CCGI LAUNCH

CEO of Risarc foundation organizers of the CCGI Richard Stephenson and actor Cedric the Entertainer










actor Bill Bellamy and Former basketball star John Salley










actor Chris Tucker with fighters Clifton Brown and Julie Kitchen

CARIBBEAN CLASSIC GOLF INVITATIONAL LOS ANGELES LAUNCH

Actor Bill Bellamy and Jamaican fighter Clifton Brown







If the 5th Caribbean Classic Golf Invitational Launch Party is any indicator of what’s in store for the main event in Jamaica, June, it’s an event not to be missed; as tastemakers and celebrities who were on hand can attest, they were thoroughly entertained and as they say in Jamaica, “it was pure good vibes”.

The launch was held on April 2nd at new Hollywood hot spot, Tony’s Steakhouse, a modern creation, in the heart of the Sunset strip. Over 200+ exclusively invited guests were in attendance, attendees ranged from Hollywood tastemakers to corporate executives as well as quite a number of top celebrities. Celebrities included Cedric “The Entertainer”, Chris Tucker, Bill Bellamy, John Salley, Bill Ficthner, Richard Kind, Marcus Allen, Salli Richardson, Duane Martin, Goran Visnjic, Matt Craven, Cobi Jones, Kim Coates, among others.

As guests mixed and mingled while sipping on wine and indulging in hors d'oeuvres, the DJ kept the party live and kept the flavor going by playing rhythmic beats that transformed the trendy location into a Caribbean-esque, festive atmosphere.

The evening’s program was officially underway around 9:30PM, lead by the lovely Terri-Karelle Reid, Miss Jamaica 2005 and CCGI Ambassador. First to the stage was C2K, an award-winning dance crew that specializes in modern dance and various cultural dances from Jamaica. This was followed by an exciting video presentation outlining the 5 events in store for the 5th CCGI Event. The explosive video revealed the custom venue that will be constructed on the beach and highlighted the many activities taking place in beautiful Jamaica over the 4 day period – Celebrity Golf, Muay Thai, Comedy Night hosted by Cedric “The Entertainer”, Beachathon and a grand finale Gala. The video received a resounding applause that said, yes, we will be there!

Cedric “The Entertainer”, co-host, said a few words as well as President, Richard Stephenson. “We decided that in order to continue to raise awareness for the event and the charity, it was necessary to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas that would attract and cater to not just golfers but a global audience. By incorporating exciting events, such as Muay Thai to our Golf Invitational, CCGI has created a unique Cultural Sports Entertainment experience for our guests and has garnered world media attention” Richard Stephenson. Bill Bellamy and Kristen Bellamy, past attendees, were also invited on stage to share their passion for the event. Next Muay Thai Championship fighters from the Champions of Champions II fight card, Julie Kitchen and Clifton Brown gave the audience a powerful display of Muay Thai, the intense action resulted in passers-by gathering outside the restaurant windows. The DJ closed the show and rocked the house with some Reggae and Soca. A once packed dance floor, reminiscent of an island party, was later departed as new friends said, “See you in Jamaica!”

Proceeds from the event go toward the RISARC/CCGI Foundation which establishes computer learning centers in Jamaican primary schools. This year’s event mark’s the 5th year for the Foundation. For more information visit www.istreamyoustream.com.

An extravagant launch of ‘The Universal Cure’

Danger Zone Music Group and SoBe Entertainment have always been known to do things in style and with flamboyance. And the extravagant event that unfolded on the night of Tuesday, April 7 at the prestigious Cable & Wireless Golf Club was by no means any different. It was the album launch for their international star, Jah Cure. And they ensured that the world premiere of ‘The Universal Cure’ – the star’s very first album since his release from prison two years ago – would go down in the annals of history as the launch of all launches for an album expected to be one of reggae’s greatest.
Renowned decorator/caterer Jacqui Tyson, who has developed a reputation of creating high-class decor for famous events, accentuated the venue with her unique styling, capturing the essence of Jah Cure and Danger Zone/SoBe and the embodiment of reggae and Jamaica...with an international flare.
The perfect decor was complimented by her expert catering, with bars and food gazebos strategically placed throughout the venue, each offering a different international fare. The specialty of the night was, of course, The Universal Cure and Call On Me drink mixes that indeed lived up to their names and were on order all night.
Of course, the world famous Danger Zone sound system, with Jigsy and Penny Bling at the control, made sure to harmonize the perfect ambiance with the sweet strains of music of all genres, reggae leading the charge, of course.
If all that wasn’t enough, then the big screen to dramatise the onstage happenings showed they meant business. Yes, there was a stage set up with all the trimmings of attractive backdrop and a live band.
The tens of media personalities, artistes, celebrities, industry insiders and special guests that came out to support Jah Cure were well entertained and feted as they spent the night mixing, mingling, eating, drinking, laughing and having a fantastic time, while eagerly awaiting the man of the night.
His grand entrance could not be missed at minutes to 9:00 pm. With a beautiful lady on his arm, Jah Cure and the Danger Zone/SoBe entourage of CEO/manager Delmar Drummond, CEO Cecile Barker and their international guests immediately attracted the cameras, heralding their arrival.
After the singer spent half an hour greeting his many guests, Dr. Sonjah Stanley-Niaah, author and lecturer in Cultural Studies at UWI, took the mike and welcomed everyone to an amazing evening.
Jah Cure then made a presentation of the ‘The Universal Cure’ album to Chevaughn Harris of the National Library, as is customary that all works, written and oral, be recorded in Jamaica’s national library.
Dr. Stanley-Niaah then delivered the keynote address. Centering on a paper she did on the topic ‘Reflection from the Margin: Jah Cure, Rastafari and the new leadership through stardom’, Dr. Stanley-Niaah said Jah Cure was considered one of Reggae’s High Priests.
She said while incarcerated, Jah Cure was not a voiceless prisoner, he sang to rehabilitate himself, both for his own benefit and that of his fans.
She said Jah Cure was among greats like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Buju Banton, Garnet Silk, Capleton and Luciano who were leaders in the Rastafarian faith using music to spread the message to the world.
“On the occasion of the launch, we gather to celebrate the success and example of one who has continued to transform the world through music...long live the universal cure,” Dr. Stanley-Niaah closed.
Continuing their innovativeness, the next segment of the launch took the form of an interview. Musicologist Dennis Howard put Jah Cure under the spotlight live on stage, posing questions that many have been asking, looking at Jah Cure’s journey and struggles to his perceived lack of powerful songs as a free man compared to when he was incarcerated.
The singer fielded each question, answering with sincerity as he promised to deliver greater music with each release and thanked Danger Zone and SoBe for believing in him and investing in his career.
Next was the world premiere of the music video of the lead song from the album, ‘Call On Me’ featuring the talented Phyllisia. The big screen visualised the Rhona Fox directed video as the gathering rocked to the infectious beat and captivating lyrics of one of the biggest reggae love songs for the year.
The half hour of formalities led into showtime at 10:00 pm, as the Antidote band drummed up the right note for Jah Cure and his three back-up singers who gave close to an hour-long performance, delivering practically all the tracks from his fifth full-length album, ‘The Universal Cure’, executively produced by Delmar Drummond and Cecile Barker.
With unbridled energy and a burning passion, Jah Cure held his audience captive with tracks like ‘Sticky’, ‘Journey’, True Reflections’, Love Is’, ‘Longing For’, ‘Burning & Looting’, closing with the chart climbing ‘Call On Me’ as Phyllisia joined him on stage to cap an unforgettable performance that left his guests wanting more.
The night was still young though, as the liquor and ital juices were still flowing, food was still abundant and Danger Zone sound system pumped up the volume as they took the event to another level.
Indeed, this was a refreshing launch that was more like an entertaining evening with friends, void of too much formalities, just a relaxed atmosphere from 7:00 pm till way past midnight, ‘cause while some were checking out others were checking in.
Celebrities who turned out to celebrate with the young icon included Bounty Killer and his Alliance crew, Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser, Isaiah Laing, Action, Nico Bam Bam, Desmond Young, Worrel King, Howard McIntosh, Barbara Blake-Hannah, George Golding, Steve Golding, Sly Dunbar, Lutan Fyah, Clyde McKenzie, Clifton ‘Specialist’ Dillon, Chris Martin, Ginjah, Chin, Mr. Mac from House of Hits & MDTV, Andrew & Wadda Blood, Tammy Chin, Wayne Marshall, Noddy Virtue and so many more local and overseas guests.

J'CAN FILM CREW VISITS THAILAND FOR MUAY THAI DEMO

J'CAN FILM CREW VISITS THAILAND FOR MUAY THAI DEMO
Thursday, April 09, 2009
The connections between Jamaica and Thailand are not as obvious as that with other better-known counties, for example, Britain and Canada. However, this did not stop a Jamaican film crew from trekking to Bangkok to participate in the Muay Thai kick-boxing event, in the long-term hope of creating a similar programme in Kingston and Montego Bay. Muay Thai has a long history in Thailand and is the country's national sport.

Young Muay Thai fighters pose for a photo op with a delegation of Jamaican film-makers visiting Thailand.
Over 100 children, led by General Pichitr Kullavanijaya, privy councillor to the King of Thailand, gathered at Kru Sua Muay Thai Park in Bangkok on March 10 for a special demonstration and luncheon provided by the friends and family of the Australian Embassy in Bangkok. The Jamaican-based film crew was on hand to document the children as they gave a traditional Thai music performance and demonstrated traditional Muay Boran and Muay Thai techniques.
Since the 'Muay Thai Against Drugs' programme began in 1999, General Kullavanijaya has led an impressive youth programme using the fundamental principles of Muay Thai to encourage positive development among children in the community. Every Saturday, children can come to the park and many other locations free of charge for lessons.
Muay Thai is used as a tool to encourage children to make positive choices and to say no to drugs. The programme goes further, as the children's overall grades are monitored and those who improve have the chance to travel around the world as part of the cultural programme to showcase Muay Thai. Many children from the programme were part of the recent Sport for All Games in Korea.
Richard Stephenson, founder and principal organiser of the annual Caribbean Classic Golf Invitational (CCGI) celebrity golf tournament and charity event, is involved in an effort to foster another special programme aimed at youth in the Caribbean.
Stephenson's film crew, which is also based in Los Angeles, taped promotional footage of Kullavanijaya's youth programme for a star-studded event to take place in Jamaica this summer. Children involved in the programme have the opportunity to travel to Jamaica to take part in the spectacular charity fund-raiser.
Although world's apart, two cultures like Jamaica and Thailand are able to unite for a common cause using positive aspects of Muay Thai to help children. The CCGI event is supported by the Jamaican government and major corporate firms, and has been able to donate over $300,000 in computer equipment for primary schools in Jamaica.
The event is one of the biggest professional Muay Thai events ever staged outside of Thailand. The best professional Muay Thai fighters from across the globe will gather together for one massive fight night on June 26 in Montego Bay, Jamaica for Champions of Champions. This charity fund-raiser will feature top ranked fighters from across the globe and for the first time ever, seven WMC World Title fights will be on one card.
All of the world's top-ranked Muay Thai fighters will join professional fighter and Jamaican superstar, Clifton Brown to visit schools in need and donate over 300 computers. The event was staged in Jamaica for the first time in 2008 at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium.