Rock the Rock

As your guide to all that’s hot, fab, and undiscovered in the beautiful 166 square miles of Barbados, when I heard about the Rock the Rock concert you know I had to check it out!

This new event showcased local, regional and international acts, all with an alternative sound. It was set on the breezy, gorgeous East Coast of the island in an area called Bath, from midday till about 9pm. I expected a Glastonbury-type festival atmosphere and for the most part that’s what I got. However, apparently in Barbados this is more of a T in the Park summer vibe, with bikinis and flip flops dominating!

Every single act was a hit, although we were a bit confused by the Vanna Vee performance (think lip-syncing to dance music with bits of cloth attached). Weird. Local acts like Simon Pipe and the crowd-drawing Threads of Scarlet ‘mashed up the dance,’ while Trinidadian band Kin Sibling Rivalry was another standout. As the sun went down the true rock vibe took over and the lovely Cover Drive brought the house down (yes that was me in front the stage mouthing along to ‘Twilight’ and staring at Jamar's abs)

Nexcyx closed off the night and although they are quite popular and perform frequently around the island, for most of the other acts this was the first time I’d seen them outside of your neighbourhood dive bar, but, I have to say they all sounded damn good. I cannot wait to see this become a regular event on the Bajan calendar, Barbados has so much talent and it needs a showcase!

Check out some of the concert fashion onstage and off that my talented photog Nicholas McGeary spotted. Full album here.

Bajan Cherry out, till next time hugs and rum punch my lovelies! xxx

You can also check out www.cropoverchronicles.blogspot.com/

>Fana Harper-Tyson wrote this<

Shine ALOUD Magazine

Launched in 2011 Shine ALOUD Magazine aims to educate and entertain young people aged 15-24 about sex and relationships but in a unique twist it also features music and fashion.

Owned and managed by Journalism Undergraduate Rianna, the magazine already has 2500 readers and is also being supported by well known companies and youth organisations like O2 Think Big, One Diverse Fashion, Ape media, StreetStarz TV and Channel 4's Battle front campaign.

Passionate about sexual health awareness, Rianna began by volunteering as a peer educator for sexual health in Newham with Shine just over 4 years ago. She then went on to work for Terrence Higgins Trust, Mens Health Magazine, Pulse Magazine and MTV The Wrap Up. So she is definitely a fountain of knowledge on this subject.

With sex still being such a taboo subject, Rianna wanted to create a magazine that would appeal to young people on their level, so they would be able to learn more about sexual health and have certain questions answered in private without being bored or switching off and Shine ALOUD does just that.

Sexual Health, Arts and culture. Not 3 things you normally think to put together, but somehow it works. In fact it’s so obscure it’s actually genius!

So now you know about it, go read, read READ! 

www.shinealoud.com/#!magazine

>Jade wrote this<

@writing_queen

Videos Videos Videos

Don't blame me by Mon Mon
@monmontweets

Strictly Babbzy

FU interviewed Bajan blogger Babbzy:

When did you start Strictly Babbzy?

I “accidentally” started Strictly Babbzy in October 2009

What exactly is Strictly Babbzy all about?

Well to be honest Strictly Babbzy includes a wide range of things.  First there is the video blog where I address issues and concerns in Barbados but now I have branched off to addressing the rest of the West Indies as well.  There is the website www.strictlybabbzy.com that now has videos and new articles that are West Indian based. 

You seem to have 2 names, Strictly Babbzy and Babbzys cuntery at large, which one is the official name and how did you come up with that name and also where did the name Babbzy come from?

The official name is Strictly Babbzy.  Babbzy’s Cuntery at Large is the Facebook fanpage name.  Actually a friend of mine named Jason Farley came up with the Cuntery at Large part based on one of my rants I did on a blog.  Babbzy has been my nick-name from the time I can remember because my name is Carla Babb. 

What made you wanna start?

I did my first blog as a “dare”.  I saw a Haitian guy talking about his experiences and I thought… “Is there a Bajan doing this”?  I did the first one as a joke, and the next week came and everyone asked me what I would be talking about next. I quickly realized I better find something else to blog about!!

You have a lot of followers, why do you think your blog is so popular?

Because I’m extremely different.  Mind you, there are numerous imitations of me now, but the majority of people know that I am the authentic one.  There was never really a Bajan person acting in this sort of capacity so it struck a chord with Bajans around the world and even non Bajans.  There’s a lot of seriousness to what I say as well as a good amount of humour so it’s a perfect blend.

I’ve seen people complaining about the language you use have you ever felt the need to censor yourself in order to appeal to a different kind of audience?

In the beginning I was worried.  I used to get soooooo many emails of people complaining about the things I say.  But I don’t think I need to censor.  Some of the most successful people in America “cursed” before.  Eddie Murphy, Ice Cube, Monique, Steve Harvey, just to name a few.  So the cursing may be new to people because of the Bajan accent.  But cursing isn’t an issue to most people. 

When I first heard you talk I just assumed that you was a Bajan who had relocated to Canada, but as an actual Canadian do you ever get people questioning your creditability i.e.; how she can be chattin’ bout Bim (or the Caribbean) when she doesn’t live in the Caribbean or how can she possibly really know what’s going on or what we are dealing with?

This is an amazing question.  People say this to me all the time.  But how can someone in Jamaica comment on Nicki Minaj who isn’t in Jamaica?  Or a Trini comment on Lil Wayne.  But they do right?  They don’t live in North America yet West Indians comment on what goes on in North America all the time.  I lived in Barbados long enough as an adult so I feel that I have the right to discuss what I saw as well as my own experiences. 

Your video blogs are very entertaining, but how do you choose which topics to cover or is it just literally whatever is on your mind at that particular time?

It’s usually what ever comes to my mind at the time.  I’ve always had a humorous side to me so it’s fairly easy to find something to talk about. 

You seem to be a bit of a mini celeb, which means you must get invited to loads of stuff, what’s the best event you’ve ever attended?

LOL @ mini celeb.  Far from far from. Yes I get invited to a lot of events.  But one of the BEST events I ever been invited to was Sunny Side Up during the NYC Labour Day Parade weekend.  LOVED IT!!!

You currently are running a wukkup contest, have you been shocked/surprised by any of the entrants...?

I actually thought there would have been more.  A free ticket to crop over or 1000USD.  You see people brekkin' down all the time in parties so I thought there would have been much more contestants to be honest. 

Do you feel that because the name of your blog includes the word CUNTery that a lot of people may see it, take offense and then not even give the blog a chance?

People will take offence.  But they are not my demographic. My motto is, I do well with the audience I target.  There is no way I would win over everyone regardless of what my page is called. 

Can you explain to the Europeans/non Bajans what cuntery actually means?

Cuntery is a word I just came up with in one of my early blogs.  Bajans will say “bare cunt” which means nuff foolishness.  So cuntery was just the act of being foolish.  So I usually blog about people and their foolishness. 

You seem to be quite a busy lady already, but what else do you have planned, what’s next for Babbzy?

Lordy.  Planned next… you will just have to wait and see yes!!!

Watch Babbzys latest Vlog

For more info on Babbzy:

www.strictlybabbzy.com

www.facebook.com/BabbzyAtLarge

www.twitter.com/strictlybabbzy



>Jade Wrote this<
@writing_queen

Tinekia Pennington

FU interviewed writer Tinekia Pennington:

How long have you been writing?

Since September 2011, about 6 months.

What made you interested in writing?

I read a lot and had read everything new in the local library so I decided to write my own short story.

What kind of stuff do you tend to write about?

Urban nonfiction and romance with a twist.

Can you tell us about your latest book 'Again'?

Noreece is dangerous to the female race. He steps out to a party and meets Michelle and she turns the sexy as sin Noreece’s world upside down.

Where did the idea from the book come from?

I liked the Vegas setting, as sin city what better way than have a sexy as sin man from there.

Is there any kinda ritual you must follow to get you in the writing mood?

Music is a must and followed by a cherry coke. But if I randomly get a idea I'll write it down on a post it note then come back to it later.

Where else can we see your writing?

Blackurbanbooks.net

What’s next for you?

Another book, Sinful Ego. It's about a young woman, Trevia who has been dealt a couple of bad hands in life and love. Ayden Blu King comes home early and thinks the woman needs his help.

>Click here to get 'Again' for your Kindle<

For more info on Tinekia Pennington:

www.twitter.com/tinekia

>Jade wrote this<

Bronchey Battle

FU interviewed 18 year old writer Bronchey Battle:

How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since the age of thirteen.
What made you interested in writing?
I used to be in anger management, and writing was how I expressed my emotions. After writing for so long, it became a hobby of mine.
Do you have any books published?
Yes. My first book “Billionaire Boyz” has been published, and is out now.

Where did the idea from the book come from? Is it based on a true story or real people?

None of my books are based on actual people.

What kind of stuff do you tend to write about?
Every day life. Life experiences, family, street life, sex…etc.
What inspires your writing?
Being creative and creating a fantasy world where whatever I want to happen happens, is what
inspires my writing. Also bringing an awareness to certain situations inspires me.
Is there any kinda ritual you must follow to get you in the writing mood?
I have to truly be inspired to start writing. If I’m not in the mood to express my creative
nature, I will not be able to write. Music helps as well.
As a writer do you have plans to branch out into any other styles of writing eg, song writing, scriptwriting?
I plan on branching out into more mainstream types of writing as soon as I graduate high school. Movies are also something I plan on doing.
Where else can we see your writing?
As of right now, Amazon.com and Lulu.com.
What’s next for you?
Graduating high school and attending college.

>Click here to get Billionaire Boyz for your Kindle<

For more info on Bronchey Battle:
www.twitter.com/Bronchey_Battle

>Jade wrote this<

Videos Videos Videos

Listen to some real poetry by George the poet.

LaVon

After featuring her blog Notebookorgasms in 'FU loves..' FU interviewed the lady behind it, Virginia writer LaVon.

How long have you been writing?
In 6th-9th grade I used to write “raps” and also poetry. I began my first novel in 8th grade, however I didn’t take it serious until 12th grade. Ever since then I’ve been writing stories and I also write poetry when I’m feeling sad, to get out the frustration.
Do you have any books published?
Yes, I self published my first book, ‘Mizz Drama’ when I was just coming out of high school.
Can you tell us about your latest book?
Its called ‘The Diamond Dreams’ and is also self published. Its about two women; Madison and Jordan, who have been laid off from work. They decide to run an illegal escorting service, which brings a lot of animosity and danger. It will be available online as soon as I get the cover designed as I want that to be perfect.
You also write erotic fiction, what about erotic fiction interests you?
It’s intriguing because it’s something that everyone is curious to read about it. I find it exciting to create a story of a great romance or a lover’s quarrel. What’s also exciting is having followers who may not be into reading tell me how much they enjoyed the story, that just motivates me more.
How hard is it to write Erotic fiction compared to standard fiction?
It’s not really that hard for me to do, it all depends on the direction you trying to take with the story.
With erotic fiction there’s a fine line between sensual and porn/smut how do you make sure you don’t cross that line or is your stuff quite raw?
I have been told that my erotica is very sensual. I’ve had a follower on Twitter tell me I need to be more raw though.
What inspires your writing?
My family, people, the world! Right now I’m just full of inspiration.
Is there any kinda ritual you must follow to get you in the writing mood?
If I’m writing at home I have to have my music on and my candles must be lit. If I’m writing at bookstore or something I just stick with the music. I believe every writer has a ritual. Where else can we see your writing?
As of now it’s just http://www.notebookorgasms.com/ but I’m definitely expanding and exploring other avenues to get my writing out there.
What’s next for you?
Right now my main goal is to hit the streets with my books and to get a solid network going.

FU is loving..

Notebook Orgasms which is a blog by new writer LaVon Hayes. It features all things sensual and erotic including various short stories, art and even music to to get you in the mood...

>>Click Here to read<<