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Allison Hinds:
Crowned the undisputed “Queen of SOCA” by fans worldwide, her powerful, emotional vocals and high-energy live shows are legendary in Caribbean music. Alison’s musical journey has taken her throughout the Caribbean islands and the Diaspora worldwide.
Alison’s first solo album entitled SOCA QUEEN is a diverse selection of Soca tunes with hot pulsating rhythm oriented anthems with a standout song “Roll It Gal” that became an international hit between 2005- 2006 and was released in North America, Europe and the Far East taking Alison’s music to new shores and making new fans all over the world enabling Alison to take her dynamic live show worldwide, touring throughout the U.S., Europe, Canada and the Caribbean. She has won numerous awards and rave reviews everywhere she goes, as highlighted:
2009-2010 - (IRWMA - International Reggae & World Music Awards) Winner of Best Female Vocalist (2009 & 2010) & Best Calypso / Soca Entertainer (2009)
2010 -Female Entertainer of the Year & Best Collaboration for “King and Queen” with Richie Spice at the Barbados Music Award’s
- 14th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Award in Washington DC, she was awarded for her Outstanding Contribution to Soca Music as an icon of the ’girl’s power’ movement and the most recognized female in Soca music.
2011 - On November 11, 2011 Alison Hinds made her first prime time TV appearances on, The Today Show’s, ‘Where in the World is Matt Lauer?’ Alison spoke about Calypso music, festivals and even taught the host Matt a few dance moves.
2012 – She was the recipient for ‘Outstanding work in Calypso, Zouk, Chutney and Soca Art Form, by the University Of The West Indies in Barbados. She was honored as being one of the many Trailblazers in the community.
-Alison is honored by New York City for exemplary service spanning her 20-year career on music stages across the Caribbean and as far as Stockholm, Sweden
2013 – Receives ‘Outstanding Past Student’ at Christ Church Foundation School
-Winner of ‘Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer’ at IRAWMA’s
Alison’s latest album entitled Caribbean Queen delivers her positive message of love and upliftment for one and all and is a celebration created for her fans all over the world. The love she received from Jamaica has spawned new combinations with Richie Spice “King and Queen”, Jah Cure “Call On Me” and Shaggy "Can’t Let My Love Go.” Her classics “Roll It Gal,” “Togetherness,” and “Faluma,” are also included in the album with a mix of high energy to mid tempo as well as the classically soulful ballad “Island Girl.”
Her latest songs to date include, ‘Born Wit It,’ ‘A Ladies Anthem,’ ‘No Way,’ Brace And Wine’, ‘Baddy’, and ‘Gals want more Iron’, Alison is also featured on Mr.Vegas ‘Bruk It Down’ remix and in the video. The video has over a million views on YouTube!
When Alison is not performing she takes out time to work as an advocate for causes such as AIDS awareness, Women’s rights, Diabetes foundation and has participated with them wherever possible as well as organizations for disabled and physically challenged children. Most recently, Alison was named a school ambassador at Christ Church Foundation School in Barbados. On October 2, 2013, Alison was chosen as one of the key influencers in Barbados to participate in top fashion designer, Michael Kors, ‘Watch Hunger Stop” campaign. Alison successfully used her online presence to raise awareness of ‘World Food Day.” On October 20, 2013, Alison took part in the American Cancer Society’s ‘Making Strides Against Cancer’ Walk,’ in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York. She also attended ‘Brunch a la mode,’ where Alison was able to network with civic leaders and peers. On February 19, 2014 Alison is appointed International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) Goodwill Ambassador. Appointment to this prestigious post came on the heels of the nomination of Ms. Hinds by the BPW Barbados Club, lead by President Marrianne Burnham, who believes that this a tremendous opportunity for Barbados and the Caribbean region on a whole. She acknowledges, “This is first time a Goodwill Ambassador has been selected from the Caribbean, and it widens Barbados’ international scope and outreach, as we promote and export our talent, culture and country. We are very proud to be a part of this, yet another first for Barbados.” On October 19, 2014, Alison stood up for the fight against breast cancer by not only walking for the cause but she also was the entertainment for the day!
2014 proved to be the year of Alison Hinds, she proved that she is not just a voice but an actress as well. Alison debut in Barbados first psychological thriller, ‘Two Smart,’ movie. ‘Two Smart,’ is about a disgruntled married couple and a hitchhiker who get trapped in a gully during a tropical storm. The film premiered July 17 at Olympus Theatres in Barbados and showings began July 23.The film was very received by spectators and fans. The film is expected to travel to worldwide festivals and is definitely a great stepping-stone for this bajan beauty to appear in more films.
Alison Hinds is a vital element on the Caribbean music scene and a major force in the eruption of innovative urban-influenced Caribbean-based music. Alike artists such as fellow-Bajan popstar Rihanna, Sean Paul, and Shaggy, who are changing the face of music worldwide. Alison leaves an indelible footprint on the Caribbean music scene.
Mavado
David Constantine Brooks was raised in Kingston, Jamaica's Cassava Piece community. His grandmother gave him his first musical experience at a young age, bringing him to church to sing.[1][dead link]
He cites the music of Bounty Killer as an early influence.[1]The boyhood idol became his mentor when at the age of 15, Bounty took him under his wing to show him the ropes of the music industry and introduced him to his manager, dancehall music business legend Julian Jones-Griffith, who would go on to manage Mavado's illustrious career.[2] He decided to name himself "Mavado" after the Swiss watch company Movado, with his manager altering the spelling.[3]
His debut single, "Real McKoy" on the Anger Management riddim in 2004, provided him instant success.[1] He further established himself with the follow-up record "Weh Dem a Do", on the Red Bull & Guinness riddim, that had the distinction of hitting Billboard. After a string of hits in 2005 and 2006, Mavado released the album [i]Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks 10 July 2007 on VP Records.[4] "Weh Dem A Do" and "Dying", two singles from the album, were featured heavily on R&B/hip-hop radio in the US and around the world.[2]
That same year brought Mavado off-stage controversy, as he was unlawfully detained by Jamaican police.[2][3] While in police custody, the singer claims he was thrown through a glass window, slicing three fingers in the process, which were sewn up at a local hospital. Police claimed Mavado escaped from custody, even though they let him walk out of the police station and go to the hospital with his manager.[2][3] He was later arrested and charged with shooting with intent and illegal possession of firearm in relation to an event occurring 27 July 2007.[5] He was later freed of all charges.
In March 2008, Mavado was featured performing a rendition of his song "Real McKoy" for Grand Theft Auto IV Trailer #4 "Everyone's a Rat". "Real McKoy", along with "Last Night" (both from the album Gangsta for Life), were also featured in the game on the radio station "Massive B Radio".
Mavado was also featured on the G-Unit track 'Let It Go' along with Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks for the album: T.O.S: Terminate on Sight in 2008. He was the only non G-Unit feature on the album.
In 2008 Mavado was given the prestigious UK MOBO Award for Best Reggae Act.
In April 2010, Mavado starred as a gangster in Drake's song Find Your Love for Drake's album Thank Me Later
He has also collaborated with many of the world's top urban acts including Busta Rhymes, Wyclef, Ludacris, Birdman, Fabolous, Ace Hood, Akon, Snoop Dogg and JAY Z. Jay Z remixed Mavado's smash hit On The Rock, that went on to also see Billboard success.[[i]citation needed]
Mavado formed his own label, Mansion Records, in 2011, which debuted with the single "Delilah" that was given mainstream US radio rotation.[6] Along with Bounty Killer, he has cited 2Pac as a childhood idol, comparing the late rapper's life to his own.[2]
In 2011, Mavado recorded with U.K. grime artist Chipmunk on the track "Every Gyal".[7]
On 1 September 2011, Mavado appeared on the Angie Martinez show on New York's Hot 97 radio station to announce that he had signed a deal with DJ Khaled's record label We the Best Music Group. Mavado released three singles "Emergency" featuring Ace Hood, Soulja girl and "Survivor" featuring Akon on We the Best Music Group. Mavado has confirmed the first song on his next album. It is called "Rise" Featuring DJ Khaled, Rick Ross and Akon.
In May 2012 he was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and malicious destruction of property after a driving incident, and was fined a total of $100,000.[8] An appeal against the sentence was unsuccessful.[8
Barbee
Born with a love for music, Barbee was destined for greatness. The name
Barbee originated from her mother’s admiration for the Mattel doll - a superwoman figure always dressed up in pink. The Jamaican and Nigerian artist began her singing career at the age of seven and by eleven she was leading her own touring choir named “Perfect Praise.” Following her passion, Barbee began to travel, receiving an education in Nigeria, Jamaica, and New York. first recorded hit “Missing You” featuring Reggae superstar Junior Kelly received airplay in the Caribbean as well as overseas, posting #1 on the Jamaican charts. The international exposure became a platform for her imminent success. Barbee continued climbing the charts with “Paddy Cake” & “Give It Up”, both collaborations with dancehall icon Beenie Man. She went on to record and release successful records like “Love You Anyway” and “Feel So Good.”
While working in Los Angeles, the Jamaican song bird earned a role alongside Stacy Dash and The Game in the movie "House Arrest", a dramatic comedy by director Billy Washington about a high maintenance female seeking companionship from a street wealthy hustler. However, the triple threat actress, singer, and model Barbee’s main focus was always keeping music at the frontline of her rising career.
This Caribbean princess’ international style and charming stage presence won her the “Most Promising Female Artist” by the Apollo Theatre. The island diva has toured the globe with legendary reggae pioneer Beres Hammond. She has rocked the stage alongside other legendary artists such as Bobby Womack, Carol Riddick, Biz Markie, and Cuba Gooding Sr. Barbee has performed in the New York Times and has appeared throughout media outlets such as "Hip Hop Weekly", Sandra Rose, Bossip.com, Jamaican Observer, The Winfred Williams Show "OnStage". Jamaica’s island idol also collaborated with Miami’s Baddest Chick Trina on the female anthem “Come See About Me” and "BOss Like That" With Cash Money's CEO, Birdman.
Crowned Reggae Pop Princess by talk show diva Wendy Williams, the recording artiste and songwriter Barbee is ready to carry her love for music to new horizons. Becoming a spokesperson for Malik Yusef's "Act On Climate" Tour with 5 time grammy Award winner Malik Yusef has her rubbing shoulder's with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio. Barbee has also secured a spokesperson deal with music mogul and entrepreneur Master P and one of his brands. Barbee has recently released her on signature make up line called "The Barbee Collect". The sexy star is now in the studio with the Grammy award nominated producers the island duo Rock City, who penned the mega- hit “Man Down” for Rihanna. Barbee continues to book shows worldwide while recording in New York, Miami, Atlanta, and Jamaica. She is guaranteed to grace the red carpets in a city near you.