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Arepa is a Dominican cornmeal and coconut cake that rich and comforting that is sometimes made sweet, so it that can be served for breakfast, as a snack or even dessert with coffee or hot chocolate. INGREDIENTS: 4 cups arepa corn flour 4 cups water 3 1/2 cups of milk (whole, reduced fat or skim) 2 12-oz cans evaporated milk 3 or 4 cinnamon sticks 1/2 cup raisins 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar 2 ½ ups coconut Milk 1 tbsp anise seeds 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp salt 4 tbsp butter or margarine DIRECTIONS: Add the arepa flour to a large bowl with the water. Stir to eliminate clumps. The flour will swell up, absorbing most of the water (this is what you want). Set aside. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, heat the milk over a medium flame. Add the evaporated milk, cinnamon sticks, raisins and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the coconut cream (don't substitute coconut milk, they are not the same thing), the vanilla extract, salt and anise seeds. Stirring continuously, let the mixture come just to a boil. Add the damp arepa flour. Mix well, breaking up the clumps, and let cook on the stove. Stir it every minute or two to stop it sticking. Use half of the softened butter to grease a large baking pan. When your arepa becomes a thick porridge like mixture, you can put it in the baking dish. Then take the remaining 2 tbsp of butter (may substitute with margarine) and cut it into thin slices (it’s easier to this with a stick of butter), then spread over the arepa, Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. ................................................................................................................................... Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Jamaican singer, Chronixx leads the pack of nominees for the for the upcoming International Reggae and World Music Awards(IRAWMA), set to take place at the Coral Spring Center for the Arts in Florida on October 4th. Chronixx received four IRAWMA nominations, including the Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Best Song for Smile Jamaica and Best Music Video for Here Comes Trouble. Sean Paul and Shaggy each got three nominations, with Sean Paul nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Best Caribbean Entertainer and Best Crossover Song (alongside Arash) while the Shaggy scored nods for Best Song (Fight This Feeling alongside Beres Hammond), Best Album (Out of Many One Music) and Best Male Disc Jockey/Rapper. Mavado and Busy Signal also earned three nominations with both vying for the Best Crossover Song honor with Give It All To Me (featuring Nicki Minaj) and Bumaye (alongside Major Lazer) respectively and Best Music Video with Take It (feat. Karian Sang) and Bumaye respectively. Season five winner of American talent show, The Voice Tessanne Chin copped two nominations: Female Vocalist of the Year, along with Etana, Marcia Griffiths, Ce’Cile and Patrice Roberts and the nomination for Entertainer of the Year award. Canadian Reggae fusion band, Magic earned a nod for Best Crossover Song for their Billboard chart-topper, Rude. Special cognition from the organizer will be given to Bobby Aitkens, Mykal ‘Grammy’ Rose — formerly of Black Uhuru, and Dr Audley Rollens will be inducted in Hall of Fame. IRAWMA Award of Honour will be given to St Vincent-born Kevin Lyttl You can see the full nominations list for IRAWMA and place your votes here.

A musical chronicling the attempted assassination of the legendary Bob Marley will debut in Maryland next May. The musical entitled "Marley," was written and directed by British-born playwright/actor/director Kwei-Armah. The premiere will be collaboration between Center Stage theatre in Baltimore and New York's Public Theater where the musical will run from May 6 to June 15 2015. Marley focuses particularly on the period of 1975 -1978, when there was an attempted assassination at the singer’s Hope Road residence in Jamaica and he later went into a self-imposed exile in London with his family due to fears over his safety. Marley will also include music released during that period from his albums, Exodus, Kaya and Rastaman Vibrations In a statement on Tuesday, Marley's daughter, Cedella Marley said that the family is thrilled to be working with Kwei-Armah on the musical. “We are thrilled to be working both with Kwame and with Center Stage to bring part of our father’s story to life in a way that has never been done before. “When it comes to our father’s work and legacy, we have always been mindful in selecting the artists with whom we choose to collaborate. We couldn’t be more excited about the team that is assembled for this project.” Workshops on "Marley" will be held in Baltimore and New York in the months ahead as the musical takes shape. Casting will begin soon. Another musical “Nesta’s Rock” based on Bob Marley’s childhood will debut in Jamaica this coming January.

On Saturday night at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, Jamaica College in St Andrew 21-year-old Mico University College student Kaci Fennell won the title of Miss Universe Jamaica 2014. She beats 18 other ladies to win the coveted title of representing Jamaica at the Miss Universe pageant in Brazil this December. Roshelle McKinley was first runners up while Kimar Muir was second runners up with Saneta Kerr and Dianne Brown, respectively taking fourth and fifth places. Rounding off the top 10 were: Shanice Rerrie, Christine Suraj, Davia Lynch, Diedre McKenzie, and Zandrea Bailey The sectional prize winners were: Most Photogenic, Shantana Folkes; Most Congeniality and Best Runway awarded to Saneta Kerr; Essence Style Award, Kimar Muir; Best Swimwear, Dianne Brown; Best Evening Gown and Most Aware, Kaci Fennell and Alturism Charity Award to Princess Fraser. Special awards were presented to Maybelline representative Marlene Gray, businessman Desmond Panton and Triple Century Sports Bar owner Chris Gayle. Entertainment for the evening came from a live performance by Gem Myers and music played by Uzuri International. The MCs for the nights' event were Terri-Karelle Reid and Adrian Brown.

From a little town on a small island, “Rude Boys”, the brand new music video performed by Jamaican singer & songwriter, Toian, made its debut on international television station MTV Jams on August 10, 2014. The video was filmed in various locations around Montego Bay, Jamaica and features a cast of bikers, police cars, school girls, bandannas, white sand beaches, coconut trees and of course “Rude Boys”. “We wanted to capture an authentic perspective of everyday life in Jamaica,” said director & producer Sean Alaric of Class One Music. “That’s what brought the concept to life.” Inspired by her favorite reggae tracks from the 80's era, Toian recorded the song at the Class One Music Studios in Florida, with backing live instruments adding to the sound of her signature flavor. Having previously collaborated with the likes of multi-platinum selling producer Don Corleonas well as popular reggae & dancehall acts such as Protoje, Konshens & Chevaughn, the multi-talented songstress is now gearing up to share her debut EP album, “Retrospect”, with the world in late 2014. “Rude Boys” is available for download globally through a variety of online retailers including Amazon.com, Spotify the iTunes Music store at -http://goo.gl/TNcdW4. ........................................................................................................................................ Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Miss Clarendon, Kimberly McLeod, who took the title at the inaugural staging of the Miss Jamaica Nation beauty pageant on Saturday night that, was held at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston. Miss St James, Latoya Thompson(l) Miss Clarendon, Kimberly McLeod(c) Miss Hanover Geri Graham(r) Thirteen young ladies representing each Parish vied for the title. Miss St James, Latoya Thompson took the first runner-up spot, while Miss Hanover Geri Graham was named second runner-up. Miss St Elizabeth Katherine Foster took the most congenial sectional award; most aware went to Thompson from St James; Miss St Thomas Yohanna Kellyman, was awarded most photogenic; while the award for the best evening gown design went to Miss Hanover Geri Graham. The dress was designed by Hope Wade. The Miss Jamaica Nation's objective is to promote natural beauty by avoiding the use of any artificial enhancements such as hair extensions, tattoos, alterations to the physique whether by surgery or clothing, fake eyelashes, and coloured contact lenses. The competition was organized by pageant director and general manager for HOT 102, Ken Williams. Performers of the night were Cherine Anderson and Dalton Harris ............................................................................................................................................ Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Although reggae has been part of mainstream thanks to such legends as icon Bob Marley, dancehall has slowly and stealthily made its impact. From Grammy winners Shabba Ranks and Shaggy, dancehall has gradually seeped and is making its voice be heard as more than a passing trend. Created and executive produced by LA Wright and Kevin Beswick comes an unprecedented televised reggae competition show with "Dancehall Got Talent". Dancehall Got Talent's mission is to breakdown the walls and prejudices that have prevented the growth and development of the genre while catapulting new artist in Dancehall to the mainstream. The televised competition will be hosted by the Ryan Seacrest of the Caribbean, better known internationally as the Diva Nikki Z and be judged by dancehall star Timberlee, reggae legend “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” Ed Robinson, Irie Jam radio personality DJ Roy and fashion maven and entrepreneur Dougie Platinum. The first tapping will be a star studded event of celebrity guests as "Dancehall Got Talent" has garnered the support of Dancehall and Hip Hop super stars like Mavado, Morgan Heritage, Ace Hood, Danielle, Agent Sasco, Samantha J, KES The Band, Cecile, Spice, Lady Saw, Beenie Man and many more. "Expect the our first taping to be star studded" says Nikki Z the Caribbean "Ryan Seacrest". Dancers or dance crews will win the opportunity to be the official dancers for season II of #DHGT, will be featured in the music video of the winning artist and will be the featured dancers during the domestic & international tour dates at the end of season one. Dancer auditions will be held on September 12th 2014, 2:00 pm at 153-01 Jamaica Ave NY 11432. The winner of "Dancehall Got Talent" will receive a $5000 Grand prize, a recording contract and global distribution deal. Dancehall Got Talent will be seen worldwide on [OmniPresent Media] OPM Digital Network "simulcast" on all of the following devices: Roku, Smart TV's, Apple TV, XBox, PS3, Wii, iPads, Google Play, Amazon, Tablets, PC's, Mac's, Blu Ray Players, Smart Phones, iTunes and Androids. #DHGT first of eight Live New York tapings will be held August 30th, 2014 on location at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center 153-10 Jamaica Avenue in Queens, New York. Open to all dancehall artists and dancers, registration to audition ends on September 1st, 2014. For more information, please contact (347) 502-8310, DancehallGotTalent@gmail.com or visit www.DancehallGottalent.com Make History, Be Apart of The Dancehall reality TV Competition! ............................................................................................................................................. Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

As the music of Africa continues to proliferate the globe the city of Dallas, Texas was once again thrust into the spotlight, playing host to the 2014 staging of the highly anticipated African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) held at the prestigious Eisemann Center. The award ceremony featuring a galaxy of superstars attracted guests from various cities throughout the United States as well as dignitaries and honorees from over seventeen (17) African Countries. AFRIMMA is the sole award ceremony in the Diaspora that caters to all musical genres including but not limited to: Afrobeats, Assiko, Bongo, Decale, Funana, Genge, Highlife, Hiplife, Kwaito, Lingala and Soukous. Among the list of top tier performers for the nights were: Flavour, Diamond Platnumz, 2Face, Togar Howard, Stanley Enow, Wyre, Khuli Chana, Kukere Master Iyanya, Kevin Lyttle, Kcee, U.S based Rapper T-Pain and Dancehall superstar Demarco. Following a series of performances the Jamaican armed with his own brand of music delivered an electrifying set to the multilingual audience interspersed with crowd interactions as attendees show their appreciation with deafening screams. After completing his set Demarco exited the stage, making way for T-Pain who also gave a memorable presentation. "The weekend was a groundbreaking and revolutionary experience, " said African Muzik Magazine and Big A Entertainment Founder, Anderson Obiagwu. "It was a night of celebrating Africa's top artistes who are influencing the music scene and culture of Africa for the better." Similar sentiments were echoed by Demarco, who thanked the organizers for the opportunity of performing at such a memorable and historic event. The proceeding was hosted by International Celebrity Comedian, Basket Mouth along with the Nollywood Beauty Sensation and Actress, Juliet Ibrahim. Meanwhile, back home on local soil Demarco has premiered the video for ‘Bad Gyal Anthem’ featured on the Promiscuous rhythm. The full visuals are available via his official YouTube channel (Youtube.com/demarcolife). This comes on the heels of his red hot single ‘Good Book’ clinching the top spot on five charts globally in the last month. Also, fans of his online reality series ‘Talk Yuh Mind’ will be pleased as the new season premiered last week via YouTube. .............................................................................................................................................Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Miss Guyana Sonyini Fraser was crowned Miss Jamzone International 2014 at the National Cultural Centre in Guyana on Friday evening. First runner up went to Miss Barbados, Dannyelle Leslie and Miss Bahamas Lexi Wilson were named the second runner-ups. While Miss Trinidad and Tobago Yaya Henry and Miss Jamaica placed fourth and fifth respectively. Top 5 Miss Jamzone 2014 Fraser also won the award for Best National Costume and Best Fantasy Swimwear. Yeah Henry, Trinidad and Tobago took home the prizes for Best Smile and Best General Swimwear. Best National Costume The People’s Choice Award and Best Gown went to Miss St Vincent and the Grenadines Aphesha Matthews. This is the first title for the host country and along with the crown Fraser walked away with US$10,000. ............................................................................................................................................... Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Hedonism II the “haven of pleasure” will be hosting the most risqué and provocative events on the year “Miss Bum-Delicious Pageant” from August 31 to September 7 of this year. The Miss Bum-Delicious Pageant is open to women of all ethnicities to compete for the title of having the ripest, juiciest, most beautiful bum in the world. The pageant is split into a few different segments: the Poolside Bikini Challenge, the Talent Segment, the Evening Gown Parade, the Bare as You Dare Knockout Round, and the Final Sexy Question & Answer. Twelve finalists will be selected prior to the event, and ladies will be required to spend a week at the resort for the duration of the pageant. This is where they will meet and greet guests and participate in photo shoots and rehearsals for their final night. Miss Bum-Delicious 2014 will receive a cash prize of US$1000 as well as a return vacation for a week. The first runner-up will receive US$750, plus a 5-night vacation for 2 and the second runner-up will win US$500, along with a 3-night stay for 2 at Hedonism II. If you are 18 and over and planning a visit during our Miss Hedonism II Bum Delicious Pageant and you would like to participate, please contact the resort immediately by email with 2 recent full-body and face photos. For more information on this season's sexiest pageant, contact Leethan Grandison, Public Relations & Social Media Manager at (876) 957-5200 or leethangrandison@hedonism.com.

Bajan born Chef Jason Howard aims put rum on the menu for his dishes and desserts. The Michelin trained chef relocated to London to further his career. As well as running a series of fine dining pop up events with the focus of Caribbean food and flavours. Chef Howard is developing and experimenting with rum as a cooking ingredient, he sees the way that Europe prides itself on food and wine combinations, whether in cooking or food pairing. Chef Howard believes the Caribbean can emulate the same type of culinary fusion using rums, as each rum producing island can make better use of its natural food and culinary resources, to best provide a more authentic Caribbean experience for many who visit the islands. As well as working with rums in his food, he is on a mission to raise the profile of Caribbean food, so that it's on a par internationally with that of French, Italian, Chinese or Indian. Part of his plan will be to develop a team or network that can collectively raise the standard of Caribbean cuisine, Showcasing the cultural and regional diversity, to what it can be on a global stage. Currently, Chef Jason Howard is working on developing his next Caribbean fine dining with an interesting theme, bringing a new twist to some dishes and visually stunning food to match.

Etana rose to prominence in 2006 with an inimitable musical style that resists categorization. Hitting all the right notes on her breakthrough song “Wrong Address”, an emotive lament reflecting the lack of employment prospects for Jamaicans living in violence-plagued communities, she brilliantly fused acoustic folk strands with roots reggae cadences and strains of neo soul influences. “Wrong Address” was duly rewarded with heavy radio rotation, reaching the number 1 position on several Jamaican charts. Etana, whose name means “the strong one”, followed that auspicious introductory single with a bold romantic declaration “Warrior Love”, juxtaposing acoustic rhythms with African-styled choral chants, and “Roots”, blending traditional African drum beats with exuberant soul underpinnings as she cautions the youths to hold on to their culture. Etana’s genre-blurring appeal reached a wider international audience with the June 2008 release of her critically lauded debut album “The Strong One” on VP Records, which included a lovers’ rock duet with Italian reggae artist Alborosie “Blessing”; a one-drop Rastafarian anthem “Jah Chariot” and her poignantly sung, unwavering declaration of self-assurance “I Am Not Afraid”. Because she adamantly refuses to be constrained by approach or lyrical content, Etana has named her sophomore VP release “Free Expressions”. “This album was produced a little differently from the first, most of the sessions were less planned so there is more of a free vibe,” she explained. “I just wanted to express myself freely, write just what I want without thinking too hard about what anyone’s opinion would be, just doing music as I feel to do it.” A mesmerizing performer whose vocals are as culturally defining as South Africa’s Miriam Makeba or Jamaica’s Marcia Griffiths and as dynamic as classic Whitney Houston, “Free Expressions” furthers Etana’s reputation as a skillful songwriter: she penned 12 of the album’s 14 tracks and their lyrical sophistication, coupled with her dramatic deliveries, destroys any notion of the dreaded sophomore curse. “I feel more confident as a writer now than a few years back,” she shares, “because I am less concerned about what people think about certain subjects, and certain points of view. I have learned that I can’t please everybody and for the most part, people are very happy with what they have been hearing.” Indeed, people are so consistently enthralled by Etana ‘s music that several of “Free Expressions’” songs have already topped the charts in Jamaica and reggae charts internationally. “August Town” was written in 2009 about an unwarranted police shooting on a community gathering in the area of Kingston where she was born and lived until quite recently. London based producer Curtis Lynch Jr. heightens Etana’s impassioned account of that tragedy with dub- influenced reverbs and soul shaking bass lines. “Free”, produced by Kemar “Flava” McGregor, offers a somber reflection of a prolonged period of struggle endured by the artist. “While recording that song I had to go outside and catch my breath, then come back and do it again,” Etana shares. “It brought me to tears. I wrote it when I was going through one of the toughest times in my life and I felt like it wouldn’t end.” In 1992 Etana migrated with her mother to the U.S. She went on to attend Broward Community College with the intention of becoming a registered nurse but destiny intervened. She left college in 2000 and joined a female vocal group named Gift. Universal Records was interested in Gift at the time so Etana reluctantly agreed to wear the skimpy outfits dictated by the music industry’s widespread stereotyping of female artists; then one day she could no longer conform. “We were shooting a video and we had on Victoria’s Secret pink lingerie, thongs and black stiletto heels,” Etana remembers. “The cameraman had the camera in a compromising position and I was wondering, what is he looking at? I was very uncomfortable so I walked out and that was it. I also recall a young girl about 6 years old singing some of my suggestive lyrics and I couldn’t believe I had introduced her to lyrics like that.” Etana returned to Kingston with the intention of opening an Internet café but again destiny interceded. In 2005 a friend brought her to Kingston’s Fifth Element Records, then the management team of Richie Spice, who were enjoying great success with Spice’s single “Earth A Run Red” and album “Spice In Your Life”. Spice was heavily booked for American and European tours and Etana auditioned to become one of his backup vocalists; she so impressed Spice’s management, she was immediately asked to accompany the Rastafarian singer on his tour dates and she agreed. Recognizing her immense talent, Fifth Element urged Etana to record her own songs but because of her experiences with Gift, Etana wasn’t sure she wanted to pursue a career in music again. Following almost a year of their requests, she agreed. “I decided to give music another shot after being asked repeatedly to record one song, which was “Wrong Address,” Etana explained. “After I figured out that I could do it my way and wear what I wanted to wear and sing what I wanted to sing, it wasn’t so hard.” Etana followed the highly praised “Wrong Address” with a spate of hits singles, each honoring her embracement of Rastafarian principles, adherence to a natural lifestyle, acknowledgement of the teachings of Marcus Garvey and Emperor Haile Selassie I and royal representations of women. Etana’s debut album “The Strong One” garnered many awards including Album of the Year honors at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in New York City and at the Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards (EME) in Kingston. Etana was also nominated as Best New Reggae Artist at London’s annual MOBO Awards in 2008. Adhering to song lyrics that reinforce self-sufficiency, enlightened spirituality, sultry but never tawdry romantic situations and keenly observed political commentaries, “Free Expressions” is poised to reap similar accolades. “War”, produced by Patrick Samuels, addresses the reasons for continual global conflict including religious divides and racial stereotyping, yet offers hope that these harmful prejudices can be eradicated; “Retribution”, produced by Stephen Stanley, warns of the karmic consequences that result from each of our actions. Etana’s unabashed romanticism on the lovers’ rock tunes “I Know You Love Me” and “Happy Heart”, both produced by Flava, is contrasted by the disillusionment that accompanies her partner’s infidelity on “Heart Broken”, produced by Curtis Lynch Jr. and Gussie Clarke. “Move On” also produced by Lynch, adapts a neo-soul reggae fusion that cautiously veers into C&W territory to a break-up tale that embraces life’s new possibilities, as does the upbeat reggae track “My Name Is”, produced by Stephen Stanley. Etana highlights her soulful side on “I Got You” produced by Specialist and Alborosie, a song that can be interpreted on many levels. “That song relates to my life with my mother and especially my grandmother,” she explains, “but it could be about someone’s relationship with God or anyone they are close to at troubled times.” “Day By Day” produced by Joel Chin, offers spiritual renewal, with Lamont Savory’s subtle acoustic guitar textures underscoring the nuances of Etana’s exquisite vocal phrasing. “People Talk”, produced by Rohan Dwyer and Specialist, was written by Carol Dexter especially for Etana, reflecting her determination to succeed against all odds in the music business but the song’s fortifying sentiment is easily applicable to anyone seeking to overcome their detractors’ taunts: “never let them get you down, never let them see you frown, never let them lead you astray, starting today, live your life your way”. Source: VP Records