AprilMayJune2021

My name is Dr. Richard Harris. As you are likely aware, You can be a
COVID-19 has severely impacted the African American part of history.
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higher rate of infection, 5 times higher rate of PLEASE CONTACT US TODAY
hospitalization and over 2 times higher death rate than
other ethnic groups. Toll Free Number
We currently have a FDA approved clinical trial for 1-833-463-6664
www.aacovidstudy.com
African Americans recently diagnosed with COVID.
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We need your help to stop the
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For more information, please visit

www.aacovidstudy.com







RISING STAR

A#keem

ATTACKING the industry with uplifting
musical content, A#keem intentions are to
affect a permanent and positive change with
his music. Akeem David Abraham, also
known as A#keem, is an Urban Reggae artist
residing in the Spice Isle, formally named
Grenada. Before making his way to the
national radio waves with his debut mixtape,
entitled “Feel Good Music” released April
14th 2015, he spent his days experiencing
life.

An avid spear fisherman, nature enthusiast
and music lover, can all be used to describe
A#keem’s outgoing and soulful personality.
Persistently evolving and creating
throughout the years he continues to excel
in his career, releasing a second mixtape,
“REVOLUTION”, in addition to many
singles, blazing both the local and national
radio waves, acquiring spots on national and
international events, he has shared the stage
with names like, Ashanti, JaRule, Kes, Beres
Hammond, Sizzla Kalonji, and more, as well
as earning collaborations with artistes and
producers from Jamaica, London, Spain,
Antigua, Germany and Trinidad he still has a
lot more in store. Passionately continuing on
his mission to affect permanent and positive
change with his soulful and energetic musical
messages and more, A#keem is headed for
eminent success.

For Bookings:
[email protected]

Visit: www.ahkeemmusic.com
FB: officialahkeemmusic
Youtube: ahkeemmusic

Once again we are at the milestone of another issue, and one
which brings you more diverse entertainment from Cover
to Cover. Part of the growth process is recognizing where
change is fundamentally important, and that the two are
great companions for each other. So with that in mind, we are bringing
different aspects of music, from steelpan arrangers, reggae and soca
artistes on the cusp of breaking out, and many who have gone clear to the
top in the field of music, along with the benefits of a staying fit. Thank
you for staying on this journey with us, and please enjoy the ride.

Lyma Dunbar

iEM Editor-in-chief

Dj. LokDwn, lives by the belief that “passion
drives creativity, and that creativity brings
opportunity.”
​
“My appreciation for music started quite early
but I started playing the piano at 17; later
travelling to the UK to complete my music
studies in Performance and Production, then on
to a Masters in Music Industry Management.
I later ventured into Music Production, Audio
Mixing and Mastering, Big Band Arrangements,
Choir Arrangements, Piano Performances,
Music Directing, Artist Management and
DJ’ing.
​
I have a diverse taste in music, but my first love
will always be Soca. As a DJ, my experience
allows me to enjoy being a musician as well as
a music lover, and I understand what it takes to
play for the audience and not indulge my own
musical tastes.

Music is life, needed in every season and for
every reason.”

DJ LokDwn
Soca & Cocktails, Fridays
8-11pm GMT
3-6pm EST
iChunesradio.com
[email protected]
www.djlokdwn.com
IG: @djlokdwn
FB: @DjLokDwn

Omari “Badda General” Lawrence, (affectionately known as “Froggy” Crown, Fire Links, Stone Love
is quickly solidifying himself as by fans) in Western Jamaica on and King Addies, among others.
one of the “Baddest” Dancehall the wildly popular “Pieces” sound By 2010, Badda General’s love
artists cruising Jamaica’s musical system. His tenure on “Pieces” as a of music transitioned into record
landscape. With red-hot songs lead selector was from 1990 -2001. production, allowing the talent to
like “Money App” and “I Wish,” Then, the young DJ started his own work with top names in Reggae/
Badda General brings a much sound, “Madd Squad.” Dancehall like Buju Banton,
needed fusion of lyrical dexterity Wayne Wonder, Sizzla, Charly
and humor to the industry, amidst The sound killers rose in Black, Pressure, Macka Diamond
an onslaught of hard times hitting prominence and even made it to the and many more. Badda General is
the world during the Covid-19 prestigious “World Clash” sound primed for artistic longevity.
pandemic, Badda General system competition in both Jamaica
navigated the perils of a shaky and New York. Over the years, MEDIA & DJ CONTACT:
industry by giving fans a witty take Madd Squad competed against and Flair Lindsey/
on music they can both vibe and beat what reads like a who’s who Publicist Acclaim PR
chuckle to. The timing has worked of sound culture, including Bass [email protected]
in his favor, as he is indisputably Odyssey, Tony Matterhorn, Mighty 301-760-0964
one of the year’s most notable
Dancehall sensations, sparking a Twitter, FB and IG:
buzz among music lovers, media @BaddaGeneral
and DJs.
One can’t round out the Badda
General effect without saluting
the deejay’s impressive presence
as a new dub plate force in the
clash arena. Additionally, with a
host of solid media appearances
and international air play, his
visibility is expanding well beyond
his core audience. The success
of “Money App,” “I Wish” and
the latest “Outside”, serves as the
ideal prelude to Badda General’s
highly anticipated “Money App
Project” album which was released
October 27. He is by all means a
triple threat whose musical heritage
dates back to the tender age of
7 as a selector/DJ. By the age of
14, he was one of the hottest DJs



Kaisokah Moko Jumbies
Photo Credit: Catherine CK Sforza
IG: @evocativeimagesmedia

Berlin Bear - symbol of Berlin Brandenburg Gate symbol of unity and peace

Checkpoint Charlie - Berlin Holocaust Memorial Sovier soilder photo at
Wall crossing point between insallation checkpoint charlie taken in

West and East Germany 1994

Reconstructed Market Gate from Miletus Head of a statuette of Queen Tiy dated to c. 1355 BC

Neues Palais (New Palace) completed in 1769 Reconstructed Istar Gate from ancient Babylon

Relief plate of Akhenaten,
Nefertiti and three of their
daughters @ Neues Museum

Sovier soilder photo at
checkpoint charlie taken in

1994

Map showing occupied West and East Berlin



The beautiful island of St. Lucia is home to Teddyson John, who has emerged as one
of the region’s top entertainers, and by our assessment has taken the groovy soca
genre to another level, while simultaneously increasing the musical palette of many
to the beautiful fusion of Caribbean Jazz.

Do you believe that your success year old kid who saw me at the mall not good there, but we’re still there;
with Allez not only propelled your and wanted to take a photo with me, a lot of us are afraid to start all over
career into the soca scene, but also asked, “Are you Teddyson John?” again, to leave our comfort zone. If
raised the international awareness I said yes, she asked “Can I take a you are in a job for 25 years, and you
as to the talent on the island of St. picture?” She then asked “Can you have a passion to do something and
Lucia? Also what prompted your do me a favor and sing something you don’t want to leave, you would
decision to transition from gospel apart from Bumper in your songs? probably spend the next 25 years at
and R&B to soca? Because I always used to do bumper the same desk doing the same thing.
“I think it was a pillar for what songs, bumper this and bumper that, A lot of people are in relationships
already existed, because there were whine down this and that, jump and they know are not good for them,
a lot of artistes that came before wave this and that. When a child are not healthy, but they stay; they
me from St. Lucia, but I wanted tells you that, it makes you realize don’t want to start over, because
to be the artiste that picked up the what you are doing, and how deep they think they’re going to lose
mantel. You had power soca artistes your responsibility is, when there out. A lot of people have groups of
like Ricky T with Pressure Boom, are kids listening. So that led me to friends they know are bad influences,
but there was never anyone on the change up my content and make it and they are still there. So I think
groovy scene; so with Allez, I was more universal.” it is something that everyone has
able to reintroduce St. Lucia to the gone through in their life, or has a
map where music was concerned, Was your new album, Caribbean situation in their life. So this is my
because after Ricky T in 2008, there Moscato a jazz teaser to test the way of telling everybody “Pack yuh
wasn’t anything from the island. waters for something bigger? bags and leave.” I have a line in
Also should we expect another the song that says “Everyday yuh
Soca is something that one of my Caribbean Jazz album in the leaving Jack, but something dey got
producers, Peng Joseph of 758 future? you going back.” Jack is not only
Studios got me interested in while I “I wanted to give people an a relationship, Jack can be friends,
was working on a cruise ship. I was opportunity to see what actually a job, a country, an island, it can be
inquisitive and wanted to know what started me, and “Caribbean anything you want it to be.”
it was, but not knowing what my Moscato” was me coming back full
place would probably be in it. So in circle. I came from influences that How has the Covid 19 lock down
2007 I decided to give it a little shot, included gospel and the French side affected or impacted you both
then I couldn’t turn my back after of jazz, and we’ve been doing stuff within the music industry and on a
that, because every year everyone like that before, so it was me wanting personal level?
wanted to know, “What would Teddy to have another conversation to see “What has impacted me a lot is
do.” So it just became more and what can happen. I just wanted to the uncertainty of everything, it’s
more fun, and I had to put out more open up the conversation a little bit, not all days you feel positive, it’s
music.” to let listeners know that soca music not all days you feel like giving
can actually go there as well.” positive answers or encouragement,
In a 2014 article, you shared that sometimes the person that gives
you wanted to take your “brand of “You should expect some more encouraging needs encouraging.
soca, international.” What is your Caribbean jazz music, I am actually I went through a depression not
brand of soca? working on another album as well.” knowing what it is, not knowing
“Inspirational. I used to do a lot what’s happening; when you
of different topics, but when I The lyrics of the song “Kite’sa have a year where everything
decided to take it seriously and go (Leave) do they come from some you were working for is planned
inspirational in terms of the quality personal experience, or were they out so beautifully, after my entire
of the content, that’s when I gained from general reference? band performed at Tuesday on the
more recognition regionally and “It came from everyone’s experience. Rocks in Trinidad. Then you start
internationally. A wakeup call made If we look at it from all different seeing everything beginning to get
me take my gospel background and points of view, there are a lot of us cancelled, and with an industry like
apply it to my music, when a nine in situations that we know, we’re ours, where our vibe is more crowds,

you really don’t know when it’s just came out and had an amazing things; but family is very important
going to come back, because, you’re time.” to me, so too the relationship with
not too sure. It had me thinking my kid is also very important to
about so many different things, hence Staying relative in the soca me. It’s hard sometimes to find a
the reason why we did something industry can become pretty hectic balance, you can try, but it’s difficult
like “Caribbean Moscato” because sometimes, where you are expected sometimes; we as artistes and fathers
who knows, we may just need to to produce new music on an need to do a better job at it, but the
be in a smaller space with more annual basis for the season. Over truth is that we are always trying to
intimate shows, it can work. So it the years, has this become easier? be in a position to provide and do
just has us thinking of different ways “A lil bit of both…..one thing I wish what we need to do.”
to do things and have a different could change is the narrative of how
conversation, basically taking it day we think of it, because the music is You are a keyboardist, drummer,
by day.” something I wish could be done all bassist and vocalist, so other than
year. It doesn’t have to be a seasonal musicianship, what does it take
I couldn’t do “Caribbean Moscato” thing, and that’s where we’ve been to be an accompanying stage
without my guys, we actually started making the biggest mistake in terms musician for Teddyson John?
this project as something we called of doing something for that year. It “Just your vibe, energy, your
“Just so,” I told the guys I wanted becomes easier to produce music, attitude, and how humble you are
us to do a couple of songs to create but I wish we would change the as an individual. I play all these
content to put on Instagram. We saw narrative.” instruments and I am probably a
the response and what people were musician first before a soca artiste,
saying, then after doing “X-Games” For those who sometimes struggle I come from that, and that’s why
by Private Ryan, and people were with relationship boundaries, how my ear is open up to everything.
so into that, we figured that meant have you been able to balance You cyar give me a six for a nine
something. One thing led to the a successful music career, and a {laughter} because I can understand
next, and instead of doing two songs successful marriage? in terms of production, and it’s easy
I told the guys we were going to “Unfortunately I’m not married to connect with somebody that feels
do a whole album; I didn’t get any anymore, but it is what it is, we just the same thing.”
resistance from them, and everyone probably grew apart into different

As a songwriter, what is most and such. Some of the right things
important for you, the lyrics or the would be to make it a year round
melody, and do you have a system genre and supporting it by buying
that consistently works for you? it. The reason why it’s not getting
“Both are important to me, I where it’s supposed to be, is because
normally hear melodies and hooks we are not seeing the numbers
first, then the lyrics have to make through purchases by the public. For
sense, and every song has to be a example, the same way they buy Dj
story or a conversation piece. I have Khaled or Beyoncé, it should be the
one person I deal with a lot and we same way they should be purchasing
actually write together, his name Caribbean artistes. The business
is Jeremy Jacob from Trinidad. aspect of it is not done right, and its
We’ve been writing from Allez, but changing people’s mindset as well.”
we have that special connection
where we have conversations and With the cancelation of the 2021
talk about things before we write. Carnival Season, what have
“Leave” was a conversation, “Vent” you had to change, adjust or
was a conversation, “Escape” was a cancel? Also how has it affected
conversation, and we try to do topics the music scene in St. Lucia, has
that people go through.” the government assisted local
entertainers with a stimulus
What words of wisdom can you package of some sorts?
share with up and coming artistes, “I’m adjusting by probably trying
that are struggling to be heard in to make more albums, compared to
the Caribbean music genre? one song here and there. If you do
“Don’t give up, create networks more albums, you can concentrate
and keep your attitude and spirit on people purchasing bodies of
right. I know people can be talented, work and streaming bodies of work
and have a cocky attitude, you compared to a song. When we did
understand what I mean…… I come “Caribbean Moscato,” we allowed
from humble beginnings and that people to view it for free, so probably
didn’t change me, there are people the next time or the next album
who have one song, and you can’t launch, I’ll probably do a package
talk to them again, because it got to where you can see the show and
their head, so I’m telling everybody purchase the album for one price.”
to just keep that humble spirit, keep
that vibe and energy.” “Where the government is
concerned, it’s something that
Similar to one of my earlier happened that no one was expecting,
questions, do you think that soca so governments are doing all they
music is evergreen, example can can do and are trying to help the
it transcend beyond a seasonal situation. There’s been a stimulus
genre? package but obviously there could be
“It can if we do the right things, more that can be done.”
such as if we put out music the
right way, and not just seasonal, Have you thought of incorporating
or based around a festival; that’s other beats to appeal to a wider
probably why we are not in the audience?
category that we want to be in, in “I think if we create good music, it’s
terms of being recognized on iTunes going to reach where it’s supposed

to, and I just want to be able to put
out music as a Caribbean artiste,
but at the same time give it that
international flavor. I am not going
to say mix it with another genre…..
I think good music will be good
music, and everyone is trying to see
where they can go and what they
can fit and see what’s up. So there
is no wrong way about doing it or
trying to do it, but the coming album
is going to be beautiful, because I
love what I’m hearing in terms of
the production, the vibe, the topics
and the songs itself, I’m happy with
it. You should start seeing signs of
the new album around April, there
will be 10 new amazing songs and
probably two bonus tracks.”

For Bookings:
Jelani Hunte
(813)789-3865
[email protected]

Photographer for Teddyson John:
Jelani LeBourne Photography.

IEM GOSPEL HIGHLIGHT

Rizon

RIZON – (pronounced “rise on”)

SHANE Gibson, more popularly known as
Rizon is a multi-award winning, purpose-
driven artiste recognized as one of the
premiere inspirational/gospel music ministers
in the Caribbean region for the past 13 years.
His music is all about the Spirit-led message,
wrapped in sweet Caribbean music; and
his rhythms are infectious with lyrics that
reflect his deepest convictions, which is why
his listeners are moved in more ways than
one. Rizon has performed all around the
world and has shared the stage with several
Grammy, Dove and Stellar Awardees. His
concert events and projects are specifically
tailored toward fostering actual and practical
change and empowerment.
For Bookings:
[email protected]

Follow Rizon:
FB: @Rizonmusic
Twitter: @Rizonmusic
IG: @Rizonmusic

DJ Militia’s info:
IG, Twitter & FB
upperlevelproduction

Phone:
(407)575-3097

Email: [email protected]

www.iChunesradio.com
Weds 8-11pm

Kevin Amoroso

Not afraid to take on challenges and an outlook that is continuously forward
focused, Realtor Kevin Amoroso gave us some insight into his journey from then to

now and the future.

How did your journey as a me and one assistant and I felt on within a sizeable model, I want
realtor begin? top of the world, because I had them to understand that ultimately
“Back in 2005 when I got out such a great support system; I also at some point in time they will
of the military, I also got out of figured out what processes and leave, and I don’t want them to
prison, moved back to Brooklyn, models looked like. I was a one do so on bad terms, but amicably,
then to Orlando where Natalie man show, and a fan of Senator recognizing that ultimately they
and I began residing. She was McCain, because of what he said should take something with them
always interested in real estate about Barack Obama, even though that can allow them to go Big
and back then I really didn’t have he was running against him; he consistently.”
any interest in it, so reluctantly I gave him kudos for being “a really
got into the business doing fixer good man.” I totally respected that, How has Ft Myers become what
uppers here and there. I bought a and thought it was very honorable Orlando was not for you, with
Carlton Sheets course and in 2007, of him. That’s how The Maverick regards to being a home base?
we really got active, fast forward Home Group gained its name.” “To be quite honest I didn’t really
to 2012, I’m doing a lot more, and know Ft. Myers before coming in
in 2016 I took everything I learned, How do you find the talent for 2015, and compared to Orlando, it
and really got into real estate, and Maverick and what are your is very different……The culture,
the rest as they say is history.” expectations of them? life style and pace are different.
“Finding talent is not the hard What it did was open up my eyes
How have you been able to take part, I’ve built a business based to a way of living that I could
your failures and turn them into on customer service and kindness. respect, because for me it’s a good
successes? People generally like doing comfortable life to raise a family.
“That’s a good question, along the business with you because of that It’s just a different quality of life,
way you kinda learn that failure and how well you treat them, I and I appreciated it. In Orlando
is the key to success, because it’s took that and made it our mantel. there were a lot of distractions,
through your failures that you Agents seek me out because of and things that could make you
learn what you did wrong; so what they’ve seen me do, I don’t lose focus. Boredom began setting
those things become part of your go after them. I’ve learned that in, similar to what I’m currently
foundation to take you where you when you go in search of people, feeling now in Ft. Myers, which
need to go. Failure is an import you find the wrong ones, when is why I’m looking to go to
component to success because they come in search of you, it’s California. I get bored doing things
without it, you won’t know exactly because they see value in you. over and over again, particularly
what to work on to get better.” My expectation is for them to be when I know where the ceiling is
the best versions of themselves, and what’s beyond the ceiling.”
Tell us about Maverick Home because we all build blocks
Group? differently, which is something I What other frontiers do you see
“Maverick Home Group started say to them often. Even though in your future?
back in 2017-2018, it was just they may see we’ve built a culture “It’s crazy that you ask that,

How did your journey as a and thought it was very honorable It’s just a different quality of life,
realtor begin? of him. That’s how The Maverick and I appreciated it. In Orlando
“Back in 2005 when I got out Home Group gained its name.” there were a lot of distractions,
of the military, I also got out of and things that could make you
prison, moved back to Brooklyn, How do you find the talent for lose focus. Boredom began setting
then to Orlando where Natalie Maverick and what are your in, similar to what I’m currently
and I began residing. She was expectations of them? feeling now in Ft. Myers, which
always interested in real estate “Finding talent is not the hard is why I’m looking to go to
and back then I really didn’t have part, I’ve built a business based California. I get bored doing things
any interest in it, so reluctantly I on customer service and kindness. over and over again, particularly
got into the business doing fixer People generally like doing when I know where the ceiling is
uppers here and there. I bought a business with you because of that and what’s beyond the ceiling.”
Carlton Sheets course and in 2007, and how well you treat them, I
we really got active, fast forward took that and made it our mantel. What other frontiers do you see
to 2012, I’m doing a lot more, and Agents seek me out because of in your future?
in 2016 I took everything I learned, what they’ve seen me do, I don’t “It’s crazy that you ask that,
and really got into real estate, and go after them. I’ve learned that because I met a gentle man who
the rest as they say is history.” when you go in search of people, is also in real estate, and he too
you find the wrong ones, when is going back to California. We
How have you been able to take they come in search of you, it’s were joking about planting peas
your failures and turn them into because they see value in you. in Tobago, and I told him that my
successes? My expectation is for them to be ultimate goal, was to return to the
“That’s a good question, along the the best versions of themselves, Caribbean plant pigeon peas and
way you kinda learn that failure because we all build blocks do some business. {laughter} He
is the key to success, because it’s differently, which is something I asked me “Why the hell then are
through your failures that you say to them often. Even though you going to California?” I said
learn what you did wrong; so they may see we’ve built a culture my timeline is showing that in
those things become part of your within a sizeable model, I want 14 to 15 more months, California
foundation to take you where you them to understand that ultimately would be a great opportunity, and I
need to go. Failure is an import at some point in time they will have agents that will need me there
component to success because leave, and I don’t want them to from time to time. So it makes
without it, you won’t know exactly do so on bad terms, but amicably, sense to go to California, help train
what to work on to get better.” recognizing that ultimately they the agents to improve their skills,
should take something with them which would then help me gather
Tell us about Maverick Home that can allow them to go Big the funds a lot sooner to return to
Group? consistently.” the Caribbean to plant my peas in
“Maverick Home Group started Tobago, like Shadow. {laughter}
back in 2017-2018, it was just How has Ft Myers become what I’m ready.”
me and one assistant and I felt on Orlando was not for you, with
top of the world, because I had regards to being a home base? What advice would you give to
such a great support system; I also “To be quite honest I didn’t really those wanting to change careers
figured out what processes and know Ft. Myers before coming in or who are now embarking on a
models looked like. I was a one 2015, and compared to Orlando, it career?
man show, and a fan of Senator is very different……The culture, “Discipline and consistency. You
McCain, because of what he said life style and pace are different. need to fail to understand that
about Barack Obama, even though What it did was open up my eyes its part of the journey, and the
he was running against him; he to a way of living that I could journey itself is probably many
gave him kudos for being “a really respect, because for me it’s a good times sweeter than the destination.
good man.” I totally respected that, comfortable life to raise a family.

The devil is in the details, and
for people who are ready to
change and transition into another
career…… Yuh ready for this…
Take your time, don’t rush into
it! Work to learn before you work
to earn, that’s a big component
right there, I tell a lot of young
agents that. Many people get into
business, wanting to make money
within 5 to 6 months’ time, and
sometimes that is not realistic at
all. You have to get into the brand,
you can’t make it with the 4 to
500 people that know you, or who
you think may support you and
let that be your business model.
You’ve got to think about your
business being sellable over and
over and over again, way past the
500 people that you know a couple
million times. Because when you
talk about residual income, your
income is forever, so how many
people past those 500 people
you know are going to buy your
product? Understand that it takes a
lot.”

Kevin Amoroso
Maverick Home Group
Sellstate Advante
Direct: (407) 780-3338
Kevinamorosorealestate@gmail.
com

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