So I returned home during the Independence season last year which was chock-full of activities. On such event was Belmont Lounge hosted by marie-claire at Symzee's -a local spot known for Jazz on a Thursday night. I did an impromptu performance and marie-claire complemented my singing. She was so sweet, humble and just so encouraging! It seems after that night we just kept running into each other and as fate would have it, I am compelled to let the world know about this gem of a talent local to Dominica and no stranger to the world stage.

marie-claire was born in Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies and raised in The Bronx, New York. She began singing while studying Archaeology in her senior year at Brooklyn College, when she performed at an open mike night at the Village Vanguard. The very next day marie-claire and her best friend left for Texas where she spent a year and a half performing on the jazz and country western circuit. She attended a performance of Mozart’s, Don Giovanni and was inspired to pursue a career in opera.

Undaunted by remarks of the extensive training involved, marie-claire embarked on her latest endeavor. Eight months to the year, while working in the classical music department at the Austin Tower Records, marie-claire was approached by the musical director of the Austin Lyric Opera Company who overheard her singing to La Boheme. After only two auditions marie-claire became a member of the Austin Lyric Opera Company. She completed the season and began her full time study of opera, at the Conservatory of Santa Cecelia in Rome, Italy where she lived for three years. Her return to the states took her through Los Angeles, where she continued her study, and then back to New York where she studied with Raymond Buckingham.


The connection with Mr. Buckingham led to two performances at Carnegie Hall with the New York Grand Opera Company. She also studied with Wayne Saunders of Opera Ebony, performing in several recitals in the New York City area. She has been featured in The City section of the Sunday New York Times, performed at Joe’s Pub, Lyricist Lounge-Central Park Summer Stage 2001, Siren, Izzy Bar, and Lot 61 to name a few. She has performed at the . Annual Hip-Hop Film Festival (November 2002) and Bounce at The Bronx Museum of The Arts. marie-claire has been featured in the films, Lovin Jezebel and The Roommate and part of the cast of the second season of The Chappelle Show on Comedy Central. She has also graced her amazing voice on DJ Logic’s Album, The Anomaly. marie-claire’s passion is to seamlessly blend opera and hip-hop, as she finds the two genres covering the same themes with their highly dramatic lyrics. CNN said, “She is the real Hip-Hopera, hearing is believing!

In 2005 marie-claire was featured in the 2nd season of the Dave Chappelle Show on Comedy Central. Marie-claire has also graced the pages of local magazine Domnitjen and regional magazine, “Liat’s Island Where”. She performed at Dominica’s State House, the solo recital:’ A Night at the Opera’, at Jazzwalk singing the classic jazz standards of George Gershwin and Cole Porter and at Cable&Wireless,”Creole in the Park” doing hip-hopera. During that year, marie-claire co-created, co-produced & hosted video best- the first ever video music show in Dominicaa. Locally produced, it served as a platform for local artists.


2006 was equally busy for marie-claire. She headlined with artists such as Morgan Heritage, Richie Spice and Barrington Levy in Dominica as part of Nature Fest and in St. Lucia as part of Love Fest. marie-claire 's love of film inspired her to form her own production company, girlfullofgold productions ltd., a local company whose directive is bringing the stories of the region to light through the art forms of film, music videos & live TV. marie-claire also had two live TV shows in Dominica, jazzlive, which featured the best jazz musicians on the island including marie claire and belemont lounge which featured reggae, dancehall, hip-hop and r&b. Both shows were geared towards providing local artists with a platform to express themselves through their art, and both were aired live on Sat TV and Q95, which stream world wide. marie-claire was also featured on WCK 2006 cd release, the track entitled, ‘Hustlin’.

In 2007 marie-claire sang for heads of state from all over the world, including Hillary Rodham Clinton.

marie-claire visited Jamaica in 2008 for stints at Christopher’s Jazz Café, Weekenz & Red Bones Blues Café to rave revues.

marie-claire kicked off an equally busy 2009 with a performance at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay. She still has three albums to record, opera, jazz and the evolution continues, her tour of her show, ‘Opera Goes To The Movies’ across the Caribbean and plenty of live performances. Upcoming shows include Ocho Rios Jazz Festival.

Look out for her on an island near you!


Opera singer, Hip-hop lover, Nature Isle daughter...marie-claire you are officially Lime Certified!





Q&A

1. I see on your facebook profile you are"single"....what are you seeking in your ideal man?
nothing cause he does not exist.


2.What is the most high tech gadget you own?
my most high tech gadget is my laptop.


3.You have great skin marie-claire, can give us the secret?
my mother has great skin, i get it from her.


4.Do you remember your first crush?
yes, i was in love with prince.


5.Can you tell us you top three vacation spots?
sicily, italy/new york city/dominica


6.You grew up in Bronx and now live in Dominica, how have these two places impacted your music?
the bronx, new york city and dominica are two of my favorite places on earth...well i create a mixture of musical genre's, like a bouyon does , but i mix opera w/hip-hop, reggae, jazz, dancehall and r&b. these 2 places influenced my music cause i grew up with all all these genres in both places.


7.If you had to be on a deserted island with one person, who would you pick?
i would pick my mother cause she is a soldier.


8.Ever have an embarrassing moment on stage?
no embarrassing moments on stage.


9.What has been your proudest moment in your career?
proudest moment would be performing at carniege hall and then being invited back.


10. Is there any artist you would like to collaborate with?
i would love to work with buju banton.








Go With Your Gut

11.Kingstown or Kingston?
both kingstown and kingston


12.Wisdom or knowledge?
both knowledge and wisdom

13.Short and sweet or tall and talented (guy)
tall and talented


14.lace or leather?
both leather and lace



15.basement party or rooftop party?
both basement and rooftop party

marie-claire at Air Jamaica Jazz Fest'09

Finish It...

16. i feel sexy when i perform.


17. i relax by chilling at home alone.


18. condoms-trojans


19. opera music is the best in the world, can go with anything.


20. marie-claire- the evolution continues.

Sample these four songs that shows marie-claire's incredible range: "Red," "Feva" feat S.K.I.N.N.Y aka Shadowflow,"Desperation" feat Rin and "Summertime."




www.myspace.com/marieclairegiraud
Marie Claire Imagine Dat Artist Profile

The first of seven children, Da'Ville was born Orville Thomas on January 24th 1978 in Kingston Jamaica. His father Nkrumah Thomas was a dub artist and producer in the late 70s and early 80s, who influenced him to write his first single. Da'Ville spent most of his childhood under the watchful eye of his grandmother who ensured that he attended church and sang in the choir. While still a member of the St.Peter Claver Church Choir, Da'Ville also joined his high school choir, singing at morning devotions and even then developing his vocals and whetting his appetite for performing.

After graduating from Norman Manly Comprehensive High School, Da'Ville worked as a store clerk, still clinging to the dream of having a successful career as a musician. He tried several times to create boy groups which at the time was the popular route (think 112, Boyz II Men). He eventually joined ARP (A Raw Perspective) with four other young men, performing at talent shows and eventually recording songs like "Lion Sleeps Tonight", which made it big in Jamaica and Europe, "Life"( Da'Ville features prominently on this track) "Missing you", "Heaven on Earth" performed with Beenie Man on the album Many Moods of Moses, and "Why Me Lord" performed with Shaggy on his platinum album Hot Shot

In 2001 Da'Ville signed a solo deal with Penthouse Records, under the management of Donovan Germanine. He recorded hits like "Cruzin" "Love Will Show Me The Way" and "All My Life" (originally performed by Aaron Neville) featuring then label mate Marcia Griffiths. The song was nominated for a 2001 Reggae Soca Award.

After leaving Penthouse he continued to record hit singles for several producers such as J.Brown, Fire Links, Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor, Don Corleon, Preston Anfoy, Wee-Pow (Stone Love), Beres Hammond, Robert Livingston (Big Yard Music).

His debut album In Heaven (Fashozy Records) was released in Japan by Avex Entertainment Group. Not only did the album feature his vocal and writing talents, it showcased Da'Ville's production skills. The album made it to the top ten best selling records of 2005 for Tower Records (Japan) leading to tours throughout the country and back home in the Caribbean.

The following year Avex released the album Can't Get Over You, also produced by Da'Ville and J.Brown for Fashozy Records. The title track "Can't Get Over You" as well as the hit single "On My Mind" and "This Time I Promise" solidified his reputation as "Big Bad Singer". Moreover, they featured prominently on several charts and compilations. "Can't Get Over You" was a top ten reggae hit in Jamaica and was the top of the charts in Aruba, #2in New York and was on VP Records' Reggae Gold 2006. “On My Mind,” held the 1 position on several charts including Jamaica (5 weeks), New York (3 weeks), Florida, Europe and Africa. Da'Ville even got a write up in the New York Times after a wicked performance in early October. He rounded off a very successful 2006 with his honor as Stone Love's “Singer Of The Year."

On My Mind (VPRecords) was his 2007 release featuring chart-toppers such as “On My Mind” and “Cant Get Over You” as well as “This Time I Promise”(featured on Strictly The Best vol. 38)and “Dancehall Lovers Rock.” In spring of the same year, after an extensive European tour, Da’Ville made several appearances in North America. He performed at The Best of The Best Concert in Florida and the 26th International Reggae & World Music Awards held at the Apollo Theatre,where he was nominated in several categories and won Most Improved Entertainer for 2006. In addition, Da’Ville made a special guest appearance at Madison Square Garden and he also performed at Irie Jamboree V before leaving for yet another Japan and Caribbean tour. That same year "Always On My Mind" was remixed with Sean Paul, leading to more recognition for the song for which they won the Best Reggae Vocal Performance award at the First Annual Reggae Awards on Sunday February 24th 2008.

Not forgetting his early success in Japan, Da'Ville paid homage with the release of Ichiban (which means "number one" in Japanese) on December 12th 2008. Da'Ville toured extensively in Japan promoting the album and even got a clothing deal with Nike who dressed him while on his Japanese promo blitz. I guess the move paid off because "Ichiban" became the number one downloaded single in Japan soon after its release.

In 2009, Da'Ville teamed up with several prominent Jamaican artists to promote Shaggy's Save a Life concert held Jan 3rd-appearing on the song "Save A Life." The concert raised money for the Bustamante Children's Hospital. Da'Ville has started off 2009 on strong footing with his hits "Never Gonna Cry" and "Missing You Right Now" which are climbing up the charts and in constant rotation on radio as well as TV.

Da'Ville continues to tour the world promoting his music. He sings from the heart, songs of love, heartbreak and forgiveness- all part of any relationship. Ladies love him, but so do the guys who I'm sure consider him a mouthpiece. No doubt, there are nuff guys who've played "Yesterday" to their ladies or "Missing You" to mend a rift in their relationship. Check out his official site or MySpace page to keep up with his heavy tour schedule and updates on his career.


Mediator, love promoter, Big Bad Singer....Da'Ville you are officially Lime Certified!





Q&A

1. What is your full name?

Orville Thomas.

2. Can you describe a memorable childhood moment?

Sad to say but i don't have any.

3. What is your favorite video game and why?

Grand Theft Auto, its action packed, full a eye candy and i love the fact that its very realistic, yu zi me?

4. What kind of tree best describes you?

The Mahogany tree, nice and strong.

5. Is there any misconception you've heard about yourself you want to clear up?

Well i heard that i am the son of reggae queen Marcia Griffiths but i am not, people only think this because of the fact that i did a song called All My Life with her and every time we are unable to perform it together because of our individual tour schedule she would perform it with her son, so people always think that he is me.

6. What makes a great girlfriend/wife in DaVilles world?

A great Girlfriend/wife in my world is a woman who is strong, bright, smart, sophisticated, beautiful inside and out, fun, exciting, who knows how to be a soldier when its time to ride or die yu zi me? she a fi know her self and be very supportive of me just like i will be of her. My Soldier Girl.

7. Who are your five favorite artists right now other than yourself?

Well my 5 favorite artist right now is me, myself, and I...lol...just kidding...just kidding...at this moment it would be Lenny Kravitz, John Mayer, Usher, The Dream and Jordan Sparks

8. What has been your greatest accomplishment musically?

All my accomplishments to me has been great so i really don't cherish none over the other, i relish in the moments and give GOD thanks for them all.

9. Ever had a wierd fan moment?

Lol, of course, i had this one girl who fainted while i was performing, i just held out my hand to her and she just started screaming uncontrollably then she just fell to the ground, few girls threw their panties on stage while i am performing and things of that nature.

10. If you could live in any place at any era where would you live and why?
Jah know star me is a man who loves to visit whole heap a places in the world but there is no place like home, its Jamaica for me all the way yu zi me?








Go with your gut
12. Juice or tea?

Tea

13. Tokyo or Toronto

Tokyo

14. Knowledge or wisdom?

Wisdom

15. Boxers or briefs
Boxers straight, i have to keep di bwoy cool yu zeet.

Finish it...



16. My handwriting is good...as long as me can read it...it good.

17. I feel most relaxed when I am at home.

18. Condoms must be used at all times, not taking any chances.

19. I am passionate about my God, music, life and my wife.

20.Da'Ville a.k.a Mr Fashozy To di flipping world.




Check out his two latest releases for 2009 "Never Gonna Cry" and "Missing You"



Here's one of my favorite Da'Ville songs, produced by Don Corleone it'scalled "Party"


myspace.com/davillemusic1
davillemusic.com

Had she stuck to her guns and became a nurse, maybe the lucky staff and patients and a Florida hospital or doctor's office would be privy to the clear, powerful and heavenly voice of this week's interviewee. Well thank God that didn't happen! Etana took a leap of faith and pursued a career as an artist and hasent looked back since!!!!

She was born Shauna McKenzie in the hillside community of August Town situated in the South Eastern side of Jamaica. The only daughter of a fairly large family of boys, she attended school locally up until 1992 when she migrated to Miami Florida.

It was while studying at Broward Community College, Etana's passion for music heightened and she delved into creating new sounds from a host of genres she had embraced over the years, including Reggae, Pop, Hip Hop and Jazz. Her first attempt to make music a career was in 2000 when she prematurely exited college and joined the girl group GIFT. She played her part (you know every girl in a group as a role right, just check Destiny's Child) but it just wasn't her to have this uber sexy diva image. And her strength shone through. She quit- on the set of their lead single video no less. Oprah would say she had an "ah-ha" moment.

She went back home to Jamaica, the land of her birth, the place that could let her be whatever she determined she wanted to be, the land of second chances. But she had to keep it real now, so she started an Internet Cafe- most musicians starting off have a 9-5, eh. In 2005 that 2nd chance finally came when a friend took her to Fifth Element Records and she auditioned to be Richie Spice's back up singer. Of course she was hired on the spot (dis gyal can saaang) and went on tour.

Her first hit "Wrong Address" was created while on tour with Spice's band, while in the studio with the percussionist and guitar player. Such a simple song, with great imagery and moving lyrics, it was no surprise that in 2006 the tune was on airways all over the globe. After that was her next single "Roots"- as equally stirring. Just look at the chorous : "Yuh cyan water down and dilute/Yuh cyan hide de trut from de yutes/ yuh can steal de fruit not the root/cause di yutes a hol dem roots."

She continues to use her music to impress on all who listen the need to see women as royal, as naturally beautiful and at the same time strong and powerful. She speaks of poverty, and social oppression as well. The beauty of it all is that though she speaks of serious issues, the music and melodies are so captivating that people let down all barriers and embrace the message and the music.

Etana has performed around the globe and in her beloved Jamaica at festivals such as Reggae Sumfest, Fully Loaded, ATI Live Concert, Irie Jamboree, Welcome to Jamrock and Guinness Sting, and Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival. In 2008 she performed at the Olympic Grand Gala for the Jamaican Beijing Atheletes and the Reggaelution concert in December of the same year.

She has garnered awards such as Best Female Vocalist at both the Excellence in Music & Entertainment (EME) Awards and the IRIE FM Radio Awards, for Best Solo Female Reggae Vocalist copped at the 1st annual Reggae Academy Awards for which she had nominations in 3 separate categories. Her debut album “The Strong One” which won the coveted “Album Of The Year” Award at the 2009 EME Awards.This Sunday while performing in Dominica she won Best Female Vocalist and Best Album at the 28th International Reggae And World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in New York.

Tune in toher new website www.etanastrongone.com to check out her new singles "Caltariba System", “Free” and "Blessings (ft. Alborosie)"as well as some old favorites!


Royal daughter, soul stirrer...Etana you are officially Lime Certified!!!!






Q&A

1. Do you have a nickname?
No just Etty-short for Etana

2. Do you have a hobby?
Reading and being by the river.

3.Ever had a weird fan moment?
Almost got kissed on the mouth once, and someone took off my bracelet another time.

4. Can you name your top three places you want to visit in the next year?
Japan, Zimbabwe, Australia

5.Wha is your best/worst trait?
My love for people.

6. What are the top three songs in your I-Pod?
Robin Thicke- "Complicated"
Pink- "So What"
"I Am Not Afraid"

7. Have you ever faced discrimination as an artist in any way?
No

8. Do you see yourself as a role model?
Everyday

9. Are there any misconceptions about you you want to clear up?
I don't smoke anything

10. If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?
To shut up people when they talk too much and to balance the world making everyone rich.



Go With Your Gut...

11. Orville Thomas (Da'Ville) or Orville Burrelll (Shaggy)?
Orville Thomas

12.Sea Bath or Hot Spring?
Both

13. Knowledge or wisdom?
Both

14. MoBay or Kingston?
Kingston

15. Text or Email?
Both





Finish It....

16. I love my son, mother, music, books.

17. When I am down I pick myself up by singing or writing a song

18. Condoms-definitely.

18. I love it when people sing along and are positive.

19. Etana-The Strong One.

Check out her new song "Who Gave You The Right" on the New Chapter Riddim, produced by Stephen "Di Geniu" McGregor.


www.etanastrongone.com
www.myspace.com/etanastrongone
www.thesolidagency.com