Posts

Still The Same Kahlil

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                                               By Onica Dick aka Neki   It took some time before he was able to sit and have a conversation with me. However, when he was able to, he certainly did not disappoint. Born and bred in L’Anse Fourmi, in the vicinity of the oldest legally protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, Calvern ‘Kahlil’ Hernandez, the second of five siblings is a multi-talented creative.   Photo 1. Calvern 'Kahlil' Hernandez  “When I was young, I wanted to be a chef; I like cooking smoked bones. However, as I got older, I realized that my calling was more than cooking. There was an entrepreneurial side in me that was waiting to come alive because I had lots of business venture ideas.” The past pupil of L’Anse Fourmi Primary School, St Patrick Anglican and Signal Hill Comprehensive says that his days of growing up w...

Zelous The Superstar

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 By Onica Dick aka Neki I am thankful for the opportunity to continue to put out articles on this Blog page. I am thankful to the artistes and other individuals who give of their busy time to sit and have a conversation with me. I recently met with the young, rising talented Tobago artiste Zelous. The article below gives some details about our conversation. The 6th of four boys and three girls, Shakir ‘Zelous’ John is extremely gifted and intelligent.   Zelous is making his mark in the music industry in Tobago and beyond. He spent his formative years in Canaan/Bon Accord and is still a resident of the area. His days growing up were favourable and his best childhood memory is that of visiting England in 2014 and seeing how large the airplanes were compared to Caribbean Airlines. The 21-year-old is a past pupil of the Bon Accord Government Primary School and the Scarborough Secondary School. He remembers Sir Smart as his favourite teacher at primary school and Ms. Thompson Wil...

The Never-ending Lyrics Of NUM NUM

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     By Onica Dick aka Neki   It is a cool Saturday afternoon at the Botanical Gardens of Scarborough. I have been given the opportunity to chat with Tobago artiste Num Num who is also the reigning October Carnival 2023 Tobago Soca Monarch. The article below gives some details about our conversation.   Born on October 25, 1985, Adrian ‘Num Num’ Isaac wanted to become a fireman as a child. However, at the age of 18 he started thinking about becoming an artiste after watching shows such as the Jamaican annual entertainment event ‘Sting’. His younger brother also played an integral role in his interest. Isaac says, “I heard my little brother Foster Isaac aka Foster General on CD; he sounded real good and after that I wanted to hear myself on CD too.” Pic 1. Adrian 'NUM NUM' Isaac  Photo Credit - Akeshea Dennis  ‘Num Num’ Isaac who is from Concordia, Tobago is the son of Leon Hughes and Delisia Isaac and has three brothers. He is a past pupil of ...

Deon Thomas - Establishing his own 'Dimension' identity

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It is very long overdue but I am pleased to present Article #6 for this Blog.  Some time ago I sat and interviewed Tobagonian artiste Deon Thomas aka Dimension Muzic from Lambeau. Here are some highlights from our conversation. Also see video footage attached.    By Onica Dick (NEKI)                                                         Pic 1-  Deon 'Dimension' Thomas  At the start of the interview he tells me, “When I was younger I wanted to be a fireman”. Deon Thomas aka Dimenson Muzic is a Tobago dancehall and reggae artiste who grew up in Lambeau, Tobago. His favourite childhood memory was “playing starship shooting on the plum tree while pretending to be Star Trek characters even though our parents were always quarrelling with us to come down from the tree.” The last of seven children, Thomas attended...

TOBAGO’S UNDISPUTED BARBER KING - KYHEEM JAMES PLACES THIRD IN BEAUTY EXPO COMPETITION AT MACOYA, TRINIDAD

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  This is Article #5 also which also features Kyheem 'Kye' James The Barber from Patience Hill, Tobago who was highlighted in Article #4.  BY ONICA DICK (NEKI) Last month, on Sunday May 29, barber Kyheem 'Kye' James of Patience Hill and, Manager of Undisputed Cutz Hair and Barber Salon attended an all-inclusive beauty expo titled ‘Learn The Art of SMP Beauty Expo’ at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya, Trinidad. It was hosted by Anthony King who is a certified beauty therapist. James took part in one of the barbering competitions and placed third. Pic 1 -3rd placed -Kye displays his certificate with pride Pic 2 -Barbering perfection completed in half an hour When I first interviewed James for his feature article on my  Blog page, he mentioned to me about his involvement in the event. “King is one of those versatile makeup experts. He does everything from eyebrows to lashes. He even has a formula to allow damaged lips to get back the pink colour."  James reveale...

KYE -THE UNDISPUTED AND TRUSTED BARBER

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 It is long overdue but I  am pleased to present Article #4 for this Blog.  I recently had the pleasure of interviewing a young barber, Kyheem 'Kye' James, from Patience Hill, Tobago. It was an awesome interview. Here are some highlights from the conversation. Photos and videos are included in the article.  By ONICA DICK (NEKI) “When I was going to school I had waves that were nice and neat and I used to cut my own hair. I would even look at YouTube which helped me to get better,’’ said Kyheem (Kye) James who took some time from his busy schedule for me to interview him for my blog page.  The 22 year old who is from Patience Hill, has been a barber for the last four years. His entire childhood was enjoyable because he engaged in a lot of outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting. “If it wasn’t for that I would not be the person that I am today.” Pic 1. Kyheem 'Kye' James  He was educated at both the Signal Hill Government Primary School and the Signa...

The Musical Venam of Shanko

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I am pleased to present Article #3 for this blog. I recently sat and interviewed  young Tobagonian artiste entrepreneur Shankeel 'Shanko' Alleyne from Patience Hill. Here are some highlights from our conversation. Also see video footage attached.   By Onica Dick (NEKI) Shankeel 'Shanko' Alleyne Shanko Blogs With Neki