YFB February Issue- People- Elle King {Risse C}

Confidence, determination and patience are three characteristics which supermodel Elle King has credited to her success in the international model arena thus far. Unlike the scripted shows where young girls dream of being models from the time they could wobble in their mother’s heels, Elle’s initial career aspiration was to become a veterinarian, which stemmed from her passion for animals and she has plans on opening a clinic in the future. 

 In 2006, she walked in the Cave Shepherd Barbados Fashion Week and shortly after was offered to appear in BET’s annual fashion show ‘Rip the Runway’. This gained her much recognition locally and internationally and placed her among the likes of other supermodels such as Tenielle Stoute and Sara Collins. With a career that has taken her to various countries, she has come to the realization that as a model, she is also an ambassador for her country. She is usually greeted with the question, “so where are you from?” which when answered, stirs up even more curiosity, since many people have never heard about Barbados. She enjoys talking and promoting her country any chance she gets, knowing how vital tourism is to our economy.

Currently based in South Africa to build her portfolio, Elle is signed to RED Model Management NYC and Base Model Agency. Thus far, her accolades include but are not limited to: shooting her first commercial with renowned Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani for Woolworth South Africa, becoming the face of Vichy L’Oreal in Africa and opening the fashion showcase for Patricia Field, ‘Sex in The City’ stylist/designer.

Elle named local designer Shanika Burnett of Shakad Designs and international  designer Lavin as presently being her favourites and stated that “being a Bajan model has also worked in my favour, since I stand out from the competition as they’re few models working internationally from Barbados and the Caribbean in general”.

Even models have a day off, and Elle takes full advantage of these rare occasions. As an island girl, the beach is her second home and coupled with a good book, completes her perfect day R&R. She also like bike riding and since being relocated to South Africa has taken a keen interest in hiking. Her pet peeves include poor customer service, know-it-alls and being late, the latter being a key aspect of a model’s day to day, which can make or break their career.

Elle has great plans in motion for her future in the industry, having already walked in shows for Patricia Field, Halston and Monique Lhuillier, she would love to add Bottega Veneta, Lanvin and Chanel, but this list is not exhausted in the least.

She advises young women who want to pursue a career in the industry to take that leap of faith if they are truly passionate about modeling, but warns that this is no walk in the park or the runway for that matter. The industry is very competitive and cut throat so you must be able to roll with the punches and come out on top.

YFB February Issue- Style- Health n Fitness {Dre J}

If the extent of your daily exercise regimen is to search for the remote control for the television or going to the refrigerator for a midnight snack, then unfortunately you living a sedentary lifestyle which places you at risk for the many health complications which go hand in hand with being a ‘couch potato’. Being active doesn’t mean you have to be a fitness fanatic, but an increase in your daily activity can start with a 30 minute walk.

FACT: A lack of physical activity is one of the leading PREVENTABLE causes of death worldwide.

FACT: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to or be a risk factor for:

•Anxiety
•Cardiovascular disease
•Depression
•Diabetes
•High blood pressure
•Obesity
•Osteoporosis

Another risk is muscle atrophy - the shrinking and weakening of muscles which subsequently makes them more susceptible to physical injury, so it’s like they say if you don't use it you lose it. This is usually associated with persons in their senescence, but can also be found in younger generations. It should be noted that there is a direct link between physical activity and the human immune system, less activity equates to a weaker immune system.

Sedentary lifestyles carry with it the same risks as SMOKING, and we all know smoking kills. Physical activity at any level can: make the heart stronger; reduce blood pressure; help control stress levels and help maintain or lose weight.

Some exercise is better than none, so let's get out there and get active.

YFB February Issue- Music- Azman 'De First Wun' {Risse C}

From the get go Azman established that they aren't your average quartet, but a coalition of young men who are willing to push the envelope where local music is concerned. Their debut album 'De First Wun' which dropped in 2009, is lyrically multifaceted - from the daily struggles of Barbadian youths to battling with de girls bumpa in de fete to the lackluster approach  by local deejays and radio stations to Barbadian music.
 

 Azman is the collaboration of four immensely talented young men- Levitance, Dee, Doddy and Gibbzy Dan. A group who has pioneered their own genre, known as fling, there is no questioning their originality. One must agree, some of the content calls for an in-depth knowledge of Barbadian culture and slang that is readily used to spit the ciphers which require an attentive ear and a sharp mind.
 

From the sound of the bell in the introduction, you get the impression that a battle is about to ensue, but listening to tracks such as 'Still Livin', 'Play On' and 'Dreams', you begin to realize the challenge is present but the nemesis varies according to the situation. Regardless of a mother telling you to stop wasting time with music and get to the books, a dead end job or a radio station who lost your cds, Azman presses forward in the face of all obstacles.

The flipside of Azman however, brings the 'wufflessness' to the fore, with 'Too Wutliss', 'Wuffliness' and 'Gurl Child', you get a play by play of the social interactions in the fete, from the tease to the chase. Mesmerized but not willing to accept defeat, they stand their ground when 'de girls pooch back de bumpas'.
At varying intervals, you come across individual tracks from each member, simply entitled 'Unorthodox'. Needless to say, these solo tracks only reaffirm the potecy of each member, which meshes beautifully to create the Azman sound.

In the closing track, are snippets of spoken word from the popular poet Adrian Greene. This throws the final nails in the coffin, regarding the fickle nature of the support that local artistes who strive to produce local vocals receive. With no sugarcoating whatsoever, they lay it down to the nitty gritty, not losing the metaphorical twist which they are known for, but casting light on the grave issues which they faced on their musical journey.

Azman, the real real bajan music, with the adequate amount of dialect, metaphors and alliterations, coupled with effortless flow, in de words of Barabus in 'Represent'-"I bring you Azman, is dem I recommend! Wuh tell me where you could find men dat could better dem?"

To hear more from Azman:

'De First Wun' Download here

See Azman's Myspace here

Follow them on Twitter here

Like them on Facebook here

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- 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

Young, Fabulous and Bajan Online Magazine

Seasons greetings to one and all I hope all is well with you and yours. I love Christmas but I am sure that businesses love it more. So much for the economy being in a recession cause the way that I see people spending is LAVISH. 

Please direct me to the money trees which seem to be growing by the acre. I clearly didn't get the memo.For the holidays I am working at a restaurant and I have a new found appreciation for that business especially. I don't care how 'civilized' we are claiming to be when it comes down to hunger people revert to their very primitive and primal ways.

Moving onto matters at hand, for 2011 YFB is expanding its name to an online magazine. This magazine will be available from the first weekend in January. Without disclosing too much information about the magazine I can say this venture is 100 % BAJAN focusing on  people, style, issues, accomplishments etc. 

We at YFB look forward to bringing you objective and accurate articles, giving you new insight and appreciation for our beautiful gem of the Caribbean.

Until next time when I reveal the links to you 

Happy holidays from me to you 

xoxo

Risse