So, we want to know what the 'chat is all about!

Chat ‘Bout Cleveland is certainly making an impact on the Cleveland dancehall scene. From Detroit to Chicago and everywhere in between, everyone is logging on! So, what do you think? As we grow from a blog to a site, we would love to hear your thoughts. Good, Bad or Indifferent, we want to hear from you.

The word is out! You want to give Chat’Bout Cleveland a shout? Link us up at chat_bout_cleveland@yahoo.com

Miss Jamaica Universe 2007 - Zahra Redwood: More than her hair

Amid the historic win and title, here is an interview with the first Rastafarian to win Miss Jamacia 2007, Miss Zahra Redwood. The interview appeared in The Jamacia Observer with Debra Edwards.....

Debra Edwards: Congratulations on your win. Just who is Zahra Redwood?
Zahra Redwood: Firstly, my name means flower, and in the same way that you have different types of flowers out there, there are different aspects to my personality. I am a very exciting individual, very conversational and social. Those aspects aside, I enjoy my serenity, it is very important to me, because I like to reflect on the day's activity. I am fun-loving but at the same time very pensive.

Debra Edwards: What was your rationale for entering the competition?
Zahra Redwood: A year and a half ago I shifted my career goals. For the first time in my life, because a lot of the times we are influenced not just by parents but also society, in terms of what career we enter. So, having completed a double major in Biotechnology and Zoology, both majors enhanced my analytical abilities, but I did not feel as if they were being used maximally, to the benefit of those around me, because I do have a strong love for people and their advancement throughout life. So I began researching different careers. Then I was reading an article in the Observer one night, about A grade students and what got me was that a psychologist wrote it, and I became overwhelmed, and from that article I began shifting my goals, realising that I wanted to do psychology and social work. So when the pageant came up it was the perfect timing as it offered me a platform from which I could do social work and help others, and start even earlier on embarking on further studies in psychology.

Debra Edwards: Have you always been for beauty pageants?
Zahra Redwood: No, and that was simply because of the outward projection I got. When you are not a part of something you don't know the goings on. Additionally, when you have not researched something or even asked questions, you are still pretty much leaning on your own understanding. But I did enquire more, and began to understand that beauty spoke not only to the physical attributes, but also to the mental.

Debra Redwood: Do you think there were, among the other ladies, certain preconceptions of you, by virtue of your being a Rastafarian?
Zahra Redwood: I must admit that they were in awe, and I usually get that. For example, is that your hair? And other questions but that is a response to an attractive feature, and based on my response it is what propels people to continue a conversation. When you are a confident person without being cocky, people sense that, and feel welcome to speak to you.

Edwards: You are the first Rastafarian to enter the competition. Did you think your locks would aid or hinder you, with regards to winning?
Redwood: I really didn't think of it at all. I am a package; my hair is not a separate entity. For my whole life I have just considered myself as just me. Yes, I get a lot of adoration where my hair is concerned, but when I entered the competition I did not think there would be any issue with my hair and their was no issue with my hair besides the fact that everyone adored it.
So I entered based on the characteristics that all contestants were asked to have, and I fit those.

Edwards: Were your parents supportive of you entering the pageant from day one?
Redwood: I didn't expect that I would get any negativity from my parents, because I modelled before, and they endorsed it. Even though modelling is different and beauty pageants have been misunderstood, when I did tell them, they trusted my decision, knowing that I am a responsible individual and that I had thought this through thoroughly.

Edwards: Miss USA 2006, Tara Conner got into a lot of trouble last year, for slacking off on her duties, excessive partying and substance abuse. How can you ensure your fans that the pressure of being Miss Jamaica Universe will not send you on a downward spiral?
Redwood: It is important for us to note that things do happen, so it speaks to the importance of further guidance of us as individuals in whatever it is that we do, so that we are more cognisant of our roles and responsibilities and the consequences should we choose to go here or there with regards to our responsibilities. As I said before, I set my goals a year and a half ago and I intend to stick to them, I am a person of my word, my word is my bond, and that is how it will be. I am not considering children anytime soon, I have a career goal which I will obtain, I won't be satisfied until I reach it and I am not used to disappointing myself, much less other people.

Edwards: What is your opinion on the Sara Lawrence debacle?
Redwood: Sara Lawrence is an individual totally separate from who I am and she has made her decisions in life and I wish her all the best. This is however, my moment to shine, and so I would like to be considered as an individual. Her decision is not for me to comment about. There are some things that you really cannot touch in life not even mentally, so there are issues, but then there is this imaginary barrier that stops you from going any further to say whether or not you agree with a person's decision.

Edwards: At the age of 25, you were the eldest competitor. Did you feel old?
Redwood: Well, I know that when people look at me they think that I am younger than I am. I have never really told my age willingly, because we are living in a society where asking a female her age has never been something regarded as appropriate. And I grew up like that. The first time I willingly told my age was in this pageant, because it was required. I have no issues with my age and have nothing to hide, but it was just something I was not used to and I think 25 is a turning point in anyone's life. The reason I took so long to enter was that although I am a risk taker, I like to take sensible risks, so having not known that much about pageants I wanted to take some time to research them before I jumped in.

Edwards: Why do you think 25 is a turning point?
Redwood: I think so because at this age I find myself doing a lot of reflection on what life really means to me as an individual, and how it is that I want to shape the rest of my life.

Debra Edwards: Do you think that a Jamaican, moreover a Rastafarian can win Miss Universe?
Zahra Redwood: Yes I do, but I think anyone really having the necessary attributes can win. Jamaicans have been placing in the top 10 historically, which is really awesome. It is important to note that Bob Marley was appreciated worldwide, but it was not his hair that got him to where he was, it was his inner beauty. And that inner beauty is what will get me along in the competition.





Edwards: Do you think the days of the light-skinned long straight-haired beauty queens are over, and that now is the time for more ethnic beauties to move to the forefront?
Redwood: I wouldn't say that, but in the past it would have appeared that they (light-skinned beauties) were more prevalent in beauty pageants, but the result of something is really not the cause of it. So we have to look at the notion that, were we (ethnic girls) really interested in the pageants at the time? Maybe that is why we got the faces (light-skinned beauties) we did back then. I don't know of anybody being turned back from a beauty pageant because of skin colour, but I do believe that we will now continue to get an adequate mixture of females that enter, who are qualified to be a Miss Jamaica.





Edwards: Do people touch your dreads a lot, and does this sometimes annoy you?
Redwood: They do attempt to, but they do ask. Very few touch without asking. It does not annoy me because I know that people are curious, however I do think that there have been a few times and those are few and far between when I became annoyed. For example, when someone just begins to play in your hair and you really don't know where their hands have been, and it's not that you don't want to trust people, but you know what happened to Samson. And I am not trying to go down that road, so I have to be aware about what is happening with my hair.





Edwards: Who are your favourite artists?
Redwood: Favourite female artiste is Tanya Stephens. Favourite male is Junior Gong.





Edwards: You have long legs. Do you like to dance?(Laughs)
Redwood: I believe I try every now and again. But if there is too much attention by friends then I become more daunted. I think dancing is a language that I would like to be more fluent in.





Edwards: Where do you see yourself in the future?
Rewood: I see myself as a clinical psychologist. As a role model to individuals, I do envision myself having somewhat of a glass office where persons feel welcome to come to me and discuss any issue. I see myself having a very busy lifestyle, and one that is very enriching as well, because I do think that I will have children in the future. Of course, they will be under wedlock, because I think that children should have a stable family, and while there is many a single parent out there, to have both parents present in the family, you do get the benefit of different sides of different issues, so you do come up with the nurturing of the mother, but the discipline of the father, and I dream of having such a family.

For more of this interview log in to: www.jamaciaobserver.com

Miami Vs. Cleveland? Hmmm, More like Cleveland Vs. Cleveland

Now didn’t we just have this conversation last week? When will we learn? Damn!

Expecting a Cleveland VS Miami reminiscent of the contest a few years ago, much to the surprise of CHATBOUTCLEVELAND, the Miami vs. Cleveland Dance Competition was more about old grudges than new dances….

What’s the “Chat Bout?” Well word on the street refers to a certain local dancehall queen (who will remain nameless), seems to be holding a grudge against another dancehall queen in the subject of dancing. Well, this certain dancehall celebrity/queen was and still is a little vex about getting her dutty wine erased in a dance competition a few years back. Did you get that? Yes, that right a few years back….so for old time’s sake, she decided to start some mess at the dance on Saturday. Instead of doing the hula hoop and willie bounce for the masses, somebody ended up getting her a** thrown out of Dailey’s. How’s that for your dancehall resume, “I’ve been put out of Dailey’s!” Big ups to promoter Ritchie Rich for keeping the peace in the club.

Big ups to Mr. Albert “The Big Man” Dailey, Makka B, ½ of The Designing Women Crew, Lady Tasha, Maggie and the Untouchable Crew, Marcus of the Black Diamond Crew, EYE of Ocean Wave, Dylan sans Nickolai, Blacka, Dae Dae , Dean , Dia P., of course First Class, Hughey, (Heir to Dailey’s Throne) KC Platnium or is it Sample Jack featuring KC Platinium?. Special Bigups to the Miami Girlz & MeggaFlexx for Moshing up the place with big tunes all night long.

Just when you thought the dancehall queen’s early departure was the end of the excitement, CHATBOUT spotted the true entertainment of the evening as cutie in the brown dress fell flat on her A#@, while trying to make a grand exit LOL! Girl, you busted you’re a#@, but you did it gracefully. Way to end the dance after carousing all night and all over the place. Advice for the next dance: Try one less drink next time (or wear some lower heels)!

Till Next Chat’ Bout…..

Caio!

TattleTale

MAKKA B: Reigns Supreme!

Calling all dancehall veterans! Do you recall the days of old (early 90’s) when MAKKA B was one of the Hottest Sound Systems in Cleveland? When Reggae night ruled clubs such as Rueben’s and the Fireside? Do you remember?

After a few years’ hiatus and resurfacing dances, MAKKA B regained his throne as one of the biggest promoters to watch. The DANCE SELL OFF! Meaning MAKKA B “KILLED THEM” & the dance was - for lack of a better term - “OUT OF CONTROL”!!!!!!

One can always gage the dance from the parking situation - Put it to you this way, when we arrived at an early 1am and couldn’t even find a parking space on 116th OR on the side streets – we knew this was a good sign!!!!!!

As chatboutcleveland hit the door, the vibes WERE NICE! Got in the dance and yup, the tunes were right as Yellow Force was moving the crowd to some serious rhythms! The night only got better as Starcade from Canada spun some tunes only to slow tings down a bit for Miami’s Black Chiney to MOSH UP THE PLACE ‘till way past 4 in the morning. The crowd was also treated to a variety of tunes represented from all the local sounds – example one. Hmmmm, I guess we will have to hear a sample of that later……

A capacity crowd full of Dancehall legends like Maggie and The Untouchable Crew, the ever so stone cold God Bless Crew, (always the BEST DRESSED Ladies), The Blaze’ Crew, The Designing Women Crew (playing the role of casual chic oh so well), Leisa Engel from WJCU (keeping it low key) Dylan & Nikolai, Onnie (bringing a taste of The House of DeReon to the dancehall scene), Blaka, DIA P, First Class, and Miss Trinidad and Destiny (getting some dance practice for the upcoming dancehall competition, no less). SPECIAL NOTE: A big GOD BLESS to DESTINY as she recently announced her overcoming Cancer. chatboutcleveland’s prayers continue to follow you and your family. It was definitely good to see you and your daughter out and about. It was even better seeing you on the dancefloor like the good ole days……

A dance this hot could not go without a few style stars of the evening: A mention to momma in the khaki green jumpsuit and the cutie in the polka dot cropped jacket with the bob hair cut to match. Thank you all for representing style and keeping up with what’s hot in clothing! Keep it up – WE ARE WATCHING!!!!!

As many big dances, a few blasts from the past were in attendance - Lanky Roy, Ms. Tasha & Scoobie as well as a member of the now disbanded Wow Wow Crew. Missing in action were the Big Man himself Mr. Dailey, Burlow, EYE (Ocean Wave), and Lady Spyder. By the way, what ever happened to Soldjie and Wayne from Big Family?

Now, excuse me as I get on my pedestal -
It feels good to go out and have a good time, right? It always seems like the best dances some people just have to have drama. I witnessed it – a certain dancehall veteran, (always nice, quiet and respectful) was tested by a someone. Let’s just say Big ups to the gentleman who stopped this veteran from taking things further and before things got out of hand. Keep in mind the theme of the party: UPLIFTMENT UNITY!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: COMMON COURTESTY IS DUE TO A DOG. If you see a dog in the middle of the street and you are driving in your car, you will put on your brakes not to hit the dog in the street, so why not have some courtesy for the person in the dancehall? Are they not worthy of the same courtesy of a stray dog? In a capacity filled place like Dailey’s packed like it was Saturday, it is virtually impossible to not brush against or bump into someone…

I know most people would agree - People don’t come out for BULLS*&T, people want to get dressed up (well, some people), come out, have a few drinks, unwind, feel the vibes and enjoy some tunes – not BULLS*&T! Damn, can we enjoy the DANCEHALL??? Dad’s Hall is gone, Big Family is gone, The Cotton Club is gone along with a list of a dozen other places we enjoyed back in day are gone – with the exceptions of a few, Dailey’s is one of the only spots we (Cleveland) have left! If we destroy this place with BULLS*&T then what do we have?

If you like drama take that S*&T back to your home and deal with it there, don’t bring that S*&T to the dance. When I see someone decides to take the effort to dress up, get a babysitter, drive to the club, park, pay at the gate, buy a few drinks and THEN start some mess…. I know you are a messy B*&CH - IF YOUR HOUSE IS A MESS YOUR LIFE IS A MESS! We not talking where you live but HOW YOU LIVE. Tighten up your house (your heart) and what you got living in it. Do some spring cleaning (YOUR HEART MUST BE CLEAN…A CLEAN HEART WILL DO IT…) so everybody can enjoy the DANCE!

Whew….
NUF SAID, All in all MAKKA B looks like you reign supreme….see ya at the next big dance (with a clean heart….)

Ciao!
TattleTale