Jovan Cline Inspires Us with the 'Something On My Mind' Project

Something On My Mind (SOMM) is Jovan Cline's most recent musical project and he is using his talents to inspire, encourage and deliver a positive message. This new music displays Jovan's multiple talents as a rapper, singer and lyricist. Other rising stars, NJAR and TravP, are featured on SOMM.

Jovan shared that Something On My Mind just started off as a 'cool idea'. He expressed that "I love rap, always have. Rap allows a type of pure expression that’s rare to its culture. I love to make and sing gospel worship music, but this time around I wanted to create something that was more down to earth. Rap, for me, is the most relatable form of music. I searched on YouTube for some beats and one by one I started to collect beats and write. Originally I only intended to do a few verses and chorus, getting as many features from as Virgin Islands artist that I could contact... but things didn’t line up that way."

In relation to the collaborations, he spoke positively of being able to work with other up and coming artistes. "I was blessed enough to get NJAR and TravP confirmed on songs. A big turning point of the whole project happened during the production of “Change” with NJAR. He called me one day and really opened my eyes to how big the SOMM project could be and what I should be reaching for. That guy is very inspirational. So from that conversation with NJAR my mind took off." After the conversation with NJAR, Jovan continued to become engulfed in the project and added three additional songs. 

Jovan will be conducting a community survey; additionally, a new song is in the making, which is intended to be the Virgin Island’s equivalent of the famous song “We Are The World”, called “VI United”. Jovan shared, "I’m working with so much talented people and I’m loving it. The SOMM mixtape is intended to connect with listeners on a relatable level, to promote self-awareness and true expression of different emotions, thoughts and messages." He added that the survey is aimed to take an account of the opinions and attention of the BVI’s general public in reference to the country’s development and culture. 

Therefore, “VI United”, is being developed to spread a message of unity across the Virgin Islands and as a call to action for us to be our brother's keeper. According to Jovan, "I’m loving the Something On My Mind project and I hope viewers and listeners not only enjoy but find things about it that put positive and purposeful things on their minds."

Songs on the Mixtape include:

• "Smiled On Me": Lyrics include "Every day's a challenge, this life's a maze, I'm steadily contemplating what's to come and what still is, like am I too late to come up after my mistakes, stop feeling useless, make change with my two cents".
• "Missing You" featuring TravP: Part of the hook is "never thought I'd ever see a day so long, never thought I'd never know what to do, never thought that I'd ever start missing you".
• "Moving": On this song, Jovan showcases his ability to rap. It's a 'must listen to' song.
• "Something On My Mind": This track reflects immense poetic talent and flow. There is definitely a lot on Jovan's mind.
• "Change" featuring NJAR: This song has a Common or Mos Def type of feel and flow. Jovan and NJAR definitely inspire you to want to change and grow with this track.
• "Praying": "Can you hear me now, send help I'm down, can't find my crown, do you see my tears, do you hear my prayers, tell me are you still there" are just a snippet of the lyrics.

Something On My Mind exudes positive energy, inspiring messages and versatility. Visit Jovan's SoundCloud page for the songs listed above and more of his music. 

Reading is Fun Week 2019 Book Parade and Book Fair

Today was an exciting day in the Virgin Islands as we celebrated reading in the our territory. I participated in our Book Parade today and it was a joy being part of the activities.  Students from various schools participated including Joyce Samuel Primary, Ebenezer Thomas Primary, Elmore Stoutt High School, Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School, Pelican Gate School, Willard Wheatley Primary, Francis Lettsome Primary and many others. The Parade started at the Festival Grounds and ended at the Central Administration Complex.

Authors represented included Dr. Richard Georges, Rick Grant, Peggy Clyne, Reuben Vanterpool, Verna Penn-Moll, Patricia Turnbull, Michael Anthony, Donald DeCastro, Ethlyn Rymer, Maureen Peters, Norma Benjamin. Grant, Georges and Vanterpool were able to present a short synopsis of their books to the audience.

Book vendors were also on site showcasing their books. Beacon Bible Bookstore and Karyn's Place sold various children's and other books.

Read, encourage others to read and share the importance of reading.

Poem: Bedazzled

Sometimes I think my brain needs
to be bedazzled
because I have so many thoughts
happening at the same time.
I look at possibilities, eventualities,
prophesies and policies,
but I have the answer to none.
And while I think about
what I could have done,
tomorrow is in my face.
So I continue
my hamster wheel race,
trying to keep in pace
while my shoe laces
become un-draped.
My ankles are scraped
and my sleep has been raped,
because I cannot escape
this cycle which I
do not know the fate,
I pretend to have faith,
and I say I'll wait by the gate
but I may as well
buy skates, and run away,
since I have so much to say
and my brain won't
let me get away.
Then all I have to say is
my brain's bedazzled anyway.
So I have to get
it together
despite the weather,
and my personal thoughts.

©  Linette Rabsatt
Ribbon 

POEM: Music Love

This is No Ordinary Love
because it's Never Too Much
we Keep It 100
because I can't deal
with Missing You
and it's true because
We're just Ordinary People
and I love The Way You Move
You keep it Skankin Sweet
and no matter how I get upset
I have no regrets in Loving You
and the Truth Is
that Every Little Thing I Do,
you're on my mind
You're like my Supersonic...
The one I count on
and this is not Forbidden Love
because Everybody Knows
that whether or not
they approve does not dictate
the way this love grows
and that's just
The Way Love Goes

Thank you to Sade, Luther Vandross, TeeJay, Case, John Legend, Outkast, Chronixx, Minnie Riperton, Fantasia, Third World and Janet Jackson for their inspiring music, which further informed this poem.

© Linette Rabsatt
ribbon

The Hair Story

Ten years ago, I wrote a post on Facebook about black people not liking their natural hair. I said it based on what people said to me. I also said it because weave and braid sales remain high. I still see those perceptions and thought processes in how we treat our daughters' hair when they reach a certain age. This post is not about who is wrong or right. I know what chemicals did to my hair. Others have processed their hair for years, and they are fine. My advice is always to do what works for you.

Paraphrase of things people have said:

1. Friend: Why are you wearing your hair like that?
The same friend grew locks eventually.

2. Family member: Don't wear your hair like that.
Wearing hair like me now.

3. A Role Model: You need to change your hairstyle.
Switches between perm and natural from time to time.

4. Schools children to a child: When are you going to get braids or weave?
What?

I always say that our race is the one that has the worst thoughts about us. Somehow, we despise our kinky hair, dark skin, and buffness. I don't know why and have realized that this mindset may never change. Does it make any of us less than the others? No. It only becomes a problem when you try to debase another person because of how they look - something our race has been through at the hands of others.

So what's my point? Be the best you - comfortable in your skin, loving your hair, face, and body - just how you prefer.

POEM: Potential

We all have got potential
because God wasn't preferential
when he handed out the talents
and despite people's appearances
they've all got something to offer
even if it's collecting straws
and recycling them into something great
but sometimes we don't have the faith
because people tell us negative things
so we don't bring out our best
therefore, failing the test
but you can't let people hold you back
because there is nothing that you lack
to succeed - just as the air you breathe
you can perform awesome feats
just move your heart, hands and feet
be good to those who meet
and share your talents with vigor
because your energy should be your trigger
You can impact the entire galaxy
but you have to believe in yourself fully
Potential is in all of us
so don't let your talents go to rust
don't let anyone dampen your spirit
stick with it - you've got this!

© Linette Rabsatt

Belle Vue Methodist Congregation Hosts Tea Party on September 28, 2019

The Belle Vue Methodist Congregation is hosting a Tea Party on Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 3:00 to 6:00pm at the JR O'Neal Botanical Gardens. Tickets are being sold for $25 for adults, and $10 for children who are 12 years and under. Come and enjoy our tea, pastries, scones and other goodies, as well as various activities including a hat parade, hat competition and tea pot competition. Everyone is invited to attend and wear their best hat. Proceeds are in aid of the church's building fund. For more tickets and more information, please contact any member of the congregation.

Belle Vue Methodist Congregation