Marie Claudine - Survivor of Genocide in Rwanda

02/06/07 Marie-Claudine - broken past, bright future Dancer, Actress Some people are just inspiration personified. Marie-Claudine witnessed the horrors of the Rwandan genocide in 1994 firsthand, but today, she’s an up-and-coming dancer and actress in Brooklyn, N.Y., and living proof that there is hope after tragedy. “I just got here one year [ago],” she says. “It’s hard and everybody’s struggling — but when I dance, I feel good.” Her bright smile and bubbly personality transfer that good feeling to anyone within close proximity to this beauty, and her ambition is limitless. Also an accomplished singer and artist, Claudine’s talents know no bounds. “I do lots of stuff [because] I grew up in a Catholic Youth Movement,” explains Marie. “I got exposed when I was very young.” Her involvement in the youth movement helped her gain entry into the film and entertainment industry in Rwanda fairly easily, but it was a different story across the Atlantic. “When I came [to America], I told everyone I wanted to act, but I didn’t know that you had to audition!” Marie-Claudine hasn’t forgotten the atrocities that she witnessed. She participated in Rwanda Path to Peace’s U.N.-sponsored basket weaving program to fortify unity and peace among the country’s Hutu and Tutsi populations. She has also spoken about her experiences at conferences. “I survived the genocide over there,” she shares. “But when I meet people [here] and say ‘I’m from Rwanda,’ everyone’s so excited and wants to help!” With a little help from her friends, and a lot of talent, there’s no stopping Marie-Claudine from ascending in her new surroundings. It would be foolish to expect anything less. -todd williams

Lynette White

In 1993, the young vocalist took her music to another level when she went on tour with reggae icons, The Wailing Souls. This tour afforded her the privilege of working with music legends such as Carlos Santana and Bob Dylan. The group also opened for acts such as 10.000 Maniacs while on the road. Lynette continued to travel internationally with Marky Mark and Prince Ital Joe on their Life in the Streets tour.

Lynette has been involved in a wide range of freelance vocal work. She was featured in the theme song for NBC’s Smart Guy, and sang lead vocals in “One Love” for Universal Pictures’, “Fear”, starring Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon. “Have a Good Time” from Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion is another of her credits. One of the young singers’ most notable accomplishments was her work on “Hakuna Matata” sung by Jimmy Cliff for Walt Disney’s, “The Lion King”. Bound by Honor is another Disney project that Lynette took part in. The scope of work the artist has been broaden to include rap artists such as Mr. Grimm and Def Jef as well as RCA’s female pop group, Wild Orchid. Another of Lynette’s notable accomplishments is the reggae music legend, Bob Marley’s album, “Soul Almighty” that she was featured on.

Lynette is committed to her desire to create music that appeals to multi-cultural people such as herself that want to hear Zion’s praises sang with a world-beat rhythm and a soulful melody. This desire came to fruition in 2004 with the independent release of her first solo LP entitled, I Will Lift My Voice. In 2006, the sophomore effort was recognized with two Marlin Awards nominations. New Life, New Song, her latest release promises to deliver more soul stirring, feel good, Caribbean praise to diverse audiences all over the world.

Jimmy Lalla - "I Follow The Cross"

"In 2006 I suffered a stroke that paralyzed my right side. It also affected my voice and speech. It was then that the Holy Spirit began to move in a simple way, filling my mind with songs, rhythms and the vision of a CD album." I Follow The Cross started to blossom into something sweet with a touch of Caribbean flavour.

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Puchi Colon - Salsa Praise

Puchi Colon speaks to us about his latest album Salsa Praise Part 2. For more than a decade he has been blessing the world with his unique mix of Spanish and English language music. He is based in Florida and travels extensively with his 8 piece band.

FrankyMae Daley

With a Caribbean & American Jazz flavor, FrankyMaye Daley brings a fresh sound to the music scene. Originally from the Bahamas, she now resides in South Florida with her family. Experience the influence of the Caribbean & American culture in her jazzy delivery. We need more of you is the Name of the Album.