SISTERS TO SISTERS
MEDIATHON:
A Big Success

By: A Frischauer-Bernard 

               Fashion designer Mamayashi (left) shared her experience of growing up in an abusive home. Also in the picture Cherine Anderson ( 2nd left), Macka Diamond (2nd right), Jewelry designers Teasea and Duane Bennett (center) and friend all supported the efforts.

Sunday April 13th was a day of shared joy and pain, a celebration of lives and achievements and the ability to endure abuse and suffering; and to overcome through strength and determination. But most of all it was about Sisterhood. The CPTC's (Creative Production & Training Centre) studios were host to a live 'Mediathon' entitled "Sisters to Sisters", under the International Women's Day theme "Financing for Gender Equality." Sponsored by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports (MICYS), the objective was to raise funds for the Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation and establishment of a shelter being built by the Bureau for Women's Affairs for battered women, with a target of raising JA$10 million.

There was an amazing presence of successful women of all professions, both participating and in attendance. Amongst these remarkable women lending their valuable time and talents were, The Hon. Olivia "Babsy" Grange (Minister of Information, Culture & Sport), who's to be thanked and commended for hosting and taking part in pioneering such a worthy event. Former Minister of Tourism Hon. Aloun N'dombet-Assamba, was one of many to share her personal experiences of abuse with viewers. Additional names include Leonie Forbes, Denise Hunt, Jenny Jenny, Denise "Isis" Miller, and other media personalities. A truly regal selection of female performers, many of whom provided not only entertainment but helped take calls live on air, included: Nadine Sutherland, Carlene Davis, Queen Ifrica, Cherine Anderson, Alaine, Etana and D'Angel. One of the many highlights was Lady G performing a combination, very symbolic of sisterhood, along with Marcia Griffiths. It is hoped that the sisterhood experienced at "Sisters to Sisters" can continue on and reflect in the industry from this day forward.     

  Songbirds Cherine Anderson (center) and Alaine (right )  performed and assisted with the monitoring of phones lines for the pledges at last Sundays Sisters to Sisters Mediathon

Many participants were required to make this event happen and there was an awesome turnout of industry people who provided logistical support. Phone lines were setup to handle the vast amount of calls received and the pledges were numerous. Companies took notice of "Sisters to Sisters" and gave generously. Grace Foods pledged $1,000,000 and Mr Anthony Abrahams from News Talk 93FM pledged $500,000 and $1,000,000 in advertising to the cause. In addition to corporate pledges musicians Carol Gonzales, Cherine Anderson and even Nelly Furtado, who has often been affiliated with Jamaican music and culture, made pledges. Many children called into the studios excited to take part and made pledges of whatever they could spare, $500 or even $100 contributions, because every little bit helps, and every single donation counts. The fact that the younger generation was so happy to take part was further testimony to the success of the event overall.  

        Marcia Griffiths and Lady G combined talent and heart in  support  of Sister to Sisters       

After six hours of live performances, interviews and coverage on CVM and TVJ, as well as other cable and internet TV stations including Negril TV, it was estimated that $6.5 million of the $10 million target had been raised! However, it is not over yet. For anyone wishing to pledge, there is still time to make your contributions to this extremely worthy cause. The deadline to reach the targeted goal of $10 million is May 30, 2008. 

'The Pen' returns

Hopeton Lindo aka ‘The Pen’ is an extraordinary singer-producer-songwriter. <Read more>

Chart Beat -April 18, 2008 -

John John dominates Jamaican dancehall, capturing #1 & 4 spots

By Richie B - host of "HOT MIX" on HOT 102 FM TOP 20 DANCEHALL SINGLES

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 1 19 Shoot Out-Mykal Rose-John John(2wks@#1) NM
02 2 18 Don't Run In -Harry Toddler-Truck Back(3wks@#1) NM
03 6 7 Money Fi Spend-Vybz Kartel-Big Ship U-3
04 4 18 Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten-Demarco-John John NM
05 5 18 Pon Di Edge-Busy Signal-Star Kutt (3wks@#1) NM

<Read more>

Previews

Cherine, Sly & Robbie readied new album for  2nd quarter

'Dancehall Soul' sound has made an impact and helped to create a new standard for up and coming Jamaican female vocalists. < Get MP3 Mixtape>

Michael Rose & John John

Last year, the 50-year-old Rose went back to his hometown to work with producers Lloyd 'John John' James and DeMarco . Listen

Ras Amerlock - Farther East

Performer with The Milwaukee Symphoney Orchestra as a classical solo violinist ,or a Roots Reggae Dub Entertainer. <Check out his works>

Taj Weekes - Deidem

Taj Weekes & Adowa present a brand new experience in classic roots reggae. <Read more>

Dubmood

Dubmood, or Kalle Jonnson, is a modern day chiptune artist from Gothenberg, Sweden. Read more>

Dubmatix

One of Canada's premiere dub, reggae & electro artists having spent months on top of the Canadian & International charts. <Read more >

Latest Blog Entry

After publication of her story Rita should  have anticipated the problems  wth any attempt to convert it into a movie.  So much of Jamaica's music publishing is owned by overseas interest that  even 'John Crow' have to hide  him shirt, partly because of  our own doings.  Hollywood is not  a place concerned with personal narrative  despite the  pretensions. It is all about  gross potential . Nor will the 'powers that be' allow marriage laws    to hinder commerce and profit-making.

In 1973 Chris Blackwell advanced Bob Marley  four thousands pound to produce Catch A Fire.  Today he celebrated as  the singular individual to have positioned reggae internationally while smiling to the bank and owning some of the best real estate in Jamaica. Will  director Martin Scorsese documentary address the dispute surrounding ownership  of the tapes from these recording sessions? Lee Perry's claim is that 'dem used badman to  tek wey the masters' while his musicians were 'bribed' away to work for Island Records.  Such is the Jamaican music industry where the threat of violence is omnipresent. Post a feedback

Latest Forum Post

Will we see an effort  by male reggae artists, similiar to what the sisters accomplished, to help  their comrades whom has fallen on hard times due to addiction to crack-cocaine?  Many are desperately in need of help, detox etc., but treatment on demand  in Jamaica is so expensive , 100 U.S dollaars per week, which many cannot afford . Post a feedback

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