YFB January Issue-People-iNDRANi {Risse C}

Indra Denys Rudder also known as iNDRANi is passionate and dedicated in all that she pursues, this young woman is an accomplished author/singer/songwriter/vocal coach-  powerhouse by definition.

Moving out at the age of 17, she worked 5 jobs to support herself, establishing independence at a very young age. A name synonymous with local and regional music, iNDRANi  got her start singing in local nightclubs with Legend, a group of which prominent calypsonian Natahlee Burke was also a member. From these humble beginnings, iNDRANi has become an icon in the local and regional music industry, with an impressive resume. Working with the likes of reggae kings Shaggy and Mr. Vegas and soca star Machel Montano HD, being the original voice for Sharon of the popular telecommunications ad for LIME, as well as the voice in the commercials and songs for popular DJs Verseewild , Lil Rick and Salt. No wonder she has 3 nominations at the 2011 Barbados Music Awards.

This busy bee has big plans for 2011, some of which include: the development of music in the public schools and children homes of Barbados, successfully releasing her album 'Goddess Wild' which features the single 'Stronger' along with a plethora of Bajan artistes and producers, and being part of the Bajan delegation at the MIDEM Conference in Cannes, France. iNDRANi would also like to collaborate with local artistes such as Teff, Damian Marvay, Shane'Blade'Free and Buggy. One might say that she lives up to her name, Indra is the name of the Hindu God of Gods responsible for power, thunder and drops of rain.

You are probably asking "wait she don stop?", and admittedly, Indra does struggle to balance her busy schedule with other aspects of life. Nothing short of a workaholic, she usually pushes herself to the limit in order to produce exceptional work. However, when the going gets too tough, she tries to bring some equilibrium to the scale. On her social side, she finds time to unwind by dancing, reading, watching movies, working out and cooking (her favourite). With reference to a Mr., she candidly states that there is none present at the moment, but when the time comes "he'll find me and life will make a beautiful space carved just for him". 

So how does iNDRANi feel about the Barbadian music industry? "Wha we got talent galore bout hey!" and she continues by stating the label signings of Bajan artistes come as no surprise to her, but cannot fathom why the powers that be keep letting others dip in our 'oil mine' of talent for free. More local music should be in rotation, artistes should receive better treatment and payment for performances and the government should invest in the talent because an artiste is a walking advertisement for the country.

When asked about persons who have made it all possible, iNDRANi lists numerous influences. After the Most Divine, she mentions her mother and Aunt Lorna along with her huge circle of friends. She gives credit to Barbadian musical icons such as Eddy Grant for teaching her everything she knows and Chris Allman for her first recording experience. Other noted were Viking Tundah, Minim of Million Dollar Music and Grammy nominated engineer and producer Jeff Glixman who bought her first guitar.

 

Ya want 3 words to sum she up?
'Full ah love, talented an brave ya see she dey'

iNDRANi Links: Twitter | Myspace | Youtube | iNDRANi's Blog | iNDRANimusic

YFB January Issue-Style-Love n' Relationships {Niki H}

A friend recently started talking to this new guy who, for whatever reason, demanded that she punctuate correctly whilst they engaged in informal text or Blackberry messenger conversations.
Ok...punctuation – no problem! Except that his spelling was so horrible that he needed Jesus to punctuate his sentences to save them from the sin of his misspellings. (He wants to be reimbursted for all practicle intense and purposes).

Yet another friend was in a relationship with a guy who had the gumption to request that she bring along a friend to join in their carnal festivities.  The request itself was not appalling. What confused her was that what he was bringing to the table was less entertaining than fireworks and candy… or watching paint dry , for that matter. So his request to add another party to a situation where the person already involved was less than satisfied was just baffling on all fronts…and backs.

My point is that Unreasonableness is easy to recognize. You know who this unreasonable person is in your circle and you know what to expect, right? (hopefully you don’t know more than one, and if you do you need new friends).

We all have that one friend. You know what I mean! The one that when you answer the phone you wished you had screened the call. One friend that always needs a ride, some money, or a listening ear that bleeds from endless hours of whining repeatedly about his/her crazy lover. It’s the same friend that is nowhere to be found when you have a problem. You can rely on this friend about as much as you can rely on a goat to recite Shakespeare.

But what if… you are that person? What if you are the one that can’t spell, but asks others to punctuate or the one with subpar sex for “one” who wants to bring another to the party?
If you are indeed -->that guy/gal<-- I sincerely hope that you have friends that tell you like it is. That is the most certain way to stay aware of your level of unreasonableness. Unfortunately everyone does not have friends that give it to ‘em straight up, no chaser.

After all we are human and, so being imperfect.
As fate would have it, my concern here is the disagreeable lover. That may be you. It may be your partner. It could definitely be the friend that drains you through your ears of your entire blood supply.
The disagreeable/unreasonable lover is one that always wants a significant other who meets a list of requirements. The unreasonable lover (UL) also likes the significant other to bring things and qualities to the table that he/she cannot produce him/herself.

I can see you now nodding your head in agreement, as if you haven’t been guilty of this in the past. None of us are immune to the UL. As a matter of fact, I will risk betting that being unreasonable is the reason at least 40% of people who will read this are single and having trouble finding or staying in a serious relationship (read: friendship as well) . (figure attained from the Institute of  the Recesses of my Brain).
Bottom line is you cannot ask someone to: 

a) provide things that you cannot first provide for yourself 

 
b) do things for the relationship that you are unwilling to do.

YFB January Issue- Style- Health n' Fitness {Dre J}

With the start of a New Year, most persons probably make the usual New Years resolution to drop the weight they acquired over the holidays.  Unfortunately somewhere around February, that resolution is quickly forgotten until Crop Over when everyone rushes to the gym to get in shape for their costumes.
Let's break that cycle for 2011 with a few tips to leading a healthier lifestyle:

Go easy on the alcohol- sad to say it has absolutely no nutritional benefits and are empty calories. Easier said than done, especially in Barbados where drinking is the national pass time when partying or socializing. Try to reduce, for example 6 beers can become 3 or 4.
Eat slower - studies have shown persons who eat slowly feel full faster than those who eat quickly, cutting out the need to be going back for 2nd's and even 3rd's which increase the calorie intake.
 

Most importantly GET ACTIVE!!!!! Everyone doesn't have to join a gym but a sedentary lifestyle is the number one reason why persons gain weight. Thirty minutes a day is a good start and believe it or not, is very effective in helping to prevent many diseases associated with obesity. Time constraints due to work and personal responsibilities are totally understandable, but your health should take priority as well. Start slow with 30 minutes a day: 25 minute walk followed by 5 minutes of skipping, ladies skipping is a great exercise to tone the calves but no matter what activity you choose always remember some exercise is better than no exercise.
 

Setting realistic goals- even though it may be cliche to say Rome wasn't built in a day, this quote happens to be true. People generally get very frustrated when they don't see results as quickly as they would like and then quit; this is exactly what you want to avoid. By setting realistic short term goals, you will slowly progress towards your overall long term goal while maintaining the confidence and enthusiasm to move forward since are seeing results as you progress.
 

Eating healthy- let’s be honest Christmas equates to over indulgence for many of us, whether it’s ham, chocolate or endless grate cake. Don't get me wrong, you should enjoy the holidays, however it doesn’t have to lead to obesity. I am by no means a nutritional specialist ( that's another 6 month course for another time) but I do know a little Maths and essentially if you burn more calories than you consume weight loss will occur. When grocery shopping, opt for healthy foods such as fruits as snacks as opposed to chips or chocolates; instead of frying, bake stew or grill your meat. Less fattening foods here and a little more fruits and salad there, and you will be on your way to a healthier lifestyle and all the benefits which accompany it.

YFB January Issue- Style-Fashion n' Beauty {Nick C}

In 2010 we saw many Barbadians rocking some of the international fashion trends to hit our shores- from trendy animal prints to wild back breaking heels. So, what do we have to look forward to this year? 2011 promises to be an epic year in fashion. We have seen metal outfits from Lady Gaga and even her outfit made entirely of meat- with this heat in Barbados that is one fashion trend we would sure want to miss out on- furthermore, we like our meat well cooked and served on a plate! Here are some summer trends for us to consider for 2011:

>Sheer Maxi Dresses<

Sheer fabrics are nothing new to fashion, for those who want to be sexy without showing off too much skin, sheer fabrics are ideal. You can play them up by mixing bright colours with dark sheer fabrics and prints.  Sheer maxi dresses have become a big hit with many designers and are gracing the catwalks of brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi. 

 >Heavy Metal<

Metallic colours are bold and daring gold, silver and bronze can be seen on California Girl Katie Perry. These pieces no longer have to be boring and can be worn as party outfits and we know there is always a party in Bim.

>Tail Hems<

Dresses and tops that are tapered (short at the front and longer at the back) are expected to be a hit for 2011. They fill the void between a mini and a mid-length and provide you with modest comfort. Tail hems can be very flirty and offer a fun twist on everyday dresses, skirts and tops. Included in the look for womens boutiques for their 2011 collections, tail hem blouses can be great alternatives for work wear with tailored jackets, while the more casual tops can allow you to still incorporate one thing that us Bajan girls love to wear- leggings. Leggings worn with tail hemmed shirts can be very classy and casual. 

>Tassels<

I know many of you know what tassels are, you remember that little thing hanging from your hat at graduation well that is expected to be another big hit for this summer and will not only be seen on clothes but yes- you guessed it on shoes, bags, hats and belts and jewellery as well. This new insurgence of tassels promises for them to be big, bold and bright.

>Stripes<

Stripes, much like jeans, are pretty much here to stay but the style associated with stripes is often changing. With a mixture of colour combination from bright yellows and reds, keep the classic style fresh, to the characteristic sailor blue and white.

>1970s< 

Many trends are recycled and given a modern twist. We expect to see the rise of the seventies once more in the fashion arena, with denim skirts and jackets. As we welcome back flares and bell bottoms, you can leave your afro picks and hair spray at home because fashion is not going quite that far with the seventies.

So there you have it, an inside look at what to look forward to for 2011 fashion trends. Remember to wear what suits you and you can also put your own personal twist to any of these trends and make it your own. I am sure many more fashion surprises are yet to come so keep your eyes glued!!

YFB January Issue- Events- The 2011 Barbados Music Awards {Natalie G}

The 6th annual Barbados Music Awards was a theatrical masterpiece. From staging to lighting, seating arrangements and an amazing sound system, Timeless Entertainment must be commended for a job well done.

The communicated starting time was 7pm. However, I arrived fashionably late OF COURSE at the precisely timed instant of 7:15 pm. Wanting to be fashionably late and not Bajan late, I by passed the hustle and bustle of the catwalk length red carpet at the entrance of the VIP so I could be seated for the start of the event. However, my master plan caught a minor snag as I was whisked away to an interview with CBC's Pearson Bowen who did a magnificent job of covering all the red carpet and behind the scenes of the glitz and glamour.

At 7:30 I was seated and shortly after an announcement was made- there was some confusion in the printing of the tickets of which some stated a 7pm start which in fact was really the start of the red carpet event  (there goes my fashionably late into geekishly early !! sigh). Producer of the show Ronnie Morris quickly clarified the mix up and at 8 pm, Mac Fingall announced the start of the show with the national anthem by an all boys group "The Faithful Few" and that they were. These young men put their own special touch on a wonderful variation to the national anthem, a perfect start to the night.

Not only star studded, with acknowledgments of guest like Hon. Minister of Sports, Family and Culture Mr. Stephen Lashley, Tessanne Chin & Wayne Wonder  but  was also filled with 100% Bajan splendid performances. Peach & Superstar backed by the High Grade and Timeless Bands started the performances off with a soulful rendition of their reggae hit "Pressure Point" .They were followed by other fantastic performances from the Reggae Experience with Daniel of the band Fully Loaded, Hotta Flames and Buggy Nhkente who reassured the audience that the future of conscious, quality reggae music in Barbados is in perfectly capable hands. Having just returned from an international show in an arena holding more than 15 000 people, Timeless Entertainments sound system was of excellent quality.

Emcee for the night Mac Fingall was not to be outshone. As a true master of ceremonies he kept the show flowing, tasteful and hilariously entertaining with comedy that kept the audience occupied and in stitches. Lifetime Achievement awards, Cornerstone awards and awards of Merit went to a host of individuals including: Richard Stoute , Allan Shepherd  and Shirley Stewart among others but the most touching of all was witnessing Smokey Burke on stage not only accepting his award in fine form and in great spirit after his battle with cancer, but seeing him also perform so skillfully "Up On The Roof" a Drifters Classic.

Rihanna cleaned up taking home a handful of awards this year for hits like "Hard", "Love the Way You Lie" and "Rude Boy". Fellow international star Shontelle also took away an award for her smash single "Impossible".

Noteable mentions were the inspirational gospel performance by Allison Norville Forde,  the oh so smooth Biggie Irie , the party starters Mr. Dale, Lil Rick and the Hypa Kids, the classic love ballad by Shirley Stewart"Walk Away", the St. Leonard's Boys Choir and international Superstar Faith Evans.  My favourite performance for the night came from Terisha Holder .MAN OH MAN!! This girl has got a set of pipes out of this world. With antics of Fantasia Barrino and the style to match, sultry yet smooth like Anita Baker, strong and powerful like Ms. Labelle herself. Talent is an understatement when describing Terisha, she should be signed, sealed and delivered, definitely a star in the making.

I would give the show 8 / 10 as improvements can always be made. I think the public would like to know the judging criteria for the nominations of international artist alongside Barbadian artist. This was supported by grumbles a few rows behind me expressing some confusion into how Eminem feat. Rihanna "Love the Way You Lie" was nominated in the category of Barbadian artistes.

In my opinion the awards have seen a great improvement over the years and can only continue to serve as a platform to propel Bajan artistes further, giving them that opportunity where the industry says a big thank you for your hard work and dedication; your efforts have not gone unnoticed .Kudos to Timeless Barbados Entertainment Agency and I look forward to the 2012 awards.

YFB January Issue- Music- Fault Station's 'The Final Third' {Risse C}

'For substance deprived rhymes to rise and make a mark in this. Like partying is all they see in this, pardon me the power of the spoken word to reach the audience'  -Fault Station

In an industry which struggles to be recognized as a viable enterprise in Barbados, the rap/hip hop genre can be considered the weakest link. However, the duo group Fault Station knowingly accepts the challenge to create lyrically strong, socially aware and thought provoking music; setting them apart from many of their international counterparts.

Kirkland 'Kas' Seale and Jabari 'Montana' Jemmott are kicking down the door and causing a disturbance in the local rap scene with 'The Final Third'. Even though they consider themselves rappers, their sound is anything but generic. Listening to their 2010 debut mixtape, produced by Stewart 'Strat' Carter of Triple E Studios, you will witness an amalgamation of sound ranging from rock and roll to ballads; with each track using an original beat- not the usual associated with the term 'mixtape'. 

 

With no two tracks alike, it is testament to their hard work. No strangers to the long studio hours and the fine tuning by Montana, a self professed perfectionist, Kas's studio time transforms him to his alter ego, moving away from his usual introvert and becoming a beast on the mic, spitting rhymes like they are his last.
 
This 12 track compilation is capable of being a hit with any audience, from 'Welcome to the Show' -an introduction to the entire experience and kudos, to 'Pleasure Doin Business' -a story about a man who yields to sexual temptation but home girl turns out to be a con artist. Other bangers on the album are 'Winner' feat. B-Roca and Teff; 'The Departed' feat. Chrissy Headley; 'Prelude to the Next Time' feat. B-Nice and 'Make Way' a Million Dollar Music production. 
 
No explanation can do justice to this musical masterpiece- you just gotta listen to it!The flow: insane, the lyrics: poetic, the message: raw and uncut. With the heart and soul of winners, these two are destined for greatness in 2011 and beyond.

Download the mixtape album here

Fault Station links: Reverbnation | Facebook | Twitter