Dominican Reggae Artiste Signs with Donsome Records label

The beautiful island of Dominica is known for its unspoiled natural beauty. But its musical offerings have also made this tropical island one of the more popular among Caribbean nations.

Reggae artiste Aima Moses is quick to point out that music has always been a source of refuge for him.

“I am a musical person and I love all genres of music. Growing up in a poor family I got introduced to a lot of different genres from through my parents”, Aima explained.

The talented artiste has his sights set on making a name for himself in international music circles.

‘Musically, I am bringing a breath of fresh air to the table. More food for thought and this is one of the things my fans have told me over and over again. More righteousness in the music”, he said reassuringly.

One of three children, Moses learned from an early age that sacrifices had to be made to achieve one’s goals. He and his siblings raised themselves after their mother migrated overseas.

“Mom went to foreign trying to make things better for us as a lot of mothers from the Caribbean do. Now as for our father well that's another story. That was part of what made me go towards music and writing about my struggles and what I know about”, he said.

Born Amaziah Moses, he got the name Aima as a nickname while he was still a child. He was quite active on his school’s choir and honed his musical chops, preparing himself for the musical journey that he would later embark on.

“I was involved in choirs during my primary and high school years. I see every artist as having a gift from the most high which we should all use for the benefit or our nation and the world”, Moses explained.

He has been recording professionally since 2005 when he made his debut with the single Fire Fire. That same year he released his debut album No Barriers.

Among his better known songs are, I Smoke, Lady You, Come Closer, Can’t Stay, All the Same, My Love, No place and Keep it Real.

Aima Moses has worked with a number of producers in reggae music not only across the Caribbean but across Europe.

“I have worked with producers including DeYoung Norville, Black Kings, Gold Cup Records from Italy, Red Boom, Mani Bwoy and Harmoney from Jamaica; Ras Bruno from the UK, and Ayun Productions from Miami”, Aima revealed.

The artiste recently signed with Donsome Records to take his career to the next level.

“The relationship with Donsome is wonderful and I admire the way they work with the business. When you are working with people there has to be a certain spirit and chemistry that inspires you, and I feel that with Donsome Records”, Aima confided.

He is currently working on an album for Donsome Records. Some of his current singles include One in a Million on the Queens rhythm; and Can’t Stay.

Mission Catwalk Turns Up Drama with ‘Wild Card’ Finale

Photo Credit: Tiffany Lue Yen

Some Mission Catwalk viewers were in for a surprise on Tuesday’s episode of the Caribbean reality series when instead of seeing Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) presentations from the final trio, eliminated designer Rebecca Stirm, who also showed at CFW, was brought into the mix as the wild card and a contender for the winning title. Needless to say the top three, Crystal Powell, Gregory Williams and Ryan Chan were caught off guard by Rebecca’s return as well.

For her part, 19 year old Belmopan Belize native, who was already preparing a collection for CFW was thankful for the second chance. “When the judges announced to me that I was being brought back as a wild card I teared up. It’s very humbling to know that I have a second shot at winning and going to London Fashion Week.”

Rebecca, who won four of the shows 11 challenges, introduced the crowd at Jamaica’s National Indoor Sports Centre to her line Rebecca Stirm Collection, which featured her trademark soft dresses.

The marine theme in Powell’s collection “Treasure Beach: Where the Desert Meets the Ocean” was evident in her use of different shades of blue and an interesting number which she called the sting-ray dress. The Crystal Christina owner, who specializes in evening wear, says she is now considering swimwear after strong reaction to her first item on the catwalk- a striking black and white one-piece.

Fellow Jamaican Gregory Williams who loves black showed his edgy fashion sensibility with unique constructions set to Lady Gaga no less. When asked if his H.O.D Designs collection will bring him the win, the 28 year-old says “I want to. But if not, I win in my heart.”

Rounding up the top four is Trinidadian Ryan Chan of Ryan Chan Designs, whose gladiator-inspired presentation was unified by shades of brown copper and gold.
The designers each presented 12 looks; worn by Pulse models including jetsetters Nell Robinson, Carla Campbell, Jaunel McKenzie and Kimanee Wilson.

The collections were judged by regular panelists Mission Catwalk host and executive producer Keneea Linton-George; Novia McDonald-Whyte associate editor lifestyle and social content at the Jamaica Observer and international menswear designer Carlton Brown.

Special guest Kay Davatian (former head of quality control at Jones NY and Ralph Lauren) who first assisted the top three in the prior episode, returned to mentor the finalists during the CFW challenge. The winner, who stands to earn $3 million in prizes including the chance to show at London Fashion Week, will be announced on Tuesday June 19 following a reunion of the top 15 contenders.

Will the wild card cost a designer the title? Who will rule the Catwalk?
Mission Catwalk airs Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. on TVJ and repeats Thursdays at 5:30PM. The series also streams at www.televisionjamaica.com/aspx