I am a native of the U.S. Virgin Islands. I grew up in the Big Apple (New York City), which is where my love for fashion, music and the entertainment industry began! Red Carpet Shelley is all about spreading the love of my Caribbean culture and heritage. In life I have learned that nothing is certain except God and change!!
Any fan of dancehall music is more than aware of the Gully vs. Gaza battle that has been brewing for some time between Bounty Killer, Mavado, and Vybz Kartel et. al. Recently, while at a party, Bounty Killer decided to address the mounting tension linked to the ongoing rivalry. In sum, Bounty Killer still and always will rep for the Gully Side but this does not mean there should be violence over which side you represent. Sort of like Democrats vs. Republicans - can't we all just get along????
Gully or Gaza take your pick but no need for anyone to die over this issue. As for me, me deya pon de Gullyaza side!
39 reggae artists have been selected for consideration for the Grammy Award for Reggae Album of the Year. Some of the submissions include the ever so special album, Mavado's "Mr. Brooks...A Better Tomorrow" and Sizzla, "Ghetto Youth-Ology". Grammy award winner Sean Paul is back with his latest album "Imperial Blaze". Sean Paul's album released on August 18 just barely beat the submission deadline of August 31. Queen Ifrica is on the list repping for the ladies with her album "Montego Bay". Not to be left out, Buju Banton is also up for consideration with his "Rasta Got Soul" album. Both Stephen and Julian Marley are also up for consideration but no such consideration for brother Ziggy.
The final nominations should be released by the end of November early December and I will keep you posted. The Grammy Awards are scheduled to take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on January 31, 2010. Below is the complete list of albums submitted for nomination consideration:
1. The Aggrolites - IV 2. Anthony B - Rise Up 3. Buju Banton - Rasta Got Soul 4. Benaissa - Tables Turn 5. Ce’cile - Waiting 6. De Apostle - King Of The V.I. 7. Easy Star All-Stars - Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band 8. Lutan Fyah - Justice 9. Terry Ganzie - Loose And Running 10. Gyptian - I Can Feel Your Pain 11. Inner Circle - State Of Da World 12. Gregory Isaacs - Brand New Me 13. The Itals - Let Dem Talk 14. Jah Cure - The Universal Cure 15. John Brown’s Body - Re-Amplify 16. Kronik - Breaking Loose 17. Lady G - Rated G 18. Terry Linen - A Better Man 19. Julian Marley - Awake 20. Stephen Marley - Mind Control - Acoustic 21. Mavado - Mr. Brooks…A Better Tomorrow 22. Mishka- Above The Bones 23. Fantan Mojah - Stronger 24. Sean Paul - Imperial Blaze 25. Prezident Brown - Common Prosperity 26. Queen Ifrica - Montego Bay 27. Rebelution - Bright Side Of Life 28. Tarrus Riley - Contagious 29. Sizzla - Ghetto Youth-Ology 30. Mikey Spice - Walk A Mile 31. T.O.K. - Our World 32. Shango Trex - Shango Trex 33. Various Artists - Chemistry Riddim 34. Various Artists - The Hit List 35. Various Artists - National Pride 36. Various Artists - Reggae Gold 29 37. Various Artists - Reggae Jammin Vol. 1 38. Glen Washington - Destiny 39. Westbound Train - Come And Get It
Over the Labor Day weekend, Brooklyn hosted its annual West Indian Day Parade on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York. The 42nd annual West Indian Carnival Festival & Parade is attended by millions each year and is arguably the largest Caribbean event held each year in North America . This year the West Indian American Day Carnival Association in partnership with the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Census Bureau, chose the theme "Jump for the Cure, Jump Up and be Counted". The message is clear, stay healthy with regular cancer screenings and ensure proper representation by being counted in the upcoming census. For the first time, Caribbean Americans will be counted as a separate entity. This is hugely important to the Caribbean community (of which I am a proud member!) in terms of political clout, community grassroots organizing, marketing & advertising power and most importantly receiving Federal resources.
Check out some of the sights, sounds, jukin', chipping and dutty whining!
Over the Labor Day weekend, the 4th Annual Atlanta Jerk Festival took place in Decatur, Georgia at Panthersville Stadium. The annual event attracts crowds of all ages for a fun-filled day of fun, music and entertainment and, most of all food! The festival's pinnacle event is the "Jerk Off" competition. Participants in the event compete to win the coveted title of Atlanta's Top Jerk Chef. This year's winner EvertonWelch beat out defending champion Steve Lopez. Everton is a repeat winner so although I didn't get to taste his jerk, I'm sure it was delicious. Congratulations Everton!
Festival attendees were also treated to many vendors selling foods of the Caribbean in addition to a mini concert featuring the melodic songster Tony Curtis and the comedic lyrics of Professor Nuts. There was even a wedding proposal at this year's event! Jason Skywalker of WRFG Atlanta 89.3 co-hosted along with IRIE FMs Ron Muschette. The event was well attended and everyone had a great time present company included!
George Clooney's hitman tale "The American" has captured the top spot at the box office with a $16.4 million debut over the long U.S. Labor Day holiday weekend.
