Shennel the writer
Mama said Don't Talk to Boys

Growing up in the Caribbean, a daughter of 1960s Tobagonian farmers, you can be sure that I was not exposed to the differences between sex, sexuality, love, men and boys.  In an environment devoid of Television and dare I say Internet access, talk of sex was taboo and if it was ever revealed that a child or unmarried person were exposed to such things it meant that you were cursed by God.

As I left my childhood behind my womanly curves took form. Then, that dreaded day, the day when indeed it was confirmed that I was placed on this planet to procreate, arrived.  I remember seeing furrowed brows of disapproval as I adorned my favourite tube top. I could no longer partake in tree climbing, as somehow now I would harm the tree.  I was never without my mother or left alone with an uncle or my father.  I couldn't even change my clothing in the presence of a man.  What the hell was wrong with me! Aha! I was suddenly a female with some unimaginable treasure, that at that time, I had no authority or control over. 

Before I knew it I was forbidden to talk to boys. No seriously, it was not permitted.  My parents are not strict Christians or anything like that but it was just not allowed.  They had been living in Trinidad for about fourteen years; this is the 1990s people.  At one time I was caught speaking to a neighbourhood fella, by our resident "maco" (Trini slang for very curious person); she told my mom.  My mother then confronted me. "I heard you were talking to some boy down the street," she said. "I was just talking" I replied.  I then remember nursing a bruised lip for the next two weeks.

Needless to say I was afraid to bring my first boyfriend home. It's not like we had frequent conversations about these topics.  The only conversations that come to mind are warnings of dismemberment if there were findings of sexual contact and communication with the opposite sex.  Dear God are they even Human! I though at this point, not realising that one day I would develop a theory based on that very statement.  That however is another story.

Now an adult I harbour no ill feelings toward my parents. I would raise my children a little differently however.  Men are now a mystery to me.  Maybe it's because they speak a different language, compounded by my lack of exposure to these beings.  The one thing I have noticed is that the men of the twenty-first century remind me of my mother's warnings.  The differences between men and boys are now blurred and my confusion and frustration with them has become unbearable.

From observations, men.sorry the boys have become more attracted to the attractive empty vessels and having a personality, ambition and intelligence has become a curse.  Paris Hilton has become the new ideal - Not that I have a problem with Paris, she's hot - however, I am grateful for the Oprahs, Moniques, Beyonces and Jennifer Lopezs of this world.  I don't know about you but I know a lot more people, real people whose intellectual and physical attributes match that of Jennifers, Oprahs, Moniques and Beyonces than those of Paris .

For the most intelligent woman her self esteem is challenged when faced with these issues.  Feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt emerge as women who are vacuous beings, pure objects and machines are placed on a pedestal.  Even worse are the women who encourage this stereotype of a scary hollow human and ones that fight for these men who make empty promises and display blatant disrespect for the female species and family.  

In essence the boys are rewarded for their inadequacies and shortcomings.

The boys of today come with an expectation: for you to take care of them, their kids from a previous relationship (God knows they all have children and some baby mama drama) and look like Paris Hilton or Halle Berry before during and after your pregnancy.  In a society where there are five (5) women to one (1) man you would never be pretty enough, sexy enough, skinny enough, cute enough.  You would never be enough.

One might say, women have the power, Stand strong. You choose don't wait to be chosen. Don't dwell, learn and move on.  Choose wisely.  I want to know and I ask those: What do you do when, the last is just as bad as the past, and what surrounds you are tongue wagging, saliva dripping, oversexed beasts?  All whose eyes read "Do you speak f#@k?" or "Ewe! You need to go on a diet" or worst, they just don't see you.  When you just want to be appreciated for the good person that you are, with a passion for people, love, life, with ambition, dreams and goals.  I know - You Don't Talk to Boys.

This article is the intellectual property of Shennel Johnson and may not be reproduced in any form without prior permission

ESSSence: Are you ready for the Sweet Sounds of Success?

Is it soulful soca, reggae, rock or R&B? Don't be too quick to define this recording artiste. With her dynamic versatile style eSSSence will make you sit up, listen and beg the question. How does she do that?

Influenced by dancehall, reggae, soca, jazz, rock, house, R&B and hip hop, the merger of these sounds gives her an "essence" all her own which she calls "Twine". 4.1.1 had the pleasure of listening to her first single and was blown away by pure talent. Called "On the Road" featuring Michelle "Miche" Williams of Catalyst Productions-who also produced the track- this single has the infectious soca rhythms with a heavy hip-hop effects. The music video, which was filmed in Trinidad & Tobago and directed by Kevin Morgain, features the 2007 International Soca Monarch himself Iwer George.

ESSSence has already shared the stage with and impressed other music industry heavy-weights. From being part of an all female Reggae World Tour which featured the likes of Patra and Lady Saw to North America concert appearances with artistes such as Queen Latifah, Shaggy Redman and Busta Rhymes. She has also had the pleasure of sharing the stage with female rap pioneers Salt & Pepa and the late Notorious B.I.G. This S ensual S assy and S eductive performer never limits herself and willing to explore the depths of her talent. Look out for concerts, collaborations, movies and much more music to the S weet S ounds of S uccess - pure e SSS ence. And all this time you thought it was a typo.

This article is the intellectual property of Shennel Johnson and may not be reproduced in any form without prior permission

Just Bits

With her trademark cap, shorts and sneakers we were first introduced to the dynamism that is Lil Bitts in 2002, when her signature song "Bump" stormed local and international airwaves. Now known as Bitts the talented performer continues to challenge herself as she matures right before our eyes.

In this competitive industry Bitt's transition from primary school Soca Monarch in 1996 to adult entertainer has been a challenging one, but with mother/manager Emerita Churche's support and guidance she is able to flourish. The now 23 year old has greater input in the managing of her soca career, and has decided on a new image. Notably absent from this new look is her cap and sneakers. All grown up Bitts is now focusing on a more mature style. "At first, I was a little hesitant to change my image because that is what everyone was accustomed to." "Also, I was unsure of how fans would take this new look, but I have received a lot of good responses and that's encouraging"

The performer's new found focus is on making quality music and performances that contribute to promoting and exposing Soca music to an international platform. As she continues find her voice, the ambitious entertainer understands that she is a role model to many of her young fans and continues to communicate positive messages through her music and performances.

A gifted vocalist, Bitts is also a writer. Her composition Esta Fiesta won her the Parang Soca Award at the Soca Awards for 2005. Just Bitts her soul filled single for 2007 is a refection of musical growth and experimentation as melodies from her favourite music genres, R&B and Hip Hop were merged with the infectious Soca sound. The music video for this single is frequently featured on T&T's Synergy Television and showcases elements of hip-hop and street dance, another new venture for Bitts. " I want to be a better performer and one of my dreams is to have my own tour with choreographed performances that combine hip-hop dance with our Soca style. Other releases by the artiste for 2007 for include Luv U Forever, collaboration with Bunji Garlin, Juicy Bitts featuring Jah Bami (popular MTV Tempo VJ) and Del Gardo, a tribute song done to pay respect to a fairly unknown pan tuner of the same name who passed away. Bitts was specially requested for this honour and was truly moved by the experience.

Currently there is no album on the horizon, however the artiste is proud of her accomplishments and credits her success to faith, hard work, dedication and support to as she evolves into and artiste loved and respected by her peers.

This article is the intellectual property of Shennel Johnson and may not be reproduced in any form without prior permission

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