PERFORMER BIOS & PICS
Host
Jamila Glean
Jamila Glean, who has spent the past 15 years practicing law, hosts a weekly Soca vlog called “Tune Tuesday.” She also co-hosts the BK Rant and Rave podcast using her voice to address the pressing concerns of the global Caribbean community while promoting Soca music. The talented lawyer is a passionate advocate for minority groups including women-owned businesses.
Guyana
DJ Shizzle
Terrence John Malachi Alstrom aka Dj Shizzle is a Deejay/Entertainer based in Georgetown, Guyana. He was born on April 13th 1988, at an early age he realized his passion for music, in turn led to him channeling his career to become Deejay. Since establishing himself as one the outstanding Deejays in the country, he’s now the music coordinator at a prominent radio station.
The 33 year old Deejay is known for his ability to transcend a vibe through music across all genres whilst captivating audiences over the years from the radio, clubs, parties, shows & concerts. This has influenced him becoming very popular & active in the social world with several social media accounts with a following of over 20,000 people through Instagram; @shizzwall, https://www.facebook.com/Shizzwall & twitter; @shizzwall.
Jumo Primo
Jumo Primo accurately dubbed as Rubber waist was born in Plaisance on 25th July, 1976, he then moves to Georgetown were he pursued his primary and secondary education. Jumo enjoys riding his bike, playing football and hanging with his family and friends. Like every other child Jumo had his role models that he looked up to, one of whom was Machel Montano, he admired his vibes and the energy he brought to what he did. It was in his young, formative years that Jumo developed a passion for singing. At age fourteen Jumo was “singing on set,” played the role of a DJ, and also made dub plates for various sound systems. Where concert performances are concerned, he began singing with the “Mischievous Guys” band, but noted that it was his work with “Jerusalem” that really propelled his career. His talent was then recognized Byron Lee and the Dragonaires where he became a lead singer of the band, this allows him the opportunity of gracing stages with some of the biggest Artiste in the music industry such as Destra, kes, Ravi B, Bunji Gallin, just to name a few. With Byron Lee and the Dragonaires he was privileged to tour many countries such as China, Canada, the United States and many others. His first stage performance was at “Academic Freedom” at the University of Guyana. Jumo became a part of X2 in 2005 where he and Adrian Dutchin collaborate some amazing songs together such as Tick Tock, Crazy and many others.
Jumo Primo holds the title of the Guyana Ssoca Monarch king for 4 years, 1 time Guyana Groovey Monarch king and 1 time Road March King. In 2013, Jumo was awarded by The Guyanese diaspora in the city of East Orange, New Jersey with a Certificate of Recognition as ‘Soca King’ and being a Cultural Ambassador to his country, Guyana. He is also the holder of many other awards within the music industry in Guyana. Presently Jumo Primo is a solo artiste with some of the biggest hits such as stamma, Drop, stir de pot, jiggle it, Tribute, Nosey people, Bad mind people just to name a few. He established and launched his own recording studio and promotional company call the 592movement, where he intends to Creates a chance at equal opportunity for all Guyanese Artiste, Producers, Song writers, DJs and entertainment throughout the world.
Jamaica
Shantonio Chromatic
Shane Patterson Aka Shantonio Chromatic is a talented multi genre disk jock/composer who is a member of chromatic sound system and performs for audiences both locally and internationally.
As a composer he has composed for a few popular dancehall songs and also composed soundtracks for some of your favourite ads on Jamaican Radio/TV.
Chef Patrick Simpson
Raised in an impoverished family in St. Ann's Parish, Jamaica, Chef Wenford Patrick Simpson began cooking as a young child out of necessity. Known as "Chef Patrick", he recalls his favorite childhood memories being cooking for his younger sister, while he was only ten years of age. From that intrinsic necessity flourished a successful career, as a Corporate and Celebrity Chef serving Jamie Foxx, Taye Diggs, Bill & Hilary Clinton to name a few.
His professional career started as a high school intern at Club Caribbean Hotel where he was offered a job immediately after graduating. Since, he has gone on to work at several resorts across the island including the luxury chain, Sandals allowing him to perfect the Caribbean Flair his cooking is known for. At 17 years old, he took his talents to the seas, working as a Sous Chef for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Disney Cruise lines. After an 11 year career on the seas, in 2000 Simpson became the Executive Chef at upscale Caribbean hotspot Negril Village, a restaurant in New York City's Greenwich Village.
After a myriad of tenures throughout New York City, as their Corporate Executive Chef Simpson now delights customers at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, and the Highland Ballroom in NYC and their sister property The Howard Theatre in Washington D.C. Living out his motto "team work makes
the dream work" he now oversees a staff of 55. Simpson is also the host of TEMPO Network's cooking show Cook-Up with Chef Patrick featuring celebrity guests regularly. Becoming the Corporate Chef for AtServ Club a luxury concierge service assisting high-level clientele, he has no plans
of slowing down.
Simpson is now establishing the Simpson Culinary Institute, in hopes to give back to his hometown of Ocho Rios. Paving a way for those inspired to follow a similar career path.
Chef Patrick pushes the boundaries in the kitchen, creating a truly unique dining experience born out of Caribbean spices, Southern cooking and an American flair. Each dish he creates is a work of art,
not only in flavor combinations, but on the plate. Known for his mild-mannered approach in the kitchen, he is hailed for drawing out the best in everyone he encounters.
Singing Melody
Singing Melody is no doubt in a musical class of his own, with his career as an international reggae recording artist spanning over 20 years. Since exploding on the local scene back in the late 80’s Melody’s sheer sophistication and diligence has earned him an illustrious portfolio of achievements. Ranging from chart topping singles to numerous awards. A confident and spectacular performer Melody offers up a dose of incomparable vocal athletics, accompanied with his dapper apparel.
Born Everton Hardweare, Singing Melody was no stranger to hard work.
This was an essential quality to emerge as a Superstar singer in the Dancehall dominated Kingston streets. Melody paid his dues as a Gofer, “Go For this or Go For that” to the Reggae Icons. He proudly did his chores while observing his mentors, the likes of D. Brown and Josey Wales to name two. From this tutorledge, God given talent and the desire to succeed Singing Melody emerged. Opportunities were few and so when the time came to collaborate with one of Jamaica’s legendary producers King Tubby, Melody was ready to shine delivering his first recorded single entitled “Tie Me”. Melody soon after recorded “Sayonara Tokyo”, this songs success, made it official Singing Melody was an international star.
Mr.Melody is also a founding member of the award winning group L.U.S.T. He enjoys sharing the spotlight with three of his best industry friends, who all have starling solo careers of their own. More importantly, the audience loves the end product of such great harmony and showmanship.
Singing Melody and his music have now toured the world many times over, singing love songs for the ladies and expressing emotion on behalf of the men that respect women. Seven albums to his credit and a spectacular catalogue of hit singles, this singer is still going strong.
Trinidad & Tobago
SirTreyBenjamin
Trey "SirTreyBenjamin" Coerbell is best known for his digital creative skills as well as his ability to captivate a diverse audience and control an event musically. This multi-talented gentlemen has excelled by creating unique experiences and stories through designing clothing, Djing and fostering digital footprints for brands that we have come to love. After school, Trey would sneak into his brother's room to DJ for hours on his equipment. His drive paired with his obsession to create eventually led him to the University At Albany for his collegiate education. There he landed his first two radio gigs, becoming, "The Voice of UA" for WCDB Albany 90.9 FM, Campus radio, as well an understudy for DJ Supreme at Hot 99.1FM.
After graduating with a degree in Communication and Rhetoric and Art, he came back to Brooklyn to join the promotions team at Hot 97 WQHT where he worked alongside NYC best DJs too curate promotional events for Hot 97's most valued partnerships. While capturing the hearts of many for years with his exhilarating presence, raw talent, and unique eye for design, Trey also started a Youtube channel to illustrate just how colorful life can truly be.
Social Media: @SirTreyBenjamin
Website : www.SirTreyBenjamin.com
Chef Kimberly Parris
A culinary innovator, Chef Kimberly Parris is the owner of K. Parris Enterprises, LLC, now known as The CaribDiva Company. In her early years, Kim worked with the likes of Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, the cast and crew of Chicago: The Musical, and, most notably, as contestant and winner of Bravo’s Rocco’s Dinner Party with celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito, as well as a contestant on Food Network’s longest running culinary competition series, Chopped. Under the CaribDiva brand, Kimberly’s worked with local radio affiliate Hot97, LiveNation, and venues such as The Museum of the City of New York and the United Nations. Because service and community are no stranger to Kim, this led her to create herDIVAspot (Divine Intelligent Voices of All ages), a year-long program focused on self-development, financial literacy, and civic engagement.
Chef Parris is the former sous chef of Uptown Brasserie, a Marcus Samuelsson concept, and the former Chef de Cuisine at Eataly (Flatiron)—a niche, regional Italian marketplace. When she’s not cooking, which is almost rare, Kim enjoys painting, road trips, visiting her native countries Trinidad and Barbados, writing short stories and poetry, as well as serving as a guide for the next generation of culinary artists through mentorship.
Facebook: The CaribDiva Company
Instagram: the_caribdiva_company
Twitter: thecaribdiva
Website: www.thecaribdiva.com
Olatunji
Olatunji is a recording/performing artist from Trinidad and Tobago who is widely considered as the "Afrosoca King." Born to artist parents in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad his father Edward Yearwood was a well-known composer and his late mother Mairoon Ali, a local actress and radio personality.
Ola as he is affectionately known has several titles to his credit including the International Groovy Soca Monarch Crown (2015) for his breakout hit "Ola". His rise to prominence began in 2002 at the age of 16, when he entered the Junior Calypso competition where he would place 2nd. He was named the "Most Outstanding Calypsonian" and "Most Promising Act" in 2003 and would spend 5 years performing with the Roy Cape All Stars Band.
In September 2018, Yearwood was featured as a contestant on The X Factor UK. His performance of "Bodyline," an original song earned a standing ovation from all four judges including Simon Cowell who called Ola "a Superstar." The other judges echoed similar praises; Adya Field, "You've got personality, you've got moves, you've got a great voice, and you have the X factor." British pop singer Robbie Williams chimed in, "You can't learn how to do that; it's a God-given gift…you absolutely killed it." He made it to the live shows where he performed another original "Jiggle It".
His other hits include "Wining Good", "Thankful" and "We are One" with Destra Garcia. Ola continues to impress audiences worldwide with his Broadway-worthy performances and ever expanding catalog of hits.
Bahamas
Luval 'Big L' Bain
Luval Bain is a very well-known on-air personality, DJ, program director who has made a significant mark for himself through the media industry. Luval “Big L” Bain has worked in the media industry for over 16 years. Big L currently works at More 94 FM in Nassau. His duties over the years included production assistant, engineer, on-air personality, DJ and has recently been promoted to Program Director. He is one of the proprietors of Playhouse Entertainment & DJ services. , Big L has performed on stages throughout various countries and cities such as Belize, Cancun, Grenada, Houston, Jamaica, Canada, London, California and Miami.
Lawson Pinder
Lawson coming from the Bahamas, is a well rounded performing artist from being a dancer, actor to circus artist. Most of the time he off teaching the young and upcoming artist all around the country and running a circus program at a summer camp. PAlthough performing arts is his passion lets not for his love for the culinary arts, you can always find him in the kitchen.
IG: eiro.pdance, eiro.p, Caribbeantwist
BodineVictoria
BodineVictoria, affectionately called The Coconut Goddess, Juicy Fruit and Bodacious, is the quintessential expression of Bahamian Culture. The national award winning singer, actress, entertainer and socialite has opened for the Caribbean's finest entertainers including Patrice Roberts, Alison Hinds, Gyptian, Jah Cure, Bunji Garlin, Fayann Lyons and many more.
Bodine walks the line between classic Bahamian and Caribbean music with a focus on integrating Calypso melodies, folklore, story-telling and Bahamian Junkanoo, Rake and Scrape and Goombay music with modern Caribbean music. Her range includes Reggae, Hip-Hop, Soca-Noo, Jazz and RnB with a Caribbean Flair. She is the 2018 Elevation Awards Female Artist of the Year, multiple nominee for the Bahamian Icon Awards and one of The Bahamas's leading female entertainers.
BodineVictoria's music has been played at the NBA New York Pelicans half-time show, included in National advertisement campaigns, the most current is for BTC. She plays Rovel in the popular Bahamian television show, "Where in the World is Wally", hosts her own Bahamian YouTube food show, #BodinePot and spends her time writing and motivating others with her music. Her personal symbol is the coconut, an metaphor for strength and resilience in the face of consistent change.
Follow BodineVictoria on all social media platforms and become a member of the Coconut Kingdom.