Natasha Von Castle Marks International Women’s Day at the United Nations!

Natasha Von Castle, Editor-in-Chief of L3 Magazine, marks International Women’s Day 2014 with a speech to delegates at the Women’s Empowerment Conference (March 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th) hosted by Africa to America LLC at the United Nations.

Natasha Von Castle

Using the theme of ‘Inspiring Change,’ Natasha shared her story of beginning her journey in Toronto, Canada, and making a change in her community of Reggae and Caribbean culture, by developing an internationally respected monthly publication that celebrates the best in Music, the Arts and Entertainment; the ripple effect to that change are the women who have a platform to express their talent in journalism and graphic design.  “I knew I could make a difference, and I always aspired for my difference to be on an international level.  We have a lot of success stories, and I want L3 Magazine to be a conduit for those stories to be told” said Natasha.  Moving forward towards new goals, Natasha continued “Everything we need to achieve success with our goals is right here in this room, and I look forward to continuing my work with women in the international community and sharing their stories as we continue to transform our dreams to reality.”

In addition to Natasha Von Castle, esteemed women, Dr. Cheryl Hill (President, Integrity International Consulting Group), Dr. Remi Alapo (United Nations representative for GEFAI), Lucy Kanu (CEO of Idea Builders Initiative), Beryl Green (Chairwoman, New York Metro Chapter for Women’s Federation for World Peace), and Ijeoma Opara spoke to delegates about their individual and organizational work, and how the world will benefit when all parties work together.  “We are in a unique position to collaborate” noted Dr. Cheryl Hill.  “Our collaboration will ensure that we continue to make changes in our communities.  We have the platform to do it, and we’re getting it done!”

At the conclusion of the conference, speakers and delegates joined Madam Yoo (Ban) Soon-taek – Wife of the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, Muna Rihani Al Nasser, Chair, UN Women for Peace, Naomi Campbell, Trudy Styler, and more than 400 women and men on a march that ended with encouraging speeches regarding gender equality, and a call to end violence and abuse against women.  The march, organized by UN Women for Peace, was sponsored by UN Women, a major new agency that consolidates the advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality.  Their campaigns include Unite to End Violence against Women, Stop Rape Now and Network of Men Leaders.  Within the UN itself, the Secretary General has increased the number of women in Senior Management positions by more than 40% reaching the highest level in the Organization’s history.

For more information about Africa to America visit www.africatoamerica.net and for UN Women for Peace visit:  www.unwomenforpeace.org

 

L3 Magazine’s August Issue ft. Alaine, King Addies, Ajrenaline

L3 Magazine’s August issue is finally here and features one of Reggae’s most loved singers, Alaine Laughton, one of the Sound Clash arena’s most respected (and feared) sounds, King Addies and one of Jamaica’s fastest rising stars, Ajrenaline.

Speaking exclusively to Tricia ‘ZJ Sparks’ Spence, Alaine opens up to the L3 audience about maintaining her stunning physique, how prayer helps to influence her music and similarities between her and Alicia Keys.  Alaine also shares a touching experience during an interview in Jambi, Kenya who was “calling about cows and goats in exchange for marriage!”

When it comes to the Sound arena, one of the most respected sounds is King Addies.  Now being managed by Irish and Chin, Natasha Von Castle sat down with King Pin to talk about the expectations that Sound Clash fans have of King Addies, and the Sounds upcoming performance at World Clash in their home town of New York.  The two also talk about the Biltmore era and how that helps the Sound in Clash today and the fact that “you want to win and lock off the other sound; that’s your goal.” 

Ajrenaline is one of Jamaica’s fastest rising sensations, and he speaks to Tricia ‘ZJ Sparks’ Spence about music and where he is within the industry right now.  How does his future look and what moves will he be making soon?  All this and more are revealed!

Artists in focus include Bryan Art and Sustane who will each be performing at the Montreal International Reggae Festival later this month, as well as Yung Image and one of Toronto’s promising vocalists, Kash who is ‘kalling all Soldiers home.’  Making their debut from New York is Ahkee and Sojournah who represent the Roots Reggae culture!  Also making an appearance is DJ Naz Gurl Power who is our DJ feature of the month!

Additional sections of interest are L3’s Top Digital Downloads and Rico Vibes Video Charts.  Music review of Chezidek, Red Fox and Bushwood are included as s the latest music releases of albums, riddims and mixtapes.  The model of the month / centerfold is shot through the lens of Jerome Dupont who make the color yellow, combined with a multi-color sequins pop for the camera.

Jimmy Tambou offers delicious vegan recipes and Heike Dempster walks us through Free Art Fridays in Miami, and in California, we get familiar with Subliminal Projects and their feature of BDX-LAX ‘Far Away so Close.’  New York’s own Rick Long, choreographer to the stars makes an appearance as does a review for Groovin in the Park.

All of this and more are available in the July issue of L3 Magazine which can be read exclusively at www.L3Magazine.com!

When you see this:  https://www.vizify.com/l3-magazine/twitter-video you will definitely want to advertise!  Contact Rohan ‘Dilinga’ Beckford via email at irie.rbeckford@gmail.com or by calling 347-370-6829 for rates as low as $150 USD!

New York - Toronto - Miami - Colombia Reggae Playlist

L3 Radio Playlist – For the Week Ending July 22^nd, 2013

Our show is officially broadcast from 10am to 1pm EST on:  1430 AM  / Vybz 103.9 FM / 95.3 FM / 99.3 FM / 91.7 FM / and Online via:  www.radioregent.com – Toronto / www.irievibesradiodetroit.com – Detroit / www.daflavaradio.com – Atlanta / www.TonySoul.com - Ft. Lauderdale / www.NoyzRadio.com - New York / www.Reggae4Us.com - The UK / www.reggaeradiovibes.co.uk - The UK / www.siixteen.com - The UK / www.basslinemuzik.com – Tampa / www.buyakaradio.com - Colombia

www.datzhitsradio.com – Boston

Lover’s Rock Segment

Kardi Tivali – Let Me Love You

Randy Valentine – Too Experienced

Ras Demo – Hard to Find

Ammoye – Pick Me Up

Kashief – Try My Love

Richie Stephens – Murdah

Richie Stephens – True Believer in Love

Kranium – Nobody Has to Know

Jah Cure – My Hands

Pressure – Touch You

J. Soul – Heaven

CBlock – Wifey

Romain Virgo – Beautiful

Sizzla – Lover’s Paradise

Stephen Souza – Missing You

Download Link:  http://www.mediafire.com/?cmhbgny1fn8e40n

Dancehall Segment

Stephen Souza – Sounds Explosion

Alfonso – Step By Step

Faze – Heart Broken (Dubplate)

Ahkee & Sojournah – Understand Dis

Loyal Flames – Keep Focused

Stephen Marley ft. Spragga Benz & Jr. Gong – Bongo Nyah 

Charlie Braun – La Noticia Mas Grande

Culture ft. Buju Banton – Never Get Weary

Stephen Marley ft. Akon & Buju Banton – My Conclusion

Althea & Donna – Uptown Top Ranking

Zoe & President Brown – Uptown Top Ranking

Yellowman – Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt

Stephen Souza – Sensi Smoker Pt. 2

Shelly Thunder – Sting Dem Ah Sting

Kutlass – Sharp (Dubplate)

Busy Signal – Come Shock Out

Romain Virgo ft. Konshens – We Nuh Worry Bout Dem

Kutlass – Step Up (Dubplate)

Lady Flame – No Stress (Dubplate)

Silver Cat – Fowl Affair

Junior Cat ft. Cregis – Joke Dem Ah Mek

Red Fox ft. Naturalie – Down in Jamaica

Herbal Dance Riddim Run:  Bramma / Delus / Kiprich / Leftside Dr. Evil / Beenie Man ft. Shaki

Download Link:  http://www.mediafire.com/?nfj8fnpyf2fdwhc

Gappy Ranks Featuring in L3 Magazine March Issue

Fans know the artist Gappy Ranks musically as does the industry, but L3 Magazine’s Portia Clarke takes us into the world of Jacob Williams as well as Gappy Ranks where we learn everything from decisions he makes as an artist, to running his record label Hot Coffee Music to what he cooks for his family come dinner time.

When Portia asked Gappy about the beef between he and fellow UK artist Stylo-G, how did he answer?!

Find out >>> www.L3Magazine.com!

Tricia ‘ZJ Sparks’ Spence sits down with the lyrical Fiyah Cali P who gives insight into his new album produced by legendary producer Bobby ‘Digital-B’ Dixon, and Ayeola George speaks to Bahamian sensation Sammi Starr where fans get to know the artist in 20 questions.

Our features of the month includes our pick of influential women of the Caribbean, a provocative look at payola or ‘pay for play,’ as well as music reviews of the Gyal Season Riddim produced by Justin Jus Bus Nation and Bambino Muzic, The Soul Reggae Riddim and the Sparkling Riddim produced by Twelve 9 Records and Zion Freeze Records.

Rounding out the March issue is a new section on Food (recipe included!), our centerfold Jasmine shot through the lens of our star photographer, Jerome ‘Neu Era’ Dupont, music charts, new releases and an expose on the Rosenblum Foundations art exhibit called ‘Futurespective’ and more.

Don’t miss our Editor-In-Chief, Natasha Von Castle’s fiery editorial to the Grammy’s about the Bob Marley tribute.  All of this and more at www.L3Magazine.com!

Natasha Von Castle from L3 Inspires CARIBANA™ on Ice To Be Held February 23rd at Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square!

The CARIBANA™ Arts Group, founders of the 1967 Caribbean festival, known as CARIBANA™, and North America's largest festival, is once again instrumental in bringing another special event to Toronto thanks to a special contribution by Natasha Von Castle of L3 Magazine! 

On Saturday February 23^rd, 2013, CARIBANA™ Arts Group will warm up the City of Toronto with CARIBANA™ on Ice!

CARIBANA™ ON ICE is the brainchild of Natasha Von Castle from L3 Magazine, and was created as an expression of warmth for fans and revellers of the largest North American festival who reminisce about warmer days on Toronto’s Lakeshore.  The skating event, filled with Calypso music and dance, is one that organizers hope to make into an annual event.

Although skating has traditionally been a sport that does not attract a lot of people from the Caribbean, organizers are hoping they can break that culture with music.  “I can’t think of a better way to highlight the contributions of our Caribbean heritage to the City of Toronto while celebrating Black History Month” said Natasha from the CARIBANA™ offices.  “Possibly, the disposition of us staying away from the cold can be changed when our music starts reverberating on the ice,” added one of the organizers. This could be true, as more people from various communities are now playing ice hockey and entering skating competitions through early exposure to these sports.

Breaking down barriers and amalgamating cultures is synonymous with CARIBANA™’s history.  In a few days The CARIBANA™ Arts Group aims at dispelling the misconception that the warm and tantalizing rhythms of Calypso music could only be enjoyed during the summer months.  On February 23, 2013 the group will kick off a festive event celebrating Black History Month by frolicking Caribbean rhythms during one of the coldest months of the year. 

While this event is dubbed a family event, an emphasis will be placed on getting the youth out to participate, especially on the ice rink.  The young people's participation is vital, as the success of the event may hinge on them.

Supporters are already asking if there will be revellers during CARIBANA™ ON ICE, as is customary at the summer festival. CARIBANA™ Board Director, Kathleen Daniel, has given reassurance that the public can expect to see some revellers there.  She wants patrons to come out and support the CAG and dress in bright colours.  Ms. Daniel has emphasized that there is no dress code, however, she explained bright colours would symbolize a Caribbean theme, hence her request.

The event runs from 2:00 pm to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb 23 at Nathan Philip Square. There will be no excuse for not coming to the event as admission is free.