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U.K. Vocalist "DeeVine" is Expressing Her Bajan Roots
Through Her Music
CaribbeanNation Magazine, November 2015
Talented versatile singer "DeeVine" was born in London and raised in Barbados from the tender age of six. After tragically losing her husband, it changed her family life dramatically, and music became her only answer. In April 2011, she emerged onto the United kingdom Soca scene with her powerful Caribbean vocals. "DeeVine" has been singing and dancing from the age of eight when her father bought her, her own Casio keyboard, she sang Soprano in the school choir at Parkinson Secondary School where she attended until the age of 17. During her secondary school years she formed a dance group with a friend and 3 others, creating all the choreography and performed at school concerts and local shows, she was also a model for "Sparkles Modelling Group". At age 16 she became a member of a soca band called "Hide & Seek" for a short period of time before returning to London where she continued her studies.
In 1997, she studied Music Technology and Business Management in Music, she also learned to play the piano. In 2003, she taught music classes at Downshall Primary School for 2 years. In later years, she trained as a Registered Children's Nurse, during that time "DeeVine" entertained a love for sweet Soca, Reggae & dance. "DeeVine" was originally an R&B singer. "DeeVine’s" interest for soca came from the love of Soca and Calypso which she grew up listening to in Barbados. The lack of good soca music in the U.K. made her appreciate it more and wanted to be a part of spreading it throughout Europe. Her love and influence for Reggae came from her father who uses to manage a Reggae band and constantly played Bob Marley and Gregory Isaac in their home.
Once established in the Soca music industry "DeeVine" started producing Reggae/Dancehall and RnB music which was the root and soul of her talent. "DeeVine" is classed as a versatile singer as she continues to produce track after track of different genres of music. DeeVine writes all her own music and also has a hand in directing her own music videos. "DeeVine" recently performed in Tampa, where she filmed the video for her first RnB release ‘Someone to Love Me’, which features one of Tampa’s Top underground rappers. She then went on to Barbados where she performed on live television for programs such as Mid Morning Mix program, Festival Stage and Q in the Community.
In 2013, she collaborated with St. Vincent Soca Artist "Problem Child" on a Soca track called 'Bash It On Me'. She has also teamed up with dancehall sensation "Spice" on a dancehall track called "Whine Like Weh" produced by Cashflow Records in Jamaica, the song is proving to be a big hit. She recently appeared on one of the biggest shows in Barbados called "Cohobblopot" performing as part of RDX team, this was an amazing opportunity for "DeeVine" and one she is most grateful for to RDX and her management. "DeeVine" also performed again with RDX on the U.K. tour in London. She has to date performed in Barbados, U.S.A., Canada, Rotterdam, Barcelona and many cities within England. "DeeVine’s" dream is to be that pinnacle for success on an international scale to touch all cultures with the beauty of her music. This is more than just an ambition, it’s an invested project. CaribbeanNation wishes 'DeeVine" flourishing success now and in the near future.
Meshach and His Golden Voice
CaribbeanNation Magazine, October 2015
Soca Artiste Lyndon J. Rogers aka "Meshach" has a beautiful, golden voice that can serenade a new -born baby to sleep. Meshach is very talented with phenomenal vocals and exceptional songwriting skills. This Sangre Grande native is extremely talented and his entertainment portfolio exhibits not only his singing but his songwriting and acting skills as well. Meshach writes his own songs and he also wrote a song for the "Mighty Sparrow' in 2006 called "Liking We Self". Thus, in 2003 and 2004 he was boldly crowned the New York Soca Monarch King.
And when it comes to acting well Meshach has that covered too. Hollywood embraced him with open arms and in 1999, he appeared on NBC’s “Homicide Life on the Streets” as Giles Decker and HBO’s “The Corner” as Trench in 2000. However, Meshach's true passion is music and he is mentally and physically prepared to demonstrate his ambitious quest to the world once again. In addition, he graced the stage with great performers such as the Wailers, Burning Spear, S.W.V, Pieces of a Dream, Ohio Players, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Kerwin Du Bois, Benjai, Kevin Little, Rupee, Sherwyn Winchester, Blaxx, Yami Bolo, Toni Mattaran, Coco-tea, Sanchez, Everton Blender, Midnite, and Yellow Man just to name a few.
This once lead singer of the band "Uprising" is not afraid to spread his wings and soar onto great endeavors and by the look of things he seems to have his priorities and goals strategized in a winner's format. With that said, keep your eyes and ears open for this outstanding artiste, because he will certainly be performing in a venue near you. CaribbeanNation wishes "Meshach" all the best with his music and success.
Culture Blend a Sound Clash Veteran
CaribbeanNation Magazine, October 2015
New Jersey's # 1 Dj "Culture Blend" is blazing up the dance halls, clubs and radio airwaves not just with his phenomenal selector skills and never-ending hype, but also with his sound clash expertise. Born Ravon Daniel from Point Fortin, Trinidad he is certainly a force to be reckoned with and has proven himself time and time again throughout his career. He is also the CEO of "Culture Blend Sound" a sound company that originated from New Jersey in the early 1990's and then over the years he established a sister affiliate of his company in Trinidad and Tobago. "Blend" as some folks call him has an overwhelming passion for music and he blissfully exhibit his love for the art form once he gets his hands on turntables and a microphone.
"Culture Blend" is also a sound clash genius and he enters sound competitions on a regular basis both in the U.S. and the Caribbean. Once other sound clash selectors acknowledge him as a part of the evening lineup they hit the ground running in order to prepare themselves to come up against this fierce yet talented sound clash veteran. Not to mention the list of dubplates that he has under his belt with artistes such as Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Vybez Cartel, Luciano, Beenie Man, Sanchez, Capelton and the list goes on endlessly. "Blend" has won numerous clashes and he intends on winning many, more in the near future.
And one may ask, how good is "Culture Blend's" Dj skills? Well on a scale from 1 to 10 the man is a 20. He possesses this natural style of playing music and his mixing skills explain his years of been in the business. He knows exactly how to blend and mix rhythms exceptionally well and what's best of all is he can play different, genre of music professionally and inviting, to the ears. Now we can clearly understand why he branded the name "Culture Blend". He has the techniques, abilities, and twenty-two years of experience in the music industry to confirm that he exhumes greatness overall. CaribbeanNation salutes "Culture Blend Sound" as a sound clash veteran.