Undeniably one of the hottest female artists ever to hail from The Bahamas, Alexis has been making waves on the national music scene since 2002 at the tender age of 17. Having shared stages with various music superstars such as Rick Ross, Jah Cure, Buju Banton, Trina, Mr. Vegas, Trick Daddy, Wayne Wonder and Naughty by Nature just to name a few, she has undoubtedly left her mark as a rising star that has only begun to shine. Much more than what some may call a “triple threat”, Alexis has mastered it all. Over the years she has been widely known for her talents in not only singing, but dancing and acting for which she has won two national theatre awards for as Best Featured and Best Lead actress, one of which was for her show stopping role as “Effie” in “Dream girls” a role made popular by singing sensation Jennifer Hudson and the other for her role in “Fame: The Musical.”

Aside from her song writing ability which she began to develop from age 9, along with her talent of violin and piano playing, her performances are known as unforgettable ones not to miss. In addition to that, the young talent has also designed clothing since 16 years old and she can be seen in many of her designs while performing on stage. In February 2004 Alexis got a call from a manager of a new radio station asking her if she would be interested in working as an on-air radio talent, which was a brand new task for her but she was completely up for the new challenge. She started as a full time personality on air six days a week. Since then, Alexis has become a household name for Bahamians. Her last hit “Gangsta Luv” featuring PURE GOLD ENTERTAINMENT’S front man Goldenchild, and produced by STP’s Qilla Fang was one of Alexis’ biggest hits to date catching the ears and hearts of many Bahamians who anxiously await in anticipation for her album release.

This video was shot by FreeCity TV.com, Grand Bahama (Find them on Facebook)

Now with her latest release “Goodbye”, a love song that captures the highs and lows of being in a relationship that you just can’t seem to let go of, she is well on her way to having yet another great hit song! With talent, beauty and drive that stretches farther than the Islands of her great Bahamaland, Alexis shows amazing ingenuity all while having a kind spirit and a loving personality that will definitely help propel her to the top. “Journey”, Alexis’ debut album will be released in March 2012.

Born and raised Bahamian native, from the island of Grand Bahama, The Bahamas, Leon Gardiner is the 7^th child of Clessta Gardiner and middle child of Leon Gardiner Sr. Both parents shared a love for dance, so embracing the art of dance for Leon came to him naturally.  Like most young boys, Leon wasn’t satisfied with his ability to just dance and wanted to do more, so he turned his attention towards visual arts.

Mr. Gardiner attended St. Georges High School, where in the 8^th grade he began modelling; but with dance being his first love, he followed his heart and made dancing his main priority. In the 10^th grade he became St. Georges’ High School Mascot. He also volunteered his time to assist teachers with dance choreographies for different school events. In doing so, Leon gradually found his own style of dance and perfected it.

After graduating, he worked at Viva Fortuna Hotel as an Animator and Performer. His job required him to entertain hotel guests during the daytime and perform during the night. He participated in shows such as: Pirates of the Caribbean, Moulin Rouge, Michael Jackson Shows, Aladdin, Grease, Hollywood, Dancing Alive and Comedy Shows. Leon is most known for his impersonation as Michael Jackson, who was also his inspiration, which has come to be his biggest hit. (Check it out here http://youtube.com/tallta3)

With Michael Jackson being his inspiration, he decided to be like him; a great performer and amazing entertainer. Leon studied M.J.’s every move and every facial expression in quest of becoming the number one M.J. impersonator in the Bahamas. His dedication and hard work has led him to accomplish this goal. With his amiable people skills and amazing entertaining skills,  he became a favorite at the hotel. The tourists and natives loved his sense of humor and personality, but of course although Leon was quite good at what he did,  he wanted to expand his capabilities.Mr. Gardiner began performing opening acts for Port Lucaya Market Place, for special events like New Year’s Day.

He performed casually doing shows during Spring Break where he worked with the Dj’s and the Spring Crew and with this came his true recognition as a dancer in his hometown. He began making bookings for different events and parties both locally and internationally. During one of his performances he met owner of Marvellous Entertainment Mr. Marvin Johnson. Mr. Johnson asked Leon to perform as Michael Jackson for a charity with KFC during a national event called Junior Junkanoo.

In December of the year 2010 Leon and his wife welcomed to this world a beautiful baby girl, Aleena Bella Gardiner. After he became a father he had more responsibilities and became even more motivated and dedicated to gain more recognition as a performer. He joined a website called www.gigsalad.com where he was able to reach a bigger audience and broadcasted his talent across the United States as a Michael Jackson impersonator; through this method he received even more bookings. Leon also joined Marvellous Entertainment as a character impersonator – performing as Michael Jackson and kid’s favourite cartoon characters.

He has traveled to many family islands of the Bahamas and to this day his journey continues. His biggest dream was to open his own Dance School. His goal was to teach kids and adults dance and serve as a sort of haven to keep youths from off the streets. This dream of his came to life on the 4^th of January 2012. Leon’s Dance School is located at the YMCA;  thanks to Karen Johnson who also shared his dream.

From there,  his ‘‘journey through dance’‘ will continue and hopefully expand across the islands of the Bahamas. Leon’s goal is to reach troubled kids and youths who would like to follow in his steps and fulfill their dreams.

To follow Leon Gardiner A.K.A. Tall- T on his journey to success, join his Facebook Fan page at www.facebook.com/TallTent?

Music is one of the biggest influences in the world. With music one is able to relate, inspire and capture the hearts of a vast number of people all at once. On the island of Grand Bahama there are up and coming talented artists who seek to become musical idols.

Aljeron ‘Sirius’ Roker is a graduate of Saint Paul’s Methodist College. He began rapping as a hobby whiles still in his last year of  high school. He has always been a lover of  journalism and song writing. His love for rap came to everyone that he knew as somewhat of a surprise. Never the less he began taking rap serious in the summer of last year and even released his very first mix tape, ‘Kill Bill the Mix Tape’. His new mix tape entitled ‘Vintage’ will be released later this year.

We were able to interview ‘Sirius’ and got a deeper insight of him and also his music.

 How did you get into rapping?

“I’ve always wanted to rap for a long time but I didn’t want to be taken for a joke. I was writing since the 4^th grade; songs, stories, everything! But in the year of my 12^ve grade I came across this song called “Miss Me” by Drake and I decided then that I would write a short verse to it, record it on my laptop and release it publicly on my face book page. The verse that I added got some nice feedback.  So from there on, rapping for me evolved from a hobby into something more serious.”

How much time do you spend rapping?

“I enjoy rapping more than anything in the world. Sometimes I spend 8-10 hours just writing. Then I would spend almost the entire part of my Saturdays in the studio recording and trying to get a song perfect.

Would you say Rap is your favorite genre of music?

“Most definitely! Although it’s not the only kind of music I listen to, I find it to be the most honest; which is why I listen to it more than any other genre. I tend not to listen to what everyone else is listening to so if you look in my iPod, the majority of the songs on it are from the 2000’s and back.”

Who are some of your favorite rappers?

“Biggie inspires my rapping style a lot! I love Lil Kim to death, Joe Budden, DMX and also J. Cole.”

What is to be expected on your up and coming mix tape?

“On my next mix tape you can expect a lot of diversity; I’m trying to do something that other people aren’t thinking of right now as far as beats and my style of rhyming. I’m creating a lot of anthems for the ‘go getters’ and at the same time I’m writing a lot of mellow and chill records. I’m basically having fun putting together this mix tape so I hope it comes through in the music.”

 When will it be released?

“‘Vintage’ will be released within the first quarter of 2012. Also coinciding  with that will be my new web-series “This is Sirius” which basically follows my day to day life from family time to studio to going out with my team, and I will also be releasing  a lot of music videos throughout this year to accompany the songs”

What separates you from all  other young Bahamian Rappers?

“What separates me is my drive, my hunger; I’m more than what meets the eye. Many people tell me that when they see  me they don’t expect the voice that comes out of me. Also what sets me apart is my ability to remain inspired and not get comfortable in one area; I try to think outside of the box as much as possible”

If you could describe your style of rapping in one word, what would it be?

“That’s extremely hard so I’ll give you three, ‘ahead of my time’. For the simple fact that my style cannot be duplicated at all! I’m always reinventing my sound.”

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Listen to Sirius’s new track off of ‘Vintage’ below.

Sirius – Steady Rockin (Clean)

Download ‘Steady Rockin’ for free !  Sirius – Steady Rockin Download

It’s your time to shine! Bahamian artist from all backgrounds are now able to show off their talents at an amazing weekly event called “Open Mic.” This event is hosted by Skye, from Skyebox Entertainment and is sponsored by the Lioness Music Group.

Last night’s performances were fantastic as expected! Sherrol Rahming stole our hearts with her song: “Never know.” Leo Heart did a drum selection. There were freestyle performances by the following talented local artists such as Oddomatik, Tall B, BJ, Miz Bezzy, and Lil Freshy Prince of da Ghetto. Miss J sang her heart out during her smooth solo. The heat was on when Breez took the floor along with half of the roof with rap!

Last week was “off da chains” too! There were performances by: Jah Troy – Just can’t fail; Quilla Fang, Kegee Kid and Brick Taylor – Get wit me; Black Poet (Poetry); Tall B and more! Another hit performed was “Black and Yellow” by Jah troy, Skyy and Brezzy.

We asked Skye what inspired her to put on such an event especially on a weekly basis? Skye replied: “I have a passion for young people going in a positive direction and would like to offer them a place they can express themselves.”

Open Mic is held on Mondays at Club Utopia (behind Les Fountain, East Sunrise Hwy, G.B.)

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