Have you been watching any films lately? If so, have you seen the new Netflix movie, “See You Yesterday“? Directed by Stefon Bristol and produced by Spike Lee, the movie finds two best friends, CJ and Sebastian, (Eden Duncan-Smith and Dante Crichlow respectively) building Time Machines in an effort to reverse the unjustly death of CJ’s brother. While the Film aims to give you a lil Sci Fi fun, you might hear some familiar music in it. As a part of the Film’s soundtrack, the late Tenor Saw’s 1985 hit, “Ring The Alarm“, and Dawn Penn’s 1994 hit, “You Don’t Love Me (No No No)” were featured! “Ring The Alarm” was featured on the “Stalag Riddim” and released through Winston Riley’s Techniques label while “You Don’t Love Me” was a Dancehall remake of Dawn Penn’s 1967 single.
With extraordinary energy and moves that packed tonnes of explosive force, the long-running Charles Chocolates Dancin’ Dynamites wrapped the national legof its fourteenth season last Sunday with resilient crowd pleasers Too Kool being crowned the 2019 national champions, copping the coveted first-place title and over $1.5M in cash and prizes.
‘Mad and Mean’ was the theme and promise for this season, and the dance crew comprising Shawn Corrodus, Damoya Grant and Michael Thompson thrilled the live audience and television viewers islandwide as they showcased their winning moves to the intersecting rhythms of the West African Afrobeat musical genre.
“It was a very complicated competition,” Damoya Grant, the group’s only female member, shared. “It was very stressful, but words can’t express our [happiness to] win, and we’re more than ready for next week when we take on the international dancers.”
Competition judge Orville shares the stage in showcasing dancehall moves from years past with show competitors from previous years.
Having earned bragging rights of emerging as national champions after a week of public voting leading up to part one the finale staging, the crew will advance to part two of the finale on Sunday, May 19 where they will face off against dancers from Colombia, Cuba, and St. Lucia at the Jamaica College auditorium.
Too Kool, New Era and Legend Squad, who each placed first, second and third respectively,performed prepared and impromptu routines with the latter guided by an exciting judges’challenge, where the teams created routines on spot.
As the news spread across Braeton on Saturday (May 4) that the semi-finalists for the Charles Chocolates Dancin’ Dynamites Competition were about to embark on a showdown in the Braeton Gully – an unlikely location in Portmore – the excitement reached fever pitch, and residents came out in numbers to witness the never before seen display. Detouring from the usual Jamaica College auditorium venue, the Charles Chocolates team weaved a twist in the ‘Mad and Mean’ themed competition, bringing the semi-final show to its Sunshine City home base. The event pulled out scores of fans as the news spread that this was not a typical Saturday afternoon. “It’s a wonderful feeling to see such a great turnout from the community today. When we decided to take the semi-finals here, the idea was to create an immersive experience for our most discerning fans on our home ground, and I’m so happy to see the that everyone is having a fantastic time,” said Roxanne Brown, Brand Manager, Charles Chocolates.
Roxanne Brown, Brand Manager, Charles Chocolates, shares lens time with some members from the Code X dance group. Code X emerged as the winner of two intense round of clashes walking away with a $16,000 cash prize and bragging rights at the Charles Chocolates Dancin’ Dynamites semi-final.
As the air buzzed with excitement, dancers from Legend Squad, Too Kool Dancers, Code X, and New Era, prepared to wow the expectant audience. With DJ Tropical of Hitz 92, and DJ Niney from Di Unit in Portmore at the turntables unleashing a string of pulsating beats, a six a side football competition, a host of activities to keep everyone busy, and the anticipation of the eventual showdown; the energy was palpable. Code X emerged as the winners of two intense round of clashes walking away with a $16,000 cash prize and bragging rights. New Era held their own, winning the prize for the Perfect Catch performance and a host of compliments from the judges. “You (New Era) performed like you were in the community and heard there was a dance competition and you just come out and kill it, andstill kept the moves clean and the energy high all throughout!” exclaimed season judge Kerry-Annwhen describing New Era’s performance.
Only three of the dance groups will move on to the first of two exhilarating finals which will be held this Sunday, May 12, 2019. In the first finals, the local teams will compete for the top honoursand the Charles Chocolates Dancin’ Dynamites title. The second finale, which will be held on Sunday, May 19, will see the winner of the local finals will facing-off against teams from Colombia, Cuba and St. Lucia for the ultimate title. Both showdowns will be held at the Jamaica College auditorium in Kingston.
Guest artiste, Gully Bop serenades Roxanne Brown, Brand Manager of Charles Chocolates at the Dancin’ Dynamites ‘Mad and Mean’ semi-final at the Braeton Gully, Portmore.
In keeping with the gully theme at the Braeton semi-final, entertainment was provided by guest artiste Gully Bop who performed a high energy set as he worked the crowd into a frenzy. Cheerleading group, Cheerzone, was also on hand to heighten the excitement, holding the intent gaze of the spellbound audience that soaked up their awe-inducing stunts, seamless routines and incredible dance moves.
Matt Dewar has been working his way up to be heard. Armed with a melodic delivery and ability to adjust no matter the subject matter, Matt could be the next Artist you keep on repeat. Having performed at “New Breath” last year and “Imprint” recently, be sure to catch him performing sometime soon. Get familiar with “I Get Lonely Too” with Sara Bloom, “Slow Whine” with Sara and Jeeby Lyricist, and “We$t Island” below.
Jaz Elise definitely made some noise in 2018. Having made her debut on the scene with the singles “Forever Guide” and “For You“, she has brought a vibe that made everyone rock wherever she goes. From performing at “Jam We A Jam” and being called up by Lila Ike at “Live From KGN”, 2019 will find Jaz everywhere.
Popular Recording Artists, Fay-Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin, will be launching a revolutionary band in Jamaica Carnival this season.
The newest band on the block, Rebellion, will see Lyons and Bunji’s One World Rebellion partnering with Solid Agency and M7 Events (hosts of the popular Soirée SPF, SPF Weekend and Marbana Beach Club). “Right now, the team is constructing all the parts needed to make sure everything comes together fruitfully,” Lyons said. Rebellion will have its official launch on December 8 at their base, Rebellion Yard, beside Emancipation Park. The launch party which is expected to be a spectacular affair will be under the theme ‘Revolt’. According to Lyons, the theme, “is rooted in history and is based on the background of various cultural revolutions from the Africans to the American natives’ fight for freedom.”
Stones Throw Bar was the haven for creative folks on Saturday November 17 thanks to the 1st staging of “New Breath“! The brainchild of Recording Artist Sara Bloom, if you’re into music, art, storytelling, poetry, and needed to be away from the stress and fast paced life for a few hours, then “New Breath” welcomed you with open arms. With performances by Sara, Leah K, Yared Taylor, Dom The Poet and more, it was a whole lot of vibes to be doused in that night. Check out some of the highlights below, and stay tuned to details on the next staging of “New Breath”! Show us some love/follow us on Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.
