ARTIST #2 MICHAEL JOHN ==> BLACK MUSIC MONTH Celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth

Written by Clairon Haynes

ARTIST #2 MICHAEL JOHN 

Michael John is a PAST STUDENT of the owner of this BLOG. I have first met him in September 2007 when I taught him PHYSICAL EDUCATION & ECONOMICS in Grade 11. I was blessed with the privilege of reconnecting with him on SOCIAL MEDIA 6 years post his high school graduation.

Surprise, surprise you bet I was when he told me of his musical pursuit. I did not realize I would have gotten a second chance to encourage him along his career path. I feel more than blessed. Enough of my experience with him and allow me to introduce to you the now mature ARTIST/MUSICIAN Michael.

CONTACT:
SOUND CLOUD ===> https://soundcloud.com/dr-john91/tracks 

FACEBOOK ==> https://www.facebook.com/Michael.I.John
 
MUSIC BACKGROUND. HOW IT ALL STARTED
Michael began his journey in music during his tender childhood years with his church choir in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  He later enrolled in the music program at his high school for 4 years where he was fascinated with playing the trumpet, his favourite instrument.  During the freshman year of his college life he joined the College Choir and relished the perks of having multiple concert in the city of Lacombe, Alberta. In an effort to showcase his versatility in the ARTS he aligned himself with the drama team where he participated in several skits for the school and other events in the town.  He later returned to his native town Montreal on a three year break from all creativity to fully immerse into his studies.

After school in Montreal, Michael moved to the city of Windsor, Ontario to continue his education. Mid way through his degree, it suddenly dawned on him that this program wasn’t for him and as much as it was interesting, it wasn’t his passion so he dropped and began working as a Fido Salesman full time, making tons of money in comparison to the average person in Windsor. However, it just wasn’t enough to fill his HAPPINESS, in fact he was more DEPRESS than when he was in school. This confused state of mind alerted him of the need to make a change immediately. Thank goodness for the universe and its gifts that soon linked him with somebody that showed him a different path to his life. This person was a guitarist who has been playing guitar for well over a decade. He asked him to sing for him. A little nervousness kicked in of course. However that did not prevent him from forming melodies and instantly magic happened, they clicked and they were a unit! They were able to put out Singles, “Together” and “We wont Stop” by the former Band RareCandy in September 2014 - April 2015. 

Like in everything in life DISASTER struck and band broke up. Michael decided to use this as a stepping stone to start his new future as a vocalist in the art of Music. Since then he has been able to broaden his horizons experimenting with a variety of musical genres which yielded over 40 songs which he has released for free on Soundcloud under the name AstralMic.

MUSIC GENRE
 Alternative/Indie, Screamo, Hiphop, and R&B are Michael's favourite. Indie music tops the list. The fact that he was introduced to this first pretty much explains his choice. Screamo and Hiphop because it caters to the EXPRESSION OF HIS STRUGGLES. He's been through a lot in his young life, from being bullied and school to being beaten at home. "I never never really had a break during my early childhood through adolescence. I never felt like I had a safe ground, and so, a lot of anger and resentment built up in me, affording me the energy and a zeal to fully embrace Screamo and HipHop."

OBSTACLES PREVENTING ME FROM MY THE ACHIEVEMENT OF MY MUSIC GOALS

One of Michal's Major Obstacles was getting people to hear his music. His community is slowly growing, but it isn’t enough. Quoting one of his Friends BBK Canadian Beatboxing Champion, “Michael you have good quality material meant for a bigger community, and that’s all you are missing”. That has been his biggest struggle when compared to his FEAR OF SINGING IN FRONT OF PEOPLE when he just started.
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DALPIN & MONICA FINDLAY FOR #BlackHistoryMonth BLACK MUSIC CELEBRATION!

Written by Clairon Haynes

Music is life, medicine for the human soul. God created music for human beings to enjoy. Only music can take you to a place that no other thing on this earth can. Oh the TRANSFORMING POWERS of MUSIC, hence the reason why this blog chose to celebrate it as we commemorate BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2016.

I have chosen to feature GOSPEL MUSIC first so that the premise of this celebration synchronizes with the word of Almighty God "SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THINGS WILL BE ADDED UNTO YOU (Matthew 6:33).
 Artist # 1 Felix "DALPIN" & MONICA FINDLAY

Felix "DALPIN" and Monica Findlay hails from the Southern Caribbean island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. They are know by many Vincentians in the CALYPSO/SOCA arena.

The couple has performed/competed on this platform prior to BECOMING BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS. They have realized that they can use their musical talents to further the work of Jesus Christ in this dark world of sin.

RADIO INTERVIEW AT NBC RADIO IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES. The couple is here discussing their ALBUM which they have released early 2015


 THEIR MUSIC BACKGROUND IS PORTRAYED IN THIS ARTICLE BELOW. Details on how you can get their ALBUM both in digital and hard copy forms is laid out in this newspaper article.

 CONTACT INFO:

FACEBOOK ===> https://www.facebook.com/dalpinandmonica/?fref=ts

PURCHASE THEIR ALBUM ON AMAZON ===> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TK9FH5K?ie=UTF8&keywords=dalpin%20and%20minica%20findlay&qid=1454525693&ref_=sr_1_fkmr0_1&sr=8-1-fkmr0

 




 THE OWNER OF THIS BLOG HOLDING A CD PURCHASED TO SUPPORT

ALBUM REVIEW BY THE OWNER OF THIS BLOG
#VIDEO
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2016 KICKED OFF WITH MEDIA WORKERS IN QUEBEC, CANADA

 Written by Clairon Haynes

In North America the month of February plays a pivotal role in the celebration of who people of colour are. It is an opportunity to bring awareness of the history, the present, and the future of our black culture to this multi-ethnic society in which we domicile. It is often said that MEDIA helps to shape the minds of people, and so, kicking off BLACK HISTORY MONTH with a GROUP OF INTELLIGENT AND RENOWN MEDIA WORKERS  here in Montreal, Quebec is a step in the right direction.

On February 1, 2016 five media workers participated in a live ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION on the VAULT K103/103.7 FM at 9 PM - 12 PM.
 
LISTEN TO VIDEO BELOW ON THE LEFT
 "Get yourself empowered and START YOUR OWN BUSINESS. The big businesses are not hiring on a large scale anymore even if you have DEGREES. You are the first to be hired ad first to be fired."

Don Smooth, Malik Shaheed, Vibe Time, Denburk Reid, and Maya Johnson captured the attention of listeners across the Montreal region, disseminating a wealth of knowledge and experiences expressed and and articulated with profound conviction.Topics revolving around the heart ad soul of the BLACK COMMUNITY were brought to the fore. Entrepreneurship stood out tall as the GAME CHANGER for empowerment. As a budding entrepreneur this was music to m ears and immediately this panel ideas resonated with me.

ORGANIZATION MENTORING 
This was strongly suggested. Excellent point indeed. I believe it is high time for community organizations which have been in existence for years like the BLACK COMMUNITY, Jamaica Association of Montreal and the likes here in Quebec to offer scaffolding to the upcoming ones. How about helping to FUNDING COMMUNITY PROJECTS and sponsoring LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS  to prepare them to effectively continue the work which they have started. TOGETHERNESS is the only way way the black community can prosper and grow. IF BLACK PEOPLE UNITE THERE IS NOTHING STOPPING US FROM REACHING THE TOP. I think sometimes we tend to be the biggest obstacle to our progress in life.

YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE INTERNET
The panel felt that young people need to capitalize on the ONLINE EDUCATIONAL OUTLETS to develop their ENTREPRENEURIAL abilities and themselves. Too much time is wasted on nurturing virtual friendships instead of building real connections to better their lives. 

MORE WEST INDIANS NEED TO OWN GROCERY MARKETS IN MONTREAL
It was noted that there are many grocery stores in Montreal operating under the name "WEST INDIAN STORES" yet only TWO (2) are known to be owned by people from the WEST INDIES (CARIBBEAN). Could this be that we as a people still suffer from the INFERIOR COMPLEX SYNDROME? Do some of us still live by the notion that ANYTHING THAT IS NOT BLACK IS THE BEST???? The change must come now and it must be with each one of us. 

HOW DOES MONTREAL FEEL ABOUT LACK OF BLACK REPRESENTATIVE IN THE TOP NOMINATED AWARDS AT THE ACADEMY 2016? 

According to a CTV poll "TALK BACK MONTREAL" 44% said they don't feel the Academy is TOO WHITE. Maya Johnson came to the defense of her workplace (CTV) by stating "it is not a huge sample size I don't know if that is a full representation of the whole of Montreal but it is indicative to a certain extent. If people are not affected by something then I guess they don't see it as a problem." Don strongly felt that Actress Jada Smith felt slighted because her husband Will Smith did not get nominated for his role in CONCUSSION. According to him he did not deserve a nomination. Other panel contributors feel that BLACK people DESERVE SOMETHING but we as a people need to focus more on the BIGGER PICTURE than ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS. Since the media portrays these two variables then it may me difficult to show people the other side since they may not even believe their is really another side.
MODERATOR AND DJ DON IN SESSION


WAS THE GOAL OF THIS HISTORIC ROUND TABLE REALIZED??
Since MEDIA controls the mind who is better to bring awareness about our BLACK culture to the mind than this outstanding group of YOUNG BLACK MEDIA WORKERS? I say yes this 1st ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION was a WIN for me. I will like to see it done not only at Black History Month but throughout the year. I hope THEY CAN FORM THEMSELVES INTO A TV SHOW OR SOMETHING PERMANENT and act as THE  AUTHENTIC VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY. One people under one umbrella.
GROUP PIC OF THE PANEL


The Owner of this blog extends CONGRATULATIONS to this awesome team for a JOB WELL DONE. You are certainly a BEACON OF HOPE for our community!
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Really now???? NDP VICTORY RALLY JAN. 30 2016 at LAYOU WATERFRONT

 WRITTEN BY Clairon Haynes

Ladies and gentlemen it is with amusement that I write this post. As you may have read in the caption the NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY has posted a flyer of their VICTORY RALLY slated for January 30, 2016 at the LAYOU WATERFRONT.

 

This move spells CONFUSION painted with a brush of DELUSION. Why label it a VICTORY RALLY?? What are they victorious about??? Is it the 7 seats which they have won???? I hope this is an effort ACCEPT DEFEAT and move on to rebuild for 2020 general elections. Earlier this week Leader of the NDP Hon. Arhnim Eustace expressed his frustration and disappointment about his supporters failure to join the picket line. 

Is he trying to say that his supporters are ALL MOUTH AND NO ACTION???

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EXPLOSIVES to BLOW UP SVG? Diapora NDP Supporters Class in Session?

WRITTEN BY CLAIRON HAYNES
 

Ladies and gentlemen the elections in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been long over 1 month ago. However, recent behaviour by a HANDFUL of supporters from the NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) seems to want to keep the DEAD hovering over the populace forever even after a POSTMORTEM has been conduced by several renown and respected organizations around the region to authenticate the validity of the UNITY LABOUR PARTY GOVERNMENT. Terms like THE ULP ILLEGAL GOVERNMENT is being thrown around insinuating that the elections has been stolen from the NDP.

HERE IS THE VIDEO IN QUESTION WHICH THIS PERSON HAS POSTED!

We have seen various forms of PROTEST staged outside of the ELECTORAL OFFICE in capital Kingstown. I have joked in a video about one of the protest and have decided I would refrain from giving this MESS OF A PROTEST more attention than what it truly deserves from my blog. What I am saying is that as the owner of this blog I have personally MOVED ON FROM ELECTIONS in my beloved country and I personally feel it is also time for the NDP supporters to do the same as no one seems to be benefiting in a PRODUCTIVE way from this.

HERE IS ANOTHER POST BY THE FACEBOOK USER

 
However a post showed up in my FACEBOOK newsfeed and caught my attention. No matter how hard I try to resist the temptation to BREAK MY FAST and blog about it I had to give into it as I could not give a blind eye and ignore a blatant THREAT TO CREATE EXPLOSIVES BY AN NDP SUPPORTER  in the DIASPORA to ALLEGEDLY BLOW UP OUR COUNTRY.

This individual has posted a series of written articulations showing disgust for the current Government in power and uses language that is allegedly full of HATE SPEECH. In the same day after these HATEFUL utterances against the government these VIDEOS on how to make EXPLOSIVES were posted to the same group with captions like "THE WAR HAS STARTED IN SVG...............above the VIDEOS posted on how to make these EXPLOSIVES.

Is this a SERIOUS CAUSE FOR CONCERN?? I say yes. It was only 2 weeks ago persons have ALLEGEDLY hinted about BURNING DOWN BUILDINGS in SVG and shortly thereafter the PUBLIC WORKS BUILD AT ARNOS VALE was on FIRE!

It is evident that these FACEBOOK groups are set up and used as the INCUBATION CENTRE for nurturing of  acts TERROR against our country. Suffice it to say I am WORRIED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY COUNTRY.

HATE SPEECHES BY THE SAME INDIVIDUAL ON FACEBOOK!

 
An urgent INVESTIGATION needs to be conducted to stop this spread of HATE and TERROR among our VINCENTIAN people NOW!


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The ULP Should Not Have Won Elections 2015 BUT.............

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE NOT THOSE OF THE OWNER OF THIS BLOG BUT SOLELY THOSE OF THE AUTHOR

WRITTEN BY Philbert J A John-Bute

The ULP Should Not Have Won Elections 2015 But...
In a normal world, the ULP should have lost Elections 2015. The widespread mood for a change in government was palpable. A large section of the Vincentian populace was simply tired and fed up of the Comrade and his party. Their waning popularity has been attributable to a number of factors.

The productive sectors of the economy have been stagnant or declining for most of the past decade. The road network has been marked by widespread deterioration and disrepair. The state managed health sector appeared headed for a crisis. Social ills such as crime, unemployment and poverty have been spiraling out of control. The private sector, particularly small businesses, has been struggling to stay afloat. At the same time, allegations of official corruption, political victimization, nepotism, cronyism, and sexual immorality in high office have helped to define the ULP administration. Amidst it all, the debilitating effects of rampant political tribalism have effectively retarded the country's progress. 

Despite the generally dismal situation facing SVG on the watch of the ULP, the party has barely managed to retain the seat of governance. On reflection, FIVE critical factors may have been responsible for this.

FIRST, the party has mastered the art and science of winning elections. By skillfully integrating the party machinery with the state apparatus to full effect, the ULP has found a winning formula.

SECOND, the Comrade and his team have been able to steer scrutiny away from their mediocre record of the past decade and instead get the voters focused on future projects, programs and policies even the most grandiose and far fetched.
THIRD, the party made the elections all about RALPH, who clearly still has tremendous political capital. The NDP's attack on this the ULP's most valuable asset served only to further enhance his popularity.

FOURTH, the ULP has been able to effectively exploit the perceived weaknesses of the NDP, some of which I have raised in a previous post.

And FIFTH, The ULP spared no expense in trying to buy a victory. The party itself appeared to have unlimited funds to spend. This was further complemented with the use of state resources in the pursuit of initiatives involving significant levels of material assistance to large sections of the population.
Did the ULP CHEAT? I have NO EVIDENCE to support such. However, I do think the weaknesses of the applicable electoral laws were exploited to the fullest. Given the inherent advantages of the incumbency and the robust election machinery built by the party over the years, a victory for the ULP though not necessarily desirable, was still quite likely.

Despite the allegations of widespread irregularities, the elections are over. The ULP has WON its fourth term. The government is legitimate. Let us all combined our energies to take SVG forward. Irrespective of whom we may have supported, the people have spoken and we have a country to build.
Come on, let's do this!
Philbert J A John-Bute
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WILL THERE BE A SHOWDOWN BETWEEN NDP & ULP AT THE PUBLIC SWEARING OF ELECTED OFFICERS TOMORROW AT HEITAGE SQUARE IN KINGSTOWN?

DISCLAIMER
THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE NOT 
THOSE OF THE OWNER OF THIS BLOG BUT SOLELY  THOSE OF THE AUTHOR!

WRITTEN BY KENLEY JOHN

I made a conscious decision to respect the will of the Vincentian electorate and move on from politics since the results came out on elections night.

However today I took some time out to check up here on FB just simply to check on the mood of the people. As someone is never afraid to be wrong to find right than to think I'm always right, I sensing a dangerous development about to happen in my country. Apparently both political parties supporters are about to converge on Kingstown tomorrow with the strong possibility of a confrontational showdown.

Some of my party members might not share my views here but my country will always come first. Maturity and common sense always prevail in times of adversity. The ULP is again the ruling party in the country, and I do not see us gaining anything from having a public swearing in ceremony especially with all of the above adversity that can come out of it. Tomorrow is a workday hence I see no reason why we cannot have a private ceremony streamed live to the general public including radio and Television.
To the NDP, to maintain civil societies we have created legal systems including the courts. I strongly suggest that you take your issues to the courts and stop encouraging innocent people to fight an issue that you have not proven legally.

"Let peace reign from shore to shore, and God bless and keep us true".
Please let us put our country over parties.
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FIREWORKS AT ULP VICTORY RALLY AT ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

On December 12, 2015 three days following the GENERAL ELECTIONS in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines the UNITY LABOUR PARTY under the leadership of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves assembled at ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for their VICTORY RALLY.
 
ULP candidates who contested the elections took to the podium to thank Vincentians who voted for them. Various entertainers who graced the ULP STAGE to provide entertainment throughout the campaign returned to give their final performance.

A surprise FIREWORK was carried out to usher in the Prime Minister to make his speech.
VIDEO of the fireworks can be seen below.

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WATCH SO MANY VOTING FINGERS!!! VINCENTIANS ARE OUT TO VOTE EARLY TODAY DEC. 9 2015

The campaign is over and the silence on Facebook is deafening. A cool and calm breeze seems to be hovering over social media this morning December 9, 2015. Where have all of the POLITICAL SO CALLED FACEBOOK ACTIVIST GONE TO? Your guess is as good as mine. They are all at the POLLING STATIONS in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to EXERCISE THEIR FRANCHISE IN ELECTING THE PARTY THAT THEY THINK IS BEST TO GOVERN SVG FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS!

My eyes went lurking around the dullness of FB and look what i saw in my newsfeed - A LOT OF VOTING FINGERS WITH THEIR INK!!


 
 
 
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PRIME MINISTER, DR. RALPH E. GONSALVES, ADDRESSING THE NATION ON ELECTIONS EVE

PRIME MINISTER, DR. RALPH E. GONSALVES, ADDRESSING THE NATION ON THE EVE OF THE GENERAL ELECTIONS Dec. 8, 2015
 

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