YFB March Issue- People- Bajan Fari {Risse C}

Maybe in the1950’s you would have found him on a ‘soapbox’ in the middle of Bridgetown, giving a voice to the working class, or picketing for the rights of labourers. In 2011 however, the face of public speaking has changed drastically to incorporate the new era of social media, and video blogging or ‘vlogging’ has become the ‘soapbox’ of the new millennia.

Kirk ‘Bajan Fari’ Phillips was born in St. Peter, Barbados on August 20th 1969, but moved to the city of Bridgetown after the passing of his mother. Not one for being ‘coup up in a house’ he was very active from young, from stunting on BMX bicycles to boogie boarding to ‘thiefing de occasional mango’ –all events characteristic of a Bajan upbringing.

But when life started to brew every trouble imaginable for Fari, he decided it was time for a change of scenery, and this prompted his move to the city that never sleeps – New York. Leaving Bimshire over a decade ago, he has witnessed the changes taking place from the outside looking in – both good and bad. One negative change, in his opinion, is the adoption of the American culture by the younger generation, who are quickly losing the authenticity of being Bajan.

This is not the case for ‘Fari’ – as one living abroad he relishes in celebrating Barbadiana in every way possible. From his videos, you will always see the massive flag in the background and the music accompanying it is usually from Bajan underground artistes, who he promotes. His love for country and culture is among the reasons he credits for his smooth transition from Barbados to NYC. He notes that staying grounded is an important factor which allowed him to function in the new environment. This doesn’t mean his heart won’t long for home every once in a while, but he is prepared to make that sacrifice for now so that when the time is right, and he is in a position to return home to help his country.

After watching his vlogs you might think he had a master plan, to create controversy and ‘skin up people apple cart’, but as he tells it this was a case of pure fate and proper timing. After doing a video recapping the events that unfolded at a friend’s party, he was encouraged by Joy `boss lady ` D`Avilar to continue making the videos. Fari decided to take on the issues which we see and choose to ignore or are just too embarrassed to talk about. This has resulted in backlash from some, but “it comes with being the person I am and the truth hurts”.

 Aside from the negative persons here and there, Fari was shocked and appreciative of the swarm of support and the huge following he has gotten since doing the vlogs. He is one of the topical persons to watch for in your news feed, with his videos being circulated like wildfire. 

Throughout all of his videos, there is one message he repeats time and time again especially to his younger viewers “looking on to de future and never forgetting de past, always know where ever yuh go yuh will always be a bajan. Make your country proud cause I know I gine try muh best to do de same”

YFB March Issue- Love n' Relationships- How Healthy Is Your Relationship? {Niki H}

There has been much ado in the media lately about the importance of healthy relationships and their health implications.

One study found that bad relationships, i.e. those that cause a high level of stress, literally break the heart leading to heart attacks and other coronary complications. Previously, scientists also found that being single or having “few close relationships” could also have a similar effect.

Sounds quite ominous, doesn’t it? Damned if you do and damned if you don’t!

There are non-scientific, everyday, regular folk who are living out the research conditions in both studies.

There are two very glaring examples that we see everyday, falling on either end of the relationship spectrum. You probably know at least one person who falls into each category:

1. The ‘Serial Monogamist’ a.k.a Just Don’t Wanna Be Lonely *cue Freddie McGregor*
Sex: Male or Female
Motto: Single Never. Booed Up Ever!
Characteristics: This person is always in a relationship. You cannot blink fast enough… The seat where The Ex was sitting literally has no time to cool to room temperature before the next Ex-to-Be is there.
Subject may or may not typically express being in love soon after the new relationship commences.
Subject is often very intuitive and somehow able to foresee the end of a relationship; strategically allowing them enough time to scout, evaluate, select and train the next candidate approved for the job.

2. The Lone Ranger a.k.a ‘Solo Dolo’
Sex: Male or Female
Motto: Money Over (insert derogatory name for either sex here)
Characteristics: This person does not hold relationships in high regard. Carries the Player’s Guide to the Universe in their back pocket or oversized handbag and refers to the ‘Bible of Betrayal’ as fact. All the facts in this holy book are accumulated from the experiences of others except that one… The Creation Story, where some clueless bajohnny ran over the subject’s heart with an army tank.
Subject may also engage in promiscuous behavior but not always. Never speaks highly of Love or any thing remotely related.

Whether or not I’ve created these profiles in jest, you’ve already plucked two faces off your tree of friends that fit the profile or maybe… you just went to the mirror.

Whatever the case may be, the fact remains these profiles are two sides of the same coin. They are just the extreme possibilities that may result from previous hurt, and insecurity.

Neither is ideal. A ‘Serial Monogamist’ who jumps into relationships for the sake of not being lonely, taking no time to get into a relationship with him/herself, is creating that stressful heartbreaking situation over and over again – thinking before they leap from the frying pan to the fire.

‘Solo Dolo’, on the other hand who may just not be sure that what he/she brings to the table is worthy of sharing is also creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.  I am not saying that ‘Solo Dolo’ doesn’t have close relationships with friends and family, but process of love for family and love for a significant other differ somewhat.

‘Solo Dolo’ or ‘Serial Monogamist’, isn’t it hard enough managing exercise, diet and family history? Without having to worry about adding “poor relationship decisions” to the Heart Disease Risk Factors List?

There is nothing wrong with being single or in a relationship, as long as you are doing it for the right reasons.

YFB March Issue- Health n' Fitness- Commitment & Patience {Dre J}

In today's fast paced world, many things can be accessed at the touch of a button; unfortunately this is not the case when it comes to weight loss, toning or muscle building. Many persons don't give themselves a chance to see improvement; they expect to drastic changes in a very short space of time. When one has unrealistic expectations that haven't been met they become discouraged and are setting themselves up for disappointment.

This is why commitment, patience and the setting of realistic goals is of the utmost importance in every aspect of life, not just exercising. In addition to setting realistic goals, person must be honest with themselves when doing their workouts; it doesn't matter how long you spend in the gym, if you spend it sauntering on the treadmill, which minimizes the effectiveness. You are forever staying in your comfort zone and not pushing yourself from the plateau you reached a month ago, fooling yourself into believing you are working out harder than you truly are.

Worst than this, is tricking your mind that you are consuming less calories than you really are. The extra dessert here and upsize of fries and drinks there, adds up over a period of time without you noticing. So be patient and committed to your workout regimen, while always being honest with yourself especially with your diet.

YFB March Issue- Fashion n' Beauty- Simply Elegant? {Paula J}

Recently an event that will remain nameless was announced and the dress code was simply elegant. A lot of persons asked me what that meant making the assumption that I already knew (hurrah the front is working) but I have to admit I bluffed my way through it. A lot of the time I bluff my way through it actually. And being the Young Fabulous Bajan that I am I shouldn’t be faking it ever! This may also explain why I am single but I digress. You shouldn’t be guessing when it comes to dressing, so that’s why I went out into the field to do some research.

I hardly thought I would find this information in the Holy Bible so I went to the next best source of information – Google. The YFB is here to make sure that each of you will be prepared for the upcoming Spring Break festivities, Summer parties etc and avoid the awkward “ OMG -I’m the only one in jeans” moment. Let me add, in the event that you were thinking “only Paula”, there is www.dresscodeguide.com where you select the dress, climate, time of day of the event and your location and you pull up a full description of what to wear. In other words, there is clearly a whole bunch of lost people in the world so we need not be ashamed.

My research did not show a vast difference between males and females in terms of adherence to the code. The reoccurring themes were street wear, casual, business casual, smart casual, business/informal and black tie/formal. Street wear is when a guy can rock his “wife-beater” and shorts and the ladies can follow a similar format. It’s a world where flip-flops are welcome and all is well in the tropics. Casual wear gets a little less grungy and the sleeves get a little longer but t-shirts are still welcome and jeans are still acceptable.

 

Business casual confuses the best of us, but a polo shirt and slacks is safe for both sexes. Do note however, that not every workplace will frown on jeans so simply err on the side of caution until the first sight of Mr. Strauss in your office then work it out. Smart casual takes it up a notch and I like to think of it for guys as the moment right before the tie and jacket come out. Business/informal would be the point when said jacket and tie comes out. The professional woman is now in her heels and stockings, fitted skirt or slacks and tailored jacket or perhaps a Jackie-O dress with a belted waist as Lady Obama is known to rock it.

Black tie/formal would be the moment when (and this is a full Bajan reference ah-comin) the Harmony dress comes out. Of course there are a number of local designers to choose from  and local department stores from which to select your showstoppers but when someone says to me “the Harmony dresses were out” I know it was no place for a kitten heel or Old Navy flip-flop. Men wear tuxedos and women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy separates to black tie affairs. Some events will be Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited and this gives you more freedom but still an indication of the type of event it is and it is even said that wearing black is the safest bet. Though I haven’t heard it in Barbados yet there is also Creative Black Tie where you can add the funk to your formal but for the Young & Fabulous this goes without mentioning.

Hope you learned something! I know what I learned…There is no simply elegant!

YFB March Issue- Events- Beerly Legal 2011 {Natalie G}

Off to a banging start or so I heard. Our valued readers know for events like this fashionably late is more my style. Arriving in the heat of the party after 1am ‘BEERLY LEGAL’ was in full swing. As I was told by one patron on my way to the bar: “WE AINT CARE IT’S CARNIVAL IN TNT AND WE HERE AND WE GOING TIL 5AM”. Carnival was definitely in the air for the night, with the perfect mix of Caribbean nationalities the fete had a “well behaved crowd”, free of major incidence.

The Drinks

Through the gates, passing that initial crowd and on to the bar, although crowded, the service was fast the selection of drinks was good. The law lads and lasses were eager to serve and please and party goers were not suffering from any shortage when it came to their ‘liquid friends’.

 

The Music

“You could get with this or you could get with that” and boy oh boy that’s exactly how I felt. With our Caribbean heritage really shining through, with music from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Dominica dominating the turntables, it was good to hear everything from Vybzl Kartel to David Rudder. There was something for all ages and audiences.

The Crowd – Caribbean Unity
With the greeting of open arms by the door from Jamaican and Bajan law students, who were very elated to have the the YFB family covering the event , I could sit and ramble on … but I’ll let them tell you for themselves:

Kevyn  (Barbados)  - “Nice Vibe good music spacious and can only get better its only 2am”

Kevon (Barbados) – “Good Time. Good Drinks. Good Atmosphere”

Valine (St. Lucia) Humanities & Education – “Nice Social Vibes”

Debbie (Belize) Law – “Really Good Turnout. Definitely enjoying myself!”

Sheena (Jamaica) Law – “It been fun! Having a Great time really glad the crowd is behaving bad but in a good way!”

Simone (Trinidad) Social Sciences- “Cool easy going vibe. Great Music!”

Billy (St. Vincent) Social Sciences – “I wish there was more media here, definitely too many lights but I’m having a blast regardless”

The night also saw performances by Fatom Dundeal and Jarell ‘Meatman’ Fenton. Just before 4am we received the results of the Power Soca Monarch Competition and the Beerly Legal Posee definitely took “ADVANTAGE” of that situation being “WOTLESS” as the deejay played the winning tunes.

Beerly Legal gets my 2 thumbs up and I’m sure the freshers are looking forward to the many events for the upcoming UWEEVAL this month.

YFB March Issue- Music- Fully Loaded: The Band {Risse C}

Any Wednesday you are in St. Lawrence Gap, McBrides is the location to be part of the Reggae Experience compliments the band ‘Fully Loaded’. Since their inception in 2008, the name has become synonymous with reggae music in Barbados and across the region, being the choice for the major reggae shows both as headliners and backing band to local and international artistes.

In 2011, guided by their mantra ‘Upliftment through music', Fully Loaded continues to win the hearts of fans. The band is currently working with Grammy award winning Barbadian Jimmy ‘Senya’ Haynes  and the up and coming music maven Fabian ‘Minim’ Worrell  in the production of tracks for their upcoming album, which includes the unreleased track  ‘Freedom of Speech’ and the previously released tracks ‘Gunman’, ‘Soldier’, ‘Shine the Light’. Listening to their music you will instantaneously hear a sound which exudes positivity, inspiration and love. The original tracks not only warm the heart, but leaves you with food for thought, as one can easily identify on a very personal level and witness what's happening in today's society oozing from the lyrics.
 
Don’t make the assumption however, that this is just another reggae band. ‘Fully Loaded’ is versatile to say the least, fusing different genres into their performances, you are sure to hear some pop, R&B, soca and even a tinge of rock at any given time during a set. With lead vocals by Buggy Nhakente, Simon Pipe on guitar, David Haynes on bass, Daniel Medford on vocals and keyboards, Mikey Ross on keyboards, Jamal Browne on drums, Tabitha Johnson & Vanessa Lee on background vocals and Kevyn Callender as the sound engineer, expect to see roles being switched with smooth transition, truly showcasing that the band is Fully Loaded by name and by nature.

In an industry where the part is deemed better than a whole, many potential bands have been dissected due to persons being interested in specific members, and this rings true to Fully Loaded as well. However, this is embraced and viewed as contributing to the individual development of each member, which can only have positive results across the board. Members fully support each other in solo ventures, giving their support whenever and wherever needed. With regard to the support that local music is given in Barbados by radio stations and deejays alike, the band has seen much improvement over the years, but believe that the incorporation of local music into the regular rotation of international tracks will “showcase that our local productions are truly up to par and sometimes surpass international productions”.

 An integral part for reggae shows such as ‘Reggae on the Hill’, ‘The Barbados Music Festival’, ‘The Beres Hammond Show - 2 Worlds Collide’, plus the ‘Queen Ifrica & Tony Rebel’ show, they are more than experts on the treatment of local artistes at shows and events. Once a controversial talking piece by many other artistes, the members are of the same opinion that the situation has improved with some promoters, but they “cannot wait to see the day when all artistes on every show, no matter where they are from, receive the same good quality treatment from all promoters.”


In essence, Barbados’ future as being one of the premiere sources for reggae music in the world is a bright one, with bands like ‘Fully Loaded’ at the helm, the course is well charted and the success is just on the horizon.