be filled with likes and comments on why the post is the "realest thing ever". In other words, some people can't go a day without having some level of drama in their life so they use social media to create drama where it does not exist. Isn't that sad?  I would really like to see an end to all the social media fake battles/drama. So I challenge all the guilty parties out there, the next time you feel like posting something that has nothing to do with your reality ask yourself these three questions:

1. Why is it so important to have people on my time line believe that I just have more enemies than everyone else?

2. If I really do have enemies that I'm making these posts for and about why are these people still my social media friends and if they are not then why am I about to waste time making this post ?

3. If I am having issues with a family member, an ex girl or boyfriend or a friend, why can't I have a one on one conversation with the individual instead of airing the problem on social media and throwing "shade" at the person?

If you can't find some good answers to these three simple questions it means that you are about to post some fake sh*t or you are just crazy looking for attention. The next time you feel like making a post directed towards an individual who may or may not be hating on you for what you supposedly have or the life you are currently living why not post instead:

1. The good things actually happening  in your life. That will get you the same amount of likes as a fake post about made up haters.

2. Post a thank you or a message of appreciation to all the good people in your circle who are always lifting you up. That too will keep your your timeline active with likes and comments if that's what you really want.

3. Make your status a motivational quote for those who may be in need of a message of hope to help them get through the day. You can find positive and empowering memes online too.

4. Inbox the person who you are having issues with and seek to find a resolution in private. You don't need to always put those you are having conflict with on blast.

5. If some one has a problem with you for no real reason you need not waste a moment of your precious time paying attention to what does not bring value to your life. If you have haters it means you are doing something right. Side bar: sometimes it means you are doing something wrong too but either way people are going to talk so let them talk.

People, life is way too short to keep dwelling on negative things and negative people. So what if no one likes your pictures, so what if your ex is stalking all your social media accounts? Seek not to be messy seek not to waste your energy on trivial matters. Live a clean life online and off line.

Thank you for reading.
Love: Yasheka.

Digicel Rising Stars Season 12- Movie Night.

         

Photo credit: Twitter @televisionjam

This week the result or elimination round had a twist Jay Keda and Anthony Miller's wild card Amoui were the two with the lowest votes thus were set to face off to see who would remain in the competition. They both sang the songs they did the week before. Amoui was first up and I thought she sounded much better last week. She had some pitch problem and went off key especially when she was ad-libbing near the end. Jay Keda sounded better this week so I thought she was the clear the winner. With Anthony choosing his wild card as the winner of the face off Alaine was left to break the tie and with her selection Jay Keda was left to fight another night.

If last week wasn't enough with the contestants being judged by a celebrity choreographer, added to the panel this week was singer,actor and music producer Bryce Wilson. I like this element and I hope it continues.The night was all about movies. I expected some great song choices from movies most Jamaicans would know but as usual contestants went for songs they felt people know and would guarantee them votes. Anthony's critisms was true to his "Killer Miller" nickname. Some of his comments were cringe worthy though so thank God for Alaine who was the reassuring voice.

First up was Marsha K  with a song from the movie Thunderdomes "We Don't Need Another Hero" by Tina Turner. I'm not sure ho many Jamaicans even know that movie or that song but any ways- she started off key which all the judges made mention of. Her raspy undertones were reminiscent of Tina but that still wasn't enough for me to love her song choice. On a scale of 1-10 I'd give her 6. Vanity Club the only males left in the competition followed and they decided to sing  Aero Smith's "Don't Want To Miss A Thing" from the movie Armageddon. I'm eztremely happy and I'm sure everyone who loves rockitive and have been rooting for this duo like myself must be over the moon too becuase  they did very well they really rocked out. Anthony Miller who has been very critical of them gave the duo thumbs up for their song choice, performance and even their style. I loved their song and I thought they delivered it well.

Anna Mariah took her song from the movie Pursuit of Happiness. The track was "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Roberta Flack. She was a vision in the light blue or mint green chiffon dress she wore but all the judges agreed that she didn't pull them in as much as they needed her to. That song if delivered correctly could move even the hardest of hearts to tears. Remember how Tessanne sounded when she did that song on The Voice. I think Anna selected the song becuase of the Tessanne factor. I agree with guest judge Bryce that technically she was good but the emotion and passion she needed to have inorder to reach the audience just wasn't there. I wish she had left that song for maybe gospel night. Anna is still one of my favorites in the competition though so hopefully J.A. will not hold this week's song choice against her.

Jay Keda was next and she did her best with  "Lady Marmalade" from the sexy movie Mula Rouge. My face was doing all kinds of things during her performance. Yes she started off sexy but then the back up vocalist were left to do most of the work and carry song. She selected a song that she could have put a fabulous arrangement to but didn't. It felt Karaoke to me and I think the problem was that she didn't do the Christina Aguilera version of the hit song. Roshelle Harris sang "The Climb" from Hannah Montanna:The Movie. This young lady has a powerful voice but her rendition of the song was just boring. I actually like this Miley Cyrus song but Miss Harris sounded almost like she was leading a high-school graduation song. The judges all felt that though it was an ok performance the song didn't do much for them and I have to agree.

Roxy J sang "Victory" from the movie Gospel. What can I say about her performance that I haven't said already. (See previous reviews). I Agree with Anthony she does the same thing vocally every week it's getting really tiresome. She needs to learn vocal control or dynamics. She wasn't victorio selecting
that song. Roxy was pretty off key from start to finish the song sounded weird. Jody Kay James sang "Free Way of Love" by Aretha Franklin. The song has been featured in the movie "Pink Cadillac". Before I could
write that hers was the best performance of the night I wanted to hear what Samantha Bogle was coming with. Samantha sang one of my favorite love songs "Thousand Years" from the Twighlight Movie. I love the song so much so that I used it for my bridal march. I like Samantha she can sing, she has one of the best tones in the competition in my opinion and I tried to love her rendition of that Christina Perri song but it didn't connect. She needed to be softer so that the tone of the song would feel more beautiful. Maybe if she had just stood behind the mic stand instead of walking out the outcome of her performance would have been different. That takes me back to Miss Jody Kay I can safely say without a doubt that hers was the top performance for the night from start to finish she had my attention, she delivered vocally and she captured the essence of the song.

People will vote not necessarily for the best but I think Roxy J and Roshelle may end up in the bottom two next week. As usual Terri looked great, Alaine's hair style and color looked fabulous on her. The Chill room was fun this week so kudos to Sanjay. Let's see what next week brings.

#DRS12 80's Theme.

Photo credit: Television Jamaica Twitter

I still cannot believe I missed the Reggae and dancehall theme last week. From the highlights I can tell I missed out on a good show. Ashanie Reid was the one eliminated from the recap I thought she sounded ok but the voters decided so that's that.
It was the final wild card battle and up was Anthony Miller's selections Denna and Amoui. The song was not the best for a battle but I like Amoui straight away and Anthony chose her as the winner of the battle.
Music from the 80's was the nights theme and the guest judge was Tanisha choreographer to the stars. I honestly expected that there was going to be more dancing but instead there was lots of bad song choices, poor vocals and lackluster performances.

Teacher Jody Kay James was first up and she sang a very old boring 80's ballad "I'm Changing" she sang beautifully and looked great but I hated that song as did Anthony and Conroy.

Roxy J who was brought back by Alaine last week sang "Make It Like it Was" by Regina Bell. I remember  Lenya Wilks did this song when she entered and sang it much better than Roxy did and was voted off so let see if Roxy J will be saved by votes next week. I didn't like her vocal performance any at all she maybe because it was pitched too low and her already deep voice sounded very rough.

Vanity Club gave us their rendition of "I'll be Watching You" by Police I wish they didn't choose that song. All the judges agreed that there was a disconnect. The amount of good rock songs from the 80's they could have done Ahh boii I still wana see them in the competition though.

Roshelle Harris gave the first upbeat 80's performance and honored the late Whitney Houston on her birthday with "How Do I Know". It was a great song choice she just needed to smile more and if she had some back up dancers and good choreography would have landed her the top spot for the night.

Jay Keda gave her rendition of  Phill Collins " Against All Odds" but it wasn't the right song for her and all the judges pretty much said so too. They didn't enjoy her performance of that song and as much as that's one of my favorite Phill Collins songs I didn't like her performance either.

Anthony's Wild Card Amoui Ashman sang Madonna's  "Like A Prayer" her voice was ok but the performance didn't grab me.

The seventh contestant Samantha Bogle happy she did an upbeat track but she could have done more with the track her vocal performance was good apart from one awkward note near the end. The judges all agreed that the song didn't go anywhere and the movements were safe.

Conroy's wild card Marsha K sang "Total Eclipse" of the heart in some parts of the song I agree with Conroy that she had moments in the song where she sounded like Bonnie Tyler I agree with guess judge Tanisha that good vocals doesn't a good performance make. Engage the audience make eye contact that makes 100% of a difference when on stage. That was the lesson tonight also tuck in your stomach and smile when hitting hig notes.

The best was saved for last. When Anna Mariah took the stage I sent out a tweet asking that she would perform the hell out of the song and she did. She embodied that Thriller video by Michael Jackson and though I agree with guest judge Tanisha that parts of the performance sounded and looked like musical theatre all the judges and I agree that she was definitely the best performer of the night.

Over all this may just have been the worst week since season twelve started. Hopefully next week will be much better.

Digicel Rising Stars- Top 8 Review.

Photo credit: Twitter: @televisionjam

Terri Karrelle stepped out in a gorgeous pink skater or what I call doll dress to announce the voters who won prizes and also to bring the news of the two contestants from the prior weeks top ten who had been eliminated. Chosen and the duo Universe and Almando were sent home. I can't say that I'm surprised even though I thought Chosen had their school votes. Oh well doubt any of them will be brought back as wild cards.

The wild card battle was brought back this year I was one of the majority who believed that was an excellent addition to the competition last year.  Abigail and Marsha-Kay were set to battle it out to be Conroy's Wild card. Hands down from the first note I gave the win to Marsha Kay who was the better singer and held her composure through out the song and Conroy thought so too and named her the winner of the face off and thus his wild card.

The top eight were now ready to take the stage and Samantha Bogle was the opener. First let me say I hated I her outfit the shoes especially. She sang Jasmin Sullivan's "I Bust The Windows Out Your Car". If you know that song any at all then you'd know she needed to sing with passion and be able to do the runs as well. She also needed to bring a lot of  dynamics. Though Samantha has strong voice she didn't manage to bring a lot to the song. I didn't get why she needed that piece of steal as prop either. The judges all agreed this week wasn't her best performance. I still believe though she is one of the top contenders. Jay Keda was the second performer. Her song choice was "Wide Awake" by Katy Perry. I thought it was an ok performance nothing really to rave about with her performance. Ashanie Reid was next and she chose "Only Girl In The World" by Rihanna. Now I remember when Tash did that song she gave pure energy and performed throughout the song. Ashanie needed to bring a similar energy she is a good singer but like #AnthonyMiller I think she lacked personality and I also agree with Alaine that her outfit (that  dress with those sneakers) was not cute at all. She didn't impress me with her laid back rendition of the song.

The fourth contestant was the rockitive duo Vanity Club and they  performed "Shut Up and Dance With Me" by Walk The Moon. I secretly want this group to come out on top, simply because Jamaicans need to be more open to listening their own entertainers who want to do more than just dancehall and reggae. Vanity Club singing was way ahead of the track in some parts but their harmonies made the song sound great. I enjoyed their song choice and their rendition of it. Marsha K, Conroys Wild Card, took on Miss Tessane Chin's song  "Tumbling Down" and she was fabulous. She had a Great tone and she neva go Karaoke with the song she actually brought her own sound to it. I absolutely appreciated that. Marsha maybe a wild card but with her vocals and composure on stage she could be in the running for the first palce.  The Biology teacher Jody Kay James was the sixth contestant to take stage and she decided to take on Queen Beys "Best Thing I Never Had". Let's me keep it real she sang well from the first note to the last. But hers wasn't the stand out performance for the night even though I have her as a favorite.

Roshelle Harris the seventh contestant to perform  sang Arianna Grande's chart topping hit "Break Free" I liked the beginning maybe because I like that song but then she messed and I started listening out for more mistakes. I appreciated how she caught herself like a professional would. She has great vocals though but like the judges seh she needed more energy for that song and her look for the night made her seem way older than seventeen. Roxy J took the stage next and like Conroy I don't know what to say about her performance. Roxy J I understand that you a Christian and you want to stick to only Gospel songs but you could have selected a better song. I don't even know where she found that Destiny's Child gospel song. There are numerous songs that I would called "Pop Gospel" for this challenge she could have done #MaryMary "God In Me" or do a Kirk Franklin, Israel Haughton or even a Tye Tribbet song. Maybe the Christians will vote her back or her church will pick up an offering for her but after this week's song choice I think Roxy will be going home.

Dare I say the best was left for last. Anna Mariah stepped out like cat woman in a black jump suit and performed the hell outa Sia's "Chandelier" before she started I tweeted a small prayer- "Please let Anna Mariah hit the high notes." because not every singer can hit the high notes in the chorus of that song. Anna did not only hit the notes on point she also brought her own vocal styling and ad lips to the song. Conroy and Alaine found Anna's performance near perfect commenting only on her not reaching out more to the audience. Anthony on the other hand thought the performance placed her in third. Honestly don't know what Anthony talking about Anna Mariah sang well and looked good doing it she was the best performer for the night.

The night had some hits and just three misses in my opinion. But overall I enjoyed the show. Next week is all about Alaine's wild card face off. Can't wait.

#DRS12 Top 10.

           

Photo credit: Twitter @televisionjam

Let me be honest I missed the elimination round and the first contestant performance because I tuned in late. However, from the recap and based on the social media commentary I have read I feel I can safely say Rochelle can sing and seemed to have done the song that she selected justice. (I will watch the repeat on Tuesday evening and edit this post accordingly.)  Love Cherine Anderson will miss her but still great having Alaine back she is just always upbeat when she speaks you can't help but laugh.

 Anna-Mariah was the second performer for the night but was the first contestant I got to see. She gave with a rendition of  Chaka Khan's "Through The Fire." I loved her red jump suit so bravo to the stylist she looked good and bravo to her because she sang really well. "I Want You to Need Me" by Celine Dion was the song selected by the next contestant Ashanie Reid. I thought that was an excellent song choice for her and all the judges agreed that she did well. Universe and Almando presented us with the first Reggae song of the night performing "Love and Affection" by Pressure. Anthony thought they weren't in the girls league and that it wasn't too late for the singer to drop the guitar player. The singing was average but this week I could actually hear the chords Almando was playing different from the track. I still feel that everyone is waiting to see the guitarist do more than just play. Hopefully if they stay in the competition he'll show that he can actually sing by either harmonizing with Universe or taking on a verse.

The fifth contestant was the duo Vanity Club who gave us a very confusing Marroon Five mash up. Alaine felt that it was because they couldn't hear the track. Again there is something about these two that I like and maybe it is because I love rockitive music so much. However I feel that a better song choice would have probably worked out better for them. The rock or alternative rock collection of music is so wide and amazing.  Jay Keda was up next and she is a  beautiful girl with a great voice. I agree with Conroy though that it wasn't a great vocal performance but she still did well. I hoped that Chosen were going to be better this week they were not. Performed Air Supply's "All Out of Love" with harmonies that were not tight they really need to get it together. If they come next Sunday then I'm gonna call it that they will finish in the top three because their Meadow Brook High family are definitely voting.

Samantha Bogle was the only other contestant to sing a reggae song she performed Tarrus Riley Back Bitter she did an excellent job, showed that she is a versatile artiste hers was my favorite performance for the night.  Rocsi J tried to give it her all with a rendition of "Believe" by Fantasia. I'm going to say again- yes she can sing but because her voice is so big she needs to learn how to soften up a little bit in parts. The final contestant for the night was Jody Kay James who sang Pink's "Try"  she did do the Tessanne Chin version of the song though. The performance aspect of it was too much like Tessane's Voice audition but I still enjoyed it. I didn't agree with the judges that hers was the stand out performance of the night.

So as usual I'm going to call it like I see it. Chosen,
Universe and Almando may be heading home. As
much as I love Vanity Club's musical style I also feel that based on their performance tonight they may get low votes and end up going home. Hope not though.
The show tonight was great the talent this year.

*Side bar* Terri- Karrelle looked absolutely gorgeous from head to toe. Loved her dress.

#DRS12- Live Show Two Review.

     

Photo credit: @televisionjam (Twitter) 

 
Digicel Rising Stars second live studio show started off with the judges giving their take on the first live show. Cherine kept it real saying she only felt there were three strong contenders from the previous week, Anthony said he liked Jody Kay and Conroy felt like they were all were good. Kadisha Christie and Rebecca Bissoon. If you read my review last week I called it that Kadisha would be eliminated honestly thought Rebecca had a shot at staying but Jamaica voted and she was given the boot.

Jay Q was first up with the Taurus Riley version of Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" he has a good voice but his performance was border line boring not sure what more he could have done with that song though. All the judges agreed that his performance was too laid back. Following Jay Q was Negril girl Abigail Arthurs with her rendition of Adele's "Set Fire To The Rain". That song is one of my favorites. I know every word, every run and every riff in that song so I know Miss Abigail messed up some of the words but I'll give her a pass and boil it down to nerves and  she does have good voice. The third contestant for the night was entertainment coordinator at Royaltan Jay Keda with Tina Turner's "What's Love Got To Do With It". She has a nice voice and great look. The song choice was ok, the performance though good still lacked something.

Seventeen year old St Ann girl Roshelle Harris took the stage next and tried to wow us with Jennifer Hudson's song from the Dream Girls Movie "You're Gonna Love Me". Roshelle can sing and she emoted well. All the judges even Anthony thought her performance was good. Cherine gave the young singer some extra great advice telling her it was ok to look and act seventeen and I agree completely she definitely didn't look seventeen. The fifth contender was Roxy J she sang Ce Ce Winans "Mercy Said No". She had a big voice with great vocal control. With time she will learn how to give softer variations through out her performances and better mic control. The song was perfect for her and not just because she's a Christian. Anthony Miller (no surprise) wasn't feeling the Gospel and felt like Roxy J's big voice drowned him in the blood of Jesus and he didn't mean that in a good way. Side note Roxy was the best dressed for the night from her hair to her shoes.

The 6th contestant was a duo from Browns Town St. Ann Vanity Club (not sure they are sure how they came up with the group name) they gave us a rockitive performance with a rendition of Pink's "Please Don't Leave Me". Conroy and Cherine loved their harmonies and I loved that they came with some alternative rock music. There was some parts of the performance that was off to me but for the most part they were ok.  The final contestant for the night was Anna-Mariah from Retirement in St James. She sang Whitney Houston's "All The Man I Need" and the producer really saved the best for last this time. Not every one can take on a Whitney song be she did very well with the high notes and introduced Jamaica to her beautiful tone and technique. She is my pick for best vocals and best performer for the night I know she will be apart of next week's top ten.

Apart from Anna-Mariah I think Roshelle, Vanity Club and Roxy J will make it into the top ten Jay Keda may be voted back but let's see. It was a good show and the talent this week was just a little bit better than the previous week.

YaRone Artiste Spotlight- Khalilah Rose

                   
Photo Credit: Khalilah Rose Facebook.

Jamaican roots Reggae artiste Khalilah Rose is embarking on a musical journey and blazing a path to success with songs like "Weep Not" and many more powerful songs that touch on love, politics and other social issues. We had a few questions for this regal and beautiful singer songwriter and we are excited to share her answers with you in her own words in her own voice.

1.When were you introduced to music and who do you give credit for the introduction? 
Answer: I am not sure who introduced me to music. I am a part of a family that loves music. I am certain I was introduced in the womb. My father was instrumental as he was the first to put me in front of an audience to sing, when I was 3 or 4 years old. Singing "I'm going to sing for my lord" is one of my first childhood memories. I can also recall daddy selecting music.

2. How would you describe your self and your music style?  
Answer: I love to stand out in a crowd. I don’t appreciate being like anyone else. I embrace being unique, being that black sheep. I would describe myself as a very expressive and opinionated human being. I believe in fighting for equality, justice, truths and rights. I am an advocate for those of us who are constantly trampled on by the terrible powers that be. Presently, music is my weapon and the means to fight iniquity. The music I make is a reflection of this spirit within me. My musical style is empowerment. I am not afraid to take risks expressively.

3. When did you begin your journey into the music industry? OR When did you realize you wanted to have a career in music? 
Answer: I realized I wanted to have a career in music when I was about 6 or 7. I just loved to sing. I began my real journey into the music industry about 9 years ago and that's when I really decided to record and market the music on a next level.

4. Who are your biggest music influences? 
Answer: My greatest music influences are my team and my daughter. They all push me. They believe in the music. Anytime I tell my daughter that I want to leave the music industry she is at the verge of tears. As for my team, just seeing all the work they do and considering they are not getting an income for their effort, I am humbled.

5. What are your views in regards to the current state of the music industry in which you are apart?
Answer:  I personally believe that American and European capitalists have an agenda to cease roots reggae.  I believe they are intimidated by the power of roots reggae. It is a very militant and expressive body of work. There is so much power in roots reggae music, especially considering its global appeal.  They have refused entrance of many roots artistes to America and many European countries attempting to kill the market.  But roots reggae is music funded by Jah and dem no hav di powers fi eradicate roots reggae.

6. What artiste would you most love to work with and why?  
Answer: I would love to work with Burning Spear. Please tell him! I would love to work with him because his music is militant and his voice is one in a million. I would be honored to have the opportunity.

7. Where do you hope to see your music career in near and distant future? 
Answer: I would love for the music to continue to spread to the four corners of the Earth. I see us visiting more countries and touching more souls. I would like to make two more albums before I move to the next stage in my life.

8. Please tell us about your body of work? Have you collaborated with any note worthy artiste or have any performance experience on a large or small scale. 
Answer: I’ve collaborated with Turbulence and Lutan Fyah for my debut album Zion’s Lullaby. I’ve shared stages with Marcia Griffiths,Freddie Mcgregor, Etana, Kymani Marley, Turbulence, John Holt, Queen Ifrica, Josey Wales, Admiral Tibet, Anthony B, Everton Blender, Capelton, Frankie Paul, General Trees, Cutty Ranks, Lady Saw, Sanchez, Luciano, Gyptian, Sister Carol, and others... I’ve done solo shows in Jamaica, Aruba, New York and Amsterdam and I give Jah thanks for the success.

9. What projects can readers and your fans look out for?
Answer: I am currently working on a project with producer Calibud. He is a heartical individual with a great repertoire. Our first single to be released is called, “Journey.”  We are looking to release our first single, July 2015. I still can’t believe that we have known each other for so long and are just really producing work together. This has been in the making. I appreci- luv working with Calibud. He understands me and never tries to stifle my creativity.

10. How can interested event promoters book you for their next event?
Answer: Contact management at Khalilahscope@gmail.com or Jayloaknauth@gmail.com or
Call 876-405-2949 Trevieno Cole

For more information on Khalilah Rose and her music you may follow the links provided below.

https://m.facebook.com/khalilahrose?_rdr

https://m.soundcloud.com/khalilahroseja

New Music Review: Keznamdi- "Virtuous Woman".

                         
                   

Photo credit: (Twitter)  @keznamdi 

Normally when artistes record on a dancehall rhythm it's a bag of talk about the same old thing: sex, bad mind, violence, partying or money. So, when you hear a dancehall track from one you wouldn't consider a "dancehall" artiste it's interesting to hear what he/she comes up with. I'm on twitter and come across a song by Keznamdi titled "Virtuous Woman". First thought was that it was going to be a reggae track but was surprised that it was a dancehall rhythm (Life Support Rhythm) produced by Justus Arison or JA Productions who gave us the Overproof
Riddim.

Back to the Virtuous Woman track.....
Keznamdi has an amazing voice and is a very good writer with a refreshing take on how he approaches his musical journey. He has done Reggae, EDM and Pop so no surprise that he has now recorded on a dancehall beat. If you are an artiste why place your self in the "one genre" box?  That's a question I've always asked.

I'm loving "Virtuous Woman" because I feel the song expresses what every strong man should want, that is a good and strong woman by his side. A woman who can give as much she recieves and is able to reason conciously. I'm so tired of hearing artistes talk about sexy girls who are good in bed and tying a woman's worth to the tightness of her "sex". I'm also tired of hearing men sing about pretty much wanting to have sex with every good looking woman they come across. It's great hearing on a Dancehall rhythm a man saying that as much as the physical is important the character and strength of a woman is of more value to him and that he isn't interested in being intimate with just any woman.

The song is a well produced track that is easy to listen to, with great vocals, a catchy chorus and a powerful message. If you are a strong woman you will love it and if you are a strong man "Virtuous Woman" is a track that will resonate well. YaRone Entertainment as certified it a hit song so add it to your playlist.  Follow the link below to sound cloud to hear the track.

https://m.soundcloud.com/keznamdi/virtuous-woman

Digicel Rising Stars Season 12- Live Show One Review.

                 

Photo credit: @televisionjam

Rising Stars is back for season twelve and let's just say the first live show started off on an ok note which means it can only get better.

Ashanie Reid was the nights opening act and she sang Kelly Clarkson's 2011 hit song "Mr Know It All". She showed she had a good voice but for that song she needed more power behind her vocals. The song needed to sound less like light pop and more rockitive. Never the less it was an ok rendition.

Rebecca Bissoon took on Rihanna's "What Now". She has a great tone, and the judges all agreed that her voice was interesting but the song not so much. Anthony commented that she wasted great vocals on the song choice. Though I'd like to agree with "Killer Miller" like Conroy I didn't mind the song and thought she did well.

The third contestants were a duo. Universe and Almando. Universe auditioned  8 times and he finally got through to the live show and proved he deserved this chance with his rendition of Sam Smith's "Not The Only One" accompanied by Almando playing his acoustic guitar. Universe has a good voice and great vocal controland range but like the judges I'm wondering how the guitar player is going to work out going forward in the competition. Maybe he will give us  a few Carlos Santana like solo. Let's see.

Kadisha Christie was the fourth contestant for the night. She was boring to the point that I don't even remember the song she did. I remember there was dancing and a lot of hair touching which does not make a performance good. She needed better choreography and song choice.

Samantha Bogle was next and I remember her from TVJ choir competition All Together Sing. She was one of the lead singers from Vauxhall High School. She was a great singer then and an all grown up good singer still. She selected Meagan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband" and gave a great performance that was good enough to make her the second favorite of the night.

Jody-Kay James went old school singing a Etta James classic.  "All I Could Do Was Cry" and from her outfit choice to stage presence and vocal ability everything was on point. She was definitely the nights best performer and based on the twitter comments I
saw, she may be the favorite thus far.

Chosen the only group in the competition was the final act for the night and they tried to take on the American acapella group Pentatonix arrangement of Swedish House Mafia's "Don't you worry child and Save The World". Let's just say the best wasn't saved for last as their harmonies were off and the lead vocalist at the start had some problems hitting high notes, they have potential though so let's see their
progress if they stay in the competition.

My favorites so far are Jody-Kay, Samantha Bogle they will be getting votes all week. I also feel Universe and Almando and Rebecca Bissoon will get some votes too. Chosen are High School students and I'm sure the power of Meadow Brooke High School support will push them forward in the competition. It was a good start to season twelve and I'm sure next Sunday's seven will bring their A game.

New Music Review: Lenient Wifey by Ikaya.

Photo credit: @IkayaOfficial

"Lenient Wifey" is a fresh out the bag track by Ikaya. Let me just say, I've been following Ikaya's music since I fell in love with her song "Hard Way" and she has not disappointed thus far with the music she has released.

"Lenient Wifey" is a song that says everything a woman whose man has a side chick who does not know her lane would want to say to that "other woman". I'm sure Ikaya is not promoting infidelity but hey, the fact is, some men are cheaters on the low and some men have relationships outside their committed ones that their wife or girlfriend knows about and she's fine with it I'm sure with conditions being applied. Any way, back to the song......The lyrics and the flow/melody of "Lenient Wifey" are so good I was snapping my fingers from start to finish and singing along to the chorus, "thank god for" that because it's always great when a chorus hooks you.

Ikaya's voice in my opinion is always strong whether she djs or is singing on a track and she definitely sounds great on this single. It also helps that the production quality of the song is also good. I can hear dancehall selectors putting this song on replay a couple of times in the parties and this track will be one used to throw a whole lot of shade on social media. Good job Ikaya you have another hit single on your hands. Follow the link below to hear "Lenient Wifey" by Ikaya.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=nSJBNAZcJgQ

To have your music reviewed by YaRone Entertainment leave a comment or send us an email yaroneentertainment@gmail.com if we love it we will blog about it.

New Music Review: Born Wid It by CeCile.

       

"Born Wid It" is a brand new dancehall single by CeCile, produced by Cyclone Music Group/J Vibe Production. CeCile is one of the few female dancehall artistes that can switch up easily between dancehall and reggae. She sings well, Djs well and she can actually write. I don't say that about many Jamaican entertainers so it's always great to hear when she comes out with new music.

"Born Wid It" reminds me of 90's dancehall while still managing to sound 2015 fresh, showcasing one more example that dancehall entertainers don't have to jump on some hip hop sounding rhythm to have a hit song. "Born Wid It" is not at all sleazy, more like adult female sex education which is never a bad thing. We are all adults and sexual beings after all. Women need more songs like this one to help them to own their sexuality and take more control when it comes to sex. In true dancehall form of course the song "throws some words" at women who can't please their partner but it doesn't take away from the fact that  the lyrics are on point, the chorus is catchy and it's a song that we ladies can "bruk out" to in the parties so that's a plus. If you are a dancehall fan or a CeCile fan, "Born Wid It" is a track that you might just want to add to your playlist. Follow the link below to listen to the song.

Born Wid It by CeCile youtube link https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=n1jSLcfSxbg

YaRone Entertainment only reviews the songs that we believe are good. At the end of the day if we have nothing nice to say it makes no sense to say anything at all. So if you have a song you want us to review leave a comment or email yaroneentertainment@gmail.com. If we love it we will blog about it.

#RachelDolezal- Black? and Proud??

The Rachel Dolezal story is just fascinating to me. Honestly, I don't even know where to begin. I have so many mixed opinions re what most people are saying is her deception for the past ten years. Not only does it amaze me that she has gotten away with this for so many years, I'm also interested to know what her home life was like growing up for her to want to create basically another life that doesn't include her birth parents. Funny enough those same parents were the ones who dropped this bomb on the world. They aren't racist that's not why they outed her. ( I wonder why they decided to now blow her cover).

Social media has blown up with a whole lot of different opinions even celebrities have chimed in. It's hard for me to choose which side to approach this from, so I'm going to reason from all the angles that I've been looking at this situation from.

The We Are All Africans Perspective.
Afro centric individuals like myself have always said that the black race marked the beginning of mankind. We quote scientist as saying that Africans were the first people on earth thus the human race is an extension of the black race making everyone black. So if that's the case and we have quoted scientists
saying all of that, then wouldn't Rachel be black? Wouldn't she have a right to claim "blackness" or the black DNA that is within her even though she was born to white parents. I don't know if that makes sense to you but if it doesn't go check out African roots of the human family tree by Errol Barnett (CNN,2013).

The Sexual Identity vs Ethnicity Perspective.
So many people are trying now to make sense of this by comparing Rachel's situation to Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner's story. I'm thinking, seriously still thinking about this. I'm not even sure how to express my thoughts on this matter......At the end of the day both can be looked at as how one sees themself.

Transgender individuals at times are deceptive, some don't right off the bat say "hey!!! I was born male or I was born female." often because of fear of how that news will be received by many who just don't get it. Caitlyn Jenner lived a life for years not truly being who she wanted to be and not being completely honest with family and friends. I think that is why some people compare what Rachel has been doing for the past years to what Caitlyn as Bruce was doing. Many who are supporters of Caitlyn's transition cannot support Rachel's choice because they don't see it has her being what her soul, heart and mind tells her she is (I'm still not sure that's the case either). People especially black people feel like we have gone through so much our ancestors have gone through so much by the white man's hand and here you have a white woman (Rachel) taking from us ahhhgain.

Sidebar
Let me also add that for years the LGBT community have come out trying to compare their fight to marry or adopt etc to racism. So can we now finally say that there is really no comparison. As it relates to identity though, many black individuals who bleach their skins and straighten their hair, wear wigs, weaves and colored contacts all in an effort to be white are ridiculed and many are told that it's because they don't love themselves and they are not proud of their race. It's never really said that it's because they "identify" as white and not necessarily because they hate being black. So why are so many people making those excuses for Rachel Dolezal?

So Many Questions.
Some people say that she did do some good work for the black community and the NAACP (Let me be honest, I can't list anything that she has done.) But she could have done all of that "good work" as a white woman. Though she has resigned due to this controversy, hopefully whatever good she has done will not go unnoticed. Black, White, Asian, Hispanic it shouldn't matter as long as you are not racist and you are about the advancement of all people you should be allowed to represent a movement such as the NAACP and have your work speak. NAACP history had white people at the helm of the organization. From what I know the NAACP does not discriminate. Even if she feels black she has built a life misrepresenting her ethnicity thus it brings into questions her morals, her integrity and maybe even her state of mind. A good leader must be a honest and trustworthy one.

You can see from my writing these are just all the thoughts running through my mind. They are all over the place..... I'm a Jamaican black woman a descendant of women and men who were slaves, so I understand why many of my people feel the way they do about Miss Dolezal. I really want to know why she did it. I'm not going to pretend like most of these writers that I have the answers. Becuase I don't.

The questions are not few at all. I want to know why have you gone through so much to be black, why did it take your parents outing you for you to confess? Do you take off the blackness when you go home? How can you truly say that you identify with the black struggle? Does your husband and children know that you were born white? Was it a game? Are you black?
Do you feel black? Why be black?

In the end, though I have so many conflicting views I'm left with one conclusion. Race does matter as much as it shouldn't it does. It doesn't matter IF I say again if she did it with good intentions Rachel Dolezal lied. I can't support or trust a liar.

New Music Review: Stephen "Ragga" Marley ft Bounty Killer & Cobra "Ghetto Boy" .

"Ghetto Boy" is a new single by Stephen "Ragga" Marley featuring Bounty Killer and Cobra. The song takes us on a journey of a ghetto youth who is introduced to gun violence by a don at a young age and also talks about political manipulations being part of the problem. The song is accurate social commentary, looking at how young boys living in the ghetto are carried down the wrong path and puts out there some reasons for this. There is also another message that comes through in this song. That message is that we shouldn't let our circumstances define our existence and the choices we make also turning corrupt politicians or "Polluticians" as Bounty Killer refers to them in the song is not always the best answer to poverty and gun violence.

Stephen "Ragga" Marley's smooth vocals on the chorus tells the story of the ghetto boy. The story continues with Bounty Killer on the second verse and his deep voice is always great to listen to on any track. I feel he brings the grit that the song needed due to how deep his voice is and he brings us back to the days when he did Sufferer and Down in the Ghetto. I can definitely hear him doing more songs like this throughout 2015. I haven't heard much from Cobra and that's probably just me (let me put that out there) but he sounds great on this track and he laid down some truth on his verse.

The beat is a cross between an old western movie sound track in the intro and then real hardcore dancehall throughout the song. Great quality production which is expected once a Marley is stamped on it. I love the song, already have the chorus replaying in my head. "Ghetto Boy" goes down in the history books as another great colloboration from Stephen "Ragga" Marley.

"Ghetto Boy" is set to be officially released on May 26, 2015 and will be one of the tracks on Stephen Marley's Revelations Part 2: The Fruit of Life Album slated to be released in August 2015. Listen to "Ghetto Boys"  on Sound Cloud by following the link below.

Link to "Ghetto Boy" track

Love Notes: The Drama Cleanse.

There will come a point in your life when you will outgrow the pettiness of friends and sometimes even family. Some people are immature- that is just their being. These individuals always seem to attract drama or maybe they just thrive on negative energy and often they find a way to tie you up in their mess. When you realize this, it's best to limit you interaction with the individual(s) in order to have peace of mind and bring stability to your life. We all need time to cleanse our self emotionally, mentally and spiritually of negative energy and people.

The people you eject from your life by not focusing on what they are doing or saying all the time, will sometimes try to get your attention with their negativity, by talking behind your back, throwing shade and by boasting of things that are not true. They will do this the more you ignore them but try not to give into the temptation of being dragged into issues they often create for themselves. Keep your head high and your conciense clear. Stay focused on the things that you need to accomplish, keep out of their business and more importantly continue to keep them out of yours. You do not need to respond to anything. Do this long enough for them to understand that there are some things that you will no longer bring into your life. It's not that you hate the individual it is more about making a conscious decision to limit drama in your life.