If you haven't already, you need to check this out!
The video is a remix of a news clip featuring Clifton Brown, a Jamaican who lives in a rural St. Andrew. In the interview, "Clif-twang", as he is now called, laments over the fact that no one "canna cross" the river that runs through his community.
I won't say too much more, just watch and enjoy!
Click below for what most certainly is the biggest viral hit of the year! At time of publishing, the video has already received 490,000 hits!
I have to give it to Jamaicans, however controversial they can be at times, they are extremely creative!
For the full story, please click here
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Friday, March 26, 2010
George W. Bush gets mocked...... again!
The infamous George W. Bush was recently slammed for wiping his hand on Bill Clinton's shirt after shaking hands with locals in Haiti. The despicable event was video taped during the former U.S presidents' fundraising tour of Port-au Prince.
I came across this video making the rounds on Facebook and decided to check it out.
Watch the 40 second clip below and see what I mean... Oh the shame Bush-man!
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After the initial shock and horror of Bush's impolite gesture had abated, I decided to look into this a bit further and managed to find an article posted on Richard Adam's Blog that claims Bush was unfairly mocked in the Youtube video.
Unfairly mocked?
Yes, that was my first naive reaction too.
It seems that the video was intentionally slowed at the point where Bush taps Clinton on the shoulder, making it appear as though Bush was wiping off sweat, poverty and third-world grime on Clinton's back.
Adam's, who publishes his blog in the guardian.co.uk's online edition, suggests that time-conscious Bush is trying to get Clinton to move things along by giving him a quick tap on the shoulder
Check out the 0:50 second mark of the normal speed video here.
Alas, we were duped, but it was fun to think he actually did that!
Lesson to be learned:
1. Just because it's going viral, that doesn't make it true.
2. Let's give Bush a break, hasn't he suffered at the hands of comedians and satirists enough?
Nah. Scrap #2. George's antics (real or contrived) are too classic to let slide!
Can't wait for Bush's next PR fiasco!
I came across this video making the rounds on Facebook and decided to check it out.
Watch the 40 second clip below and see what I mean... Oh the shame Bush-man!
">
After the initial shock and horror of Bush's impolite gesture had abated, I decided to look into this a bit further and managed to find an article posted on Richard Adam's Blog that claims Bush was unfairly mocked in the Youtube video.
Unfairly mocked?
Yes, that was my first naive reaction too.
It seems that the video was intentionally slowed at the point where Bush taps Clinton on the shoulder, making it appear as though Bush was wiping off sweat, poverty and third-world grime on Clinton's back.
Adam's, who publishes his blog in the guardian.co.uk's online edition, suggests that time-conscious Bush is trying to get Clinton to move things along by giving him a quick tap on the shoulder
Check out the 0:50 second mark of the normal speed video here.
Alas, we were duped, but it was fun to think he actually did that!
Lesson to be learned:
1. Just because it's going viral, that doesn't make it true.
2. Let's give Bush a break, hasn't he suffered at the hands of comedians and satirists enough?
Nah. Scrap #2. George's antics (real or contrived) are too classic to let slide!
Can't wait for Bush's next PR fiasco!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Beyonce "palances" her way into Trinidadians' hearts
Beyonce has carved her place forever in the hearts of Trinidadians, West Indians, and soca lovers the world over. The musical phenom is resposible for (probably) the biggest viral video to ever hit the West Indies (150,000 + hits on Youtube).
The sultry diva recently ended her I AM...Sasha Fierce tour in Trinidad on February 18, just after the conclusion of Carnival on the island.
Islanders were still in a soca frenzy from JW and Blaze's huge Soca Monarch win for their hit "Palance," so Beyonce decided to throw in a "lil ting" for her Trini fans to round off her tour.
Just after opening for her song "Check on it," Beyonce's DJ's mixed the pop song to the soca rhythm of the hit "Palance," which sent the audience wild. But my girl was not done there, because as "Palance's" rhythm climaxed in the chorus, Beyonce began to get down with the dance moves that are associated with the song that had taken over the Trinidadian 2010 Carnival.
It is indeed impressive to see an artist, who though she does concerts back-to-back in dozens of countries, she still found a way to connect with her audience. For one night, Beyonce was a Trinidadian!
Way to go B! You are a PR Queen!
Check out this video below to see Beyonce "palancing" on the Savannah in Port-of-Spain
.... and to check out JW & Blaze's hit "Palance," click on the video below.
Bmobile must be thanking their lucky stars that they sponsored the event! Sadly they seemed to have missed a huge PR opportunity on this one though. They should have uploaded high-quality videos of her performance. Instead, all that can be found online are shaky, camera and mobile videos, with Trinidadians screaming for joy!
Oh well, I at least got my Beyonce fix!
xxx Christina
The sultry diva recently ended her I AM...Sasha Fierce tour in Trinidad on February 18, just after the conclusion of Carnival on the island.
Islanders were still in a soca frenzy from JW and Blaze's huge Soca Monarch win for their hit "Palance," so Beyonce decided to throw in a "lil ting" for her Trini fans to round off her tour.
Just after opening for her song "Check on it," Beyonce's DJ's mixed the pop song to the soca rhythm of the hit "Palance," which sent the audience wild. But my girl was not done there, because as "Palance's" rhythm climaxed in the chorus, Beyonce began to get down with the dance moves that are associated with the song that had taken over the Trinidadian 2010 Carnival.
It is indeed impressive to see an artist, who though she does concerts back-to-back in dozens of countries, she still found a way to connect with her audience. For one night, Beyonce was a Trinidadian!
Way to go B! You are a PR Queen!
Check out this video below to see Beyonce "palancing" on the Savannah in Port-of-Spain
.... and to check out JW & Blaze's hit "Palance," click on the video below.
Bmobile must be thanking their lucky stars that they sponsored the event! Sadly they seemed to have missed a huge PR opportunity on this one though. They should have uploaded high-quality videos of her performance. Instead, all that can be found online are shaky, camera and mobile videos, with Trinidadians screaming for joy!
Oh well, I at least got my Beyonce fix!
xxx Christina
UPDATE: The "Peace" Concert is back on
Apparantly government and police authorities have caved to pressure to host the Vybz Kartel and Movado Concert.
On Saturday, March 27, both men will appear onstage in what has been titled "The Peace Concert" (more like "piece" concert).
Sad, sad. Just when I thought the government was holding true to the values of our nation, but I guess money talks.
I am all for settling the Gully vs. Gaza issue. So if yuh must come to my sweet Bimshire, ah beg yuh please leave the F-bombs, P-sharps, and all the other colourfully vulgar turns of phrase at the airport Kingston.
Wuh loss! I "must be dreaming"!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Jamaican Dancehall music needs a PR strategy
The Barbadian government recently pulled the plug on an upcoming concert with Jamaican dancehall artistes Vybz Kartel and Movado.
According to the Jamaica Gleaner, the Barbadian minister of education and human resource development, Ronald Jones said, "Even though we share the same Caribbean space, it does not mean we have to welcome everybody. Vybz Kartel and Mavado can stay in Jamaica," Jones said. These comments came after the commissioner of police denied the two Dancehall superstars permission to perform on the island.
The minister’s justification for not allowing the concert was that dancehall music is heavily contributing to the moral degradation of the country. No surprise there really, and although I sound old-fashioned and many friends will want to kill me for this, I agree.
For years the government has stayed in the background while the lyrical content of music in the Caribbean has given way to violence, homophobia and raw, sexual content. I think what they are doing is positive, but this move will not be popular, not amongst young people anyhow. I see nothing wrong in expressing sexuality or controversial opinions through music, but dancehall music champions the sexual objectification of women with its "daggering" music and promotes gangsta culture.
Gully vs. Gaza
I believe that proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back has been the abundant rise in violent conflict stemming from the Gully vs. Gaza conflict. In Jamaica, Vybz Kartel’s musical entourage is known as “Gaza”and that of Movado is known as “Gully.” These two factions deliberately provoked an ongoing lyrical feud where they “diss” and insult another in their “murder” music for the last few years.
The feud between the two former friends has been appropriated by dancehall fans and Gully vs. Gaza turf wars have cropped up all over Jamaica, Trinidad, and as far away as Japan. Barbados could be next. Finally in December of 2009, the Jamaican government stepped in once the violence escalated to gang beatings. At the Prime Minister’s request, both Vybz Kartel and Gully publicly ended their feud and promise to keep the peace.
Vybz Kartel and Movado leaving the office of the Jamaican Prime Minister on December 9, 2009.
Future of Dancehall
The Barbadian government’s move will certainly not kill dancehall music. But if dancehall musicians want their music to have worldwide appeal they need to make some changes. What some may call “freedom of expression” and “culture” has now been degraded to the lowest, most base and vulgar expression of hatred and violence. I don’t see how Jamaicans can blame other countries for being unwilling to welcome dancehall music as it currently stands. What dancehall needs is a PR makeover.
Dancehall musicians need to work together to subvert the negatives stereotypes that exist about dancehall music. Before Buju Banton's arrest, the dancehall artiste had somewhat successfully rehabilitated his international career after he was boycotted in many countries for his homophobic song Boom Bye Bye (check the link for lyrics. Pleased be warned, they are very graphic). However, as he never fully apologized or renounced his former “murder chant,” the wider public will not accept him with open arms.
Dancehall DJ’s are the leaders of popular culture in the Caribbean and have wide reaching influence; if they continue on their agenda of hatred they will only propagate the some perceptions of West Indians as a backward and ignorant people.
The dancehall “riddims” are infectious and the lyrics show off the definitively Jamaican talent for expressing ideas with outstanding humour and imagery. Perhaps if these cultural gods would just put their words to better use maybe dancehall could explode on the international music circuit and provide young people with more positive role models.
According to the Jamaica Gleaner, the Barbadian minister of education and human resource development, Ronald Jones said, "Even though we share the same Caribbean space, it does not mean we have to welcome everybody. Vybz Kartel and Mavado can stay in Jamaica," Jones said. These comments came after the commissioner of police denied the two Dancehall superstars permission to perform on the island.
The minister’s justification for not allowing the concert was that dancehall music is heavily contributing to the moral degradation of the country. No surprise there really, and although I sound old-fashioned and many friends will want to kill me for this, I agree.
For years the government has stayed in the background while the lyrical content of music in the Caribbean has given way to violence, homophobia and raw, sexual content. I think what they are doing is positive, but this move will not be popular, not amongst young people anyhow. I see nothing wrong in expressing sexuality or controversial opinions through music, but dancehall music champions the sexual objectification of women with its "daggering" music and promotes gangsta culture.
Gully vs. Gaza
I believe that proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back has been the abundant rise in violent conflict stemming from the Gully vs. Gaza conflict. In Jamaica, Vybz Kartel’s musical entourage is known as “Gaza”and that of Movado is known as “Gully.” These two factions deliberately provoked an ongoing lyrical feud where they “diss” and insult another in their “murder” music for the last few years.
The feud between the two former friends has been appropriated by dancehall fans and Gully vs. Gaza turf wars have cropped up all over Jamaica, Trinidad, and as far away as Japan. Barbados could be next. Finally in December of 2009, the Jamaican government stepped in once the violence escalated to gang beatings. At the Prime Minister’s request, both Vybz Kartel and Gully publicly ended their feud and promise to keep the peace.
Vybz Kartel and Movado leaving the office of the Jamaican Prime Minister on December 9, 2009.
Future of Dancehall
The Barbadian government’s move will certainly not kill dancehall music. But if dancehall musicians want their music to have worldwide appeal they need to make some changes. What some may call “freedom of expression” and “culture” has now been degraded to the lowest, most base and vulgar expression of hatred and violence. I don’t see how Jamaicans can blame other countries for being unwilling to welcome dancehall music as it currently stands. What dancehall needs is a PR makeover.
Dancehall musicians need to work together to subvert the negatives stereotypes that exist about dancehall music. Before Buju Banton's arrest, the dancehall artiste had somewhat successfully rehabilitated his international career after he was boycotted in many countries for his homophobic song Boom Bye Bye (check the link for lyrics. Pleased be warned, they are very graphic). However, as he never fully apologized or renounced his former “murder chant,” the wider public will not accept him with open arms.
Dancehall DJ’s are the leaders of popular culture in the Caribbean and have wide reaching influence; if they continue on their agenda of hatred they will only propagate the some perceptions of West Indians as a backward and ignorant people.
The dancehall “riddims” are infectious and the lyrics show off the definitively Jamaican talent for expressing ideas with outstanding humour and imagery. Perhaps if these cultural gods would just put their words to better use maybe dancehall could explode on the international music circuit and provide young people with more positive role models.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Even West Indians Tweet for Haiti
Do you remember how you first heard about the earthquake in Haiti?
Perhaps you heard it on the radio on your way home from work, maybe a friend called you. Or, if you are like me and check Facebook 50 times a day, maybe you got word when suddenly every status update on Facebook and Twitter was about the Jan. 12 earthquake.
Perhaps you heard it on the radio on your way home from work, maybe a friend called you. Or, if you are like me and check Facebook 50 times a day, maybe you got word when suddenly every status update on Facebook and Twitter was about the Jan. 12 earthquake.
However you found out, chances are you turned to social media to engage in discussion and share information about the disaster.
Within hours of the news breaking, NGOs and private sector organizations set up systems to make it easier than ever to make disaster relief donations through text messaging. Facebook and Twitters feeds were soon bombarded with information on where you could donate via SMS.
Social media tools like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, played a major role in mobilizing the public and raising awareness about Haiti, even right here in the Caribbean. This is surprising since social media is really only now becoming popular with people over 30 years old.
West Indians take to Facebook for Haiti
All across the Caribbean different organizations and charities are reaching out to online populations. There are Facebook groups in almost every West Indian nation that have been set up since the earthquake to raise funds and awareness for Haiti.
The Barbados National Coordinated Haiti Relief Effort set up a Facebook account to invite locals to donate food and medical supplies at any one of the 16 drop-off locations around the island.
All across the Caribbean different organizations and charities are reaching out to online populations. There are Facebook groups in almost every West Indian nation that have been set up since the earthquake to raise funds and awareness for Haiti.
The Barbados National Coordinated Haiti Relief Effort set up a Facebook account to invite locals to donate food and medical supplies at any one of the 16 drop-off locations around the island.
Caribbean artistes sing to give hope to Haitians in new tribute song
Shaggy, the Jamaican dancehall singer best known for his 2000 hit “It wasn’t me,” is promoting a Haiti tribute song that has been making the rounds on YouTube. The song is part of a collaboration with several Caribbean singers, including, Jamaican dancehall artiste Sean Paul, Barbadian “Queen of Soca” Alison Hinds, Destra Garcia from Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti’s own Belo.
“Rise again,” released just three days ago, already has over 4,000 views on YouTube and has been mentioned in The New York Times and the Canadian online magazine MacLean’s . All of the proceeds from the song will be donated to Haiti disaster relief efforts.
Shaggy, the Jamaican dancehall singer best known for his 2000 hit “It wasn’t me,” is promoting a Haiti tribute song that has been making the rounds on YouTube. The song is part of a collaboration with several Caribbean singers, including, Jamaican dancehall artiste Sean Paul, Barbadian “Queen of Soca” Alison Hinds, Destra Garcia from Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti’s own Belo.
“Rise again,” released just three days ago, already has over 4,000 views on YouTube and has been mentioned in The New York Times and the Canadian online magazine MacLean’s . All of the proceeds from the song will be donated to Haiti disaster relief efforts.
Digicel and LIME set up text and voice donation lines
One of the top telecommunications providers in the Caribbean, LIME, acted quickly to set up a system for customers to text in donations for Haiti relief. LIME organized a Caribbean-wide “Text to Help Haiti” system where mobile users are charged for each text sent to certain SMS short codes.
Digicel also set up its own text donation system and is promoting it on their Digicel Haiti Relief Fund page on Facebook. The page already has over 63,000 fans across Latin America and the Caribbean, and Digicel has already raised over US$500,000 though its text and voice and voice donation line.In what is both a brilliant philanthropic and public relations effort, Digicel donated US$5 million to various NGO’s in Haiti. But Digicel did not stop there; the company also donated US$5 in free credit to each of its two million customers in Haiti, spending over US$10 million on that initiative alone.
In a press release issued yesterday, Digicel also announced that they have distributed aid to over 4,000 people in Port-au-Prince. The telecommunications company delivered food, water, clothing and medical supplies to hundreds of families who were camped outside the prime minister’s office. The company even set up a charging station so that customers could charge their mobile phones, a necessary service in a city that is largely without electricity.
Looking back
So how did you find out about 9/11? I heard it on my car radio and rushed home to watch it on CNN (we didn't even have our computer wired to the internet back then). My mother made charitable donations by either mailing a cheque or dropping change into a can at the supermarket, a far cry from sending money via an instantaneous text message.
My how social media has changed things. As far as I can tell it's largely for the better!
What do you think?
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