G MaG

Issue 6
EDITOR’S NOTE

Once again, it's on! Carnival season has taken full flight and with it comes a spirit of togetherness and fun! All over the world people are in party mood; getting down at one festivity or another or simply enjoying their summer retreat. Here, we're all geared up for Notting Hill as well as other Carnivals around the country like Luton, Leeds and the spectacle they are guaranteed to bring. The 'Soul of the Caribbean' (Soca) is obviously enjoyed by its dedicated fans all year round but, at this moment in time, it seems to take on a whole new meaning in the UK; a diversified sphere that reaches out and touches people from all different walks of life - a truly cosmopolitan connection. And trust me, da Soca Massive knows how to put on a real show and make everybody feel welcomed!

Never one to pass on the excitement, G MaG has always dedicated its summer edition to the Carnival mantra by bringing you a whole host of hot Soca artists and this time round it's the turn of 'Bajan Soca Queen', Alison Hinds to hold centre stage. With the spotlight firmly fixed on Alison, we also travelled to St. Kitts to check out their annual Music Fest where she tore the place down alongside Machel Montano and others. Watch her nuh, how she ah get on bad...!

But... you know the score, the mag always has loads of other genres to bring you and profiling in the R&B arena is the maestros Don-E and Brian McKnight. Squaring off against these guys in the Reggae partition is Jamaica's 'jewel in the crown' Cherine Anderson, Bermuda's new stir Clinark, Studio One harmony group The Blackstones and the freedom fighter Jah Cure who, recently shook off his shackles! JA's own Little Hero and the UK's boy wonders Four Kornerz make good in the Gospel section whilst veteran saxophonist Lascelles James and the smooth Kenny Thomas gets all jazzed up. We also hail Empress Menen with tributes from Queen Ifrika, Princess Menen and Sister Carol.

Elsewhere, the Lifestyle section looks at cultural street wear; there's an interestingly thought provoking 'African Comment' piece and something for the children in the form of a TV Documentary series. But here's where we gets to really spoil you as on the Competition pages there's stuff like luxury hotel breaks, albums galore and even a trip to Jamaica to be won...!! Catch us down at the Notting Hill Carnival and watch out for the G MaG Artist Showcase at the end of October but, don't forget to tune into the 'Lifestyle On BEN' TV show on Friday mornings (see page 27) as we continue to crane the mag all up in your spot! Yuh dun know!

One lOve,
Melissa C Sinclair (DJ Cameo)
Editor, Publisher