December and Year-end Review - Invest in What Grows You

My personal mantra is "Invest in what grows you."

My mom would have made 69 today. May she continue to rest in peace. I know she would be proud of my accomplishments.

My beautiful mom

I am very happy with my journey in 2024. I was interviewed four times and performed at numerous online and local readings and events. Also, I started a WhatsApp Channel. 

In addition to having a poem published in the CAPS 25th Anniversary Anthology, I have had the following published in 18 journals and magazines in 2024:

• two short stories, 
• three photos, and
• 39 poems.

Please visit my Facebook Page, Linette Inspire VI. 

I would like to say special thanks to my family, and other local writers, Toyer Fahie, Nikiesha McMaster, Jerome Joseph, Akin Chinnery, Anika Christopher, Dr. Dierdra Wheatley, Justin Hodge, and April Glasgow. 

Of course, this 2024 journey would not have been successful without these international poets and writers, who I have never seen in person: Nelly Vee of KVI Network Creations, Pawcram of the Louisiana Lyricists Louge, Ashley Edge of Poetic Edge Publishers, Papi Woodyard of Papi's Poetry Corner, Priscilla Ramcharan of the West Indian Women Network, Ashanti Taylor-Alexander of Pulse Poetry Magazine, Lisa Lipps, Nita Chase of Let's Poet, Blaq Ice, Mike Jurkovic of Calling All Poets Series, Kevin George of Tropical Literature Creatives, Sandy Yannone and Don Krieger of Cultivating Voices Live Poetry, Mark Fishbein of The Poetry Academy, Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram of Quintessential Listening Poetry Online Radio, Kysha Blyden of Pulse of the Caribbean, She Barz, G. Lynn Brown of Micromance Magazine, Faye Roberts of Allographic, Write Reasons, William Douglas, Clive Oseman of Ooh Beehive, Barbara Leonhard of Feed the Holy, Patricia Carragon of Brownstone Poets, Walden Quinn Caesar, Allie Poetry, Hiram Larew of Poetry X Hunger, and many others.

Here are my December updates.

Pulse Poetry Magazine - December Issue
You can find my two pieces, My Holiday Wish and What I Have to Give, on pages 4 and 5 and Toyer Fahie's poems on pages 21 and 22 in Pulse Poetry Magazine.

Feed the Holy
My poem, Obstacle Course, was published by Feed The Holy on December 6, 2024. I do not usually write long pieces, but I wanted this piece to evoke our challenges and offer a word of encouragement.

Brownstone Poets
I shared my poem, Strong Woman, in the Brownstone Poets' live reading on December 7, 2024. I am on from 2:24:03 to 2:25:40.

Verse-Virtual
My poem, Anniversary, was published by Verse-Virtual in their December issue. I wrote this poem based on a photo prompt (ekphrastic) of colored chairs overlooking the ocean. 

Walden’s Poetry & Reviews
Walden’s Poetry & Reviews featured four of my poems on December 11, 2024: Gracious, Vivid Pictures, The Password, and Yellow Eyes.

Shortlisted for The Cupid Prize
My poem, Roses in Bloom, and very short story, Sweet Nothing, both published by Micromance Magazine, have been long-listed for The Cupid Prize.

Thank you to Micromance Magazine!

Ultramarine Literary Review
My poem, A Walk Inside, was published by the Ultramarine Literary Review on December 11, 2024. It is one of the older pieces I had tucked away in the archives.

Cultivating Voices Holiday Poetry Open House
I shared my piece, Another Year at the Cultivating Voices Holiday Poetry Open House online on December 15, 2024. It was great fun listening to the variety of work shared. I read from 00:36:10, but please listen to all the poets.

Calling All Poets Series Live Reading
I performed three pieces during this reading on December 19, 2024: Pack Mentality, Dark Snowman, and Another Year. I perform from 1:25:33 until 1:29:34, but I encourage you to listen to the entire reading. The CAPS family is talented and supportive.

Orenaug Mountain Poetry Journal
Writing My Story was published in the Orenaug Mountain Poetry Journal. It is a piece that I worked hard on and submitted to several places before it found its home.

The MockingOwl Roost
The MockingOwl Roost published The Christmas Debate. It is a piece where Pineapple Tart of course shines.

Sweet on YouTube
I wrote Sweet on October 30, 2024. I wrote this piece for the Promptober challenge hosted by Worcestershire Litfest & Fringe. Of course, the pineapple in the video is from my garden.
Important Reminder: Pineapple is the best tart filling!

Plenty Talent Feature
Please check my feature on Plenty Talent for winning the Read Yuh Ting TOO competition on October 24, 2024. I am still in awe! The competition was fierce. I am always proud to represent the Virgin Islands.

Office of the Premier's Christmas Poetry Video
Toyer Fahie, Nikiesha McMaster, and I shared Christmas poems for the Office of the Premier to spread holiday cheer. I shared my poem, My Holiday Wish.

Local Talent Featured

I featured two local talents:

1. December 26, 2024: Meet Celeb, CEO of Press Da Button
2. December 29, 2024: Meet the Mastermind Behind Don G Productions

December Let's Poet

I performed two pieces, Another Year and Who Is She, during Let's Poet hosted by Nita Chase.

December 30/31 Publications

• Spillwords: Indecision 
• Sense and Sensibility: Haiku 
• DoubleSpeak Magazine: 
• Poetry: One with Words, A Journey of Thoughts, Actions, Deny, Creative Fuel, and Built
• Photographs: HelpingHand, Pink Lightning, and Hand in the Sky

New Poem

Yellow

girl:

what does a yellow rose symbolize

because, based on my research

this relationship must have met its demise

there I was planning for commitment

being together until old age

a testimony for love and contentment

instead, you delivered yellow flowers

meant for friends and acquaintances

we all know red is for lovers

so what I am left to do

but run away burned and assuming

that my love is no more for you

boy:

this yellow rose is meant for love

I trust you and need you

our love is a perfectly fitted glove

I can’t live in peace when you’re not there

my poor heart is now broken

this stress will make me lose my hair

you need to listen to my pleas for you

you are my one and only

you know me best and what I’ve been through

this yellow rose - a symbol of forever

you’re my friend, lover, helping hand

your presence makes my life better

© Linette Rabsatt 12/22/2024

Coming soon!

Meet the Mastermind Behind Don G Productions

Donaldson Layne aka Don G

Who is Don G?

• "I am a musician from Tortola, Virgin Islands focused on producing meaningful music."

Donaldson Layne, known in music circles as Don G, said that he has had to remain focused and determined to find a way to surpass the challenges he faced in the past.

• "I like to keep to myself and have time alone to make music."

Don G has no problem collaborating, but finds that he works best when alone.

• "I’ve always had a passion for music, but I am a producer firsthand. Rapping and producing both play an important role in my success, but I’ll always tip the hat to producing since that’s how I started my career."

"I love bringing other artists' ideas to life."

What services do you offer to artists?

"I offer the following services:

• Beat Production
• Collaborations
• Remaking beats
• Features
• Recording and mixing vocals
• Ghostwriting
• Editing
• DJing - new
• Publishing music - in the future"

What inspired you to go into music?

"I had several inspirations:

• My first inspiration was my father. He played in several bands, including Blue Haze. My dad participated in calypso competitions under the moniker, Sugar Layne. He was always part of the music scene, and greatly inspired me to get into the field.
• My brother, a close friend of Banco Bizmol, was also an influence. He had a laptop with Mixcraft, a music software, and I used that laptop in his absence to listen to the recordings he made. Eventually, I started playing around with the software, and here I am today.
• My mother inspires me. I want to care for her by ensuring she has a car and a nice home. I owe her for all the nice things that she did for me."

Don G was also inspired by the music played during ZROD's Top 7 at 7 Radio Show. He shared that listening to the various artists and then experimenting with the Mixcraft software helped to propel him into this area.

What makes you versatile?

I can make music for different genres, but Hip Hop is my focus. I have done some soca, afrobeat, and reggae. I recently worked on “Mr. Smooth Talker” with Priceless.

What was the first song you worked on/produced?
Don G had a hook for the song that he recorded at home. After playing the track for his friends, who are also artists, they liked it and became part of the song. Ron G and Hancho Flippaz are also featured on this song, Struggles, which had over ten thousand streams on SoundCloud. He recorded that song in a closet in his friend's home. Don G also shared that Never Going Lose by Jefe Tunez and Priceless was another track that got him recognized.

What was your first personal release?
"My first release was Eat. This song has a good following from people locally, in USVI, and worldwide."

Don G's First Release: Eat

Which international artist would you want to work with?
"I would want to work with Bad Bunny because his genre is different, and he has a large fan base. I would also like to work with Billy Eilish and Eminem."

Don G in the Studio

Who do you listen to?

"I listen to these artists:

• Billy Eilish
  
• Bad Bunny
• Meek Mill
• J Cole
• Kanye West
• Drake
• JayZ
• Eminem"

What’s your favorite genre?
"My favorite genre is Hip Hop!"

What are your plans for 2025?
"My plans for 2025 include:

• Singles to release of my songs and other artists,
• EPs with various artists locally and internationally, and
• I'm also looking forward to more collaborations"

Don G produced Morphine by Ernesto, Hancho, Jefe Tunez, Ceejay and Arkyy

Don G's Advice to the Youth

• "Don’t ever give up on yourself."
• "Imagine how much further you would be when you push."

Tell us something that people don't know about you.

• "I am the best NBA2K player in the Virgin Islands."
• "I am not the best swimmer."
• "I still have my brother’s laptop with the Mixcraft software, and other laptops that I have music stored on."

You can connect with Don G here.

Meet Celeb, CEO of Press Da Button

Rhakim D. Todman aka ‘Celeb’, Founder and CEO of Press Da Button (PDB).

Who is Rhakim Todman?
Rhakim D. Todman, also known as ‘Celeb,’ is the founder and CEO of Press Da Button (PDB). Celeb earned a Bachelor of Science in Recording Arts and a Master of Science in Business and Entertainment. With an unwavering passion for music, he has built a multifaceted career as a producer, artist, and audio engineer. Celeb is deeply committed to refining his craft and achieving his long-term goals in the music industry. Through PDB, he proudly represents the culture of the Virgin Islands, showcasing its talent and creativity on a global stage.

How did you come up with the name, Press Da Button?
Engineers often go unrecognized and receive limited credit despite their significant contributions to the music industry. To highlight this role, Celeb began incorporating his tag, "Celeb, press da button," into his work and it has really taken off. Voiced by his close friend Anita Maduro, the tag quickly gained popularity. Celeb has noticed that artists now remix and incorporate it into their song intros. This unique approach has allowed him to solidify his identity as an engineer.

What services do you offer to artists?

"PDB provides a range of services, including music production, recording, mixing, and mastering. The focus is on delivering top-tier quality and bringing an artist’s creative vision to life."

Celeb’s ultimate aspiration is to grow PDB into a leading global brand that not only produces exceptional music but also inspires and educates aspiring audio engineers and creatives.

What inspired you to go into music?

"During childhood, I observed in admiration, my father turning the knobs on the equalizers while working on car audio systems. I then began to explore my own musical aspirations by learning to play the keyboard. This opportunity ignited a passion for helping artists explore their creativity and expand their sound."

Through PDB, Celeb channels his energy and enthusiasm into each session, where he is bold and energetic in comparison to his typical reserved persona.

What was the first song you worked on/produced?
Celeb’s earliest experience producing music dates back to his teenage years, making it difficult to recall the specific song. However, those formative years set the stage for a lifelong journey in music. Over time, he has worked on countless records, each contributing to his growth and mastery as an audio engineer and producer.

Celeb, in the studio in Paris with multi-Grammy award-winning audio engineer, Leslie Brathwaite, who has worked with some of the most influential artists of today including, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Pharrell,  Cardi B. and Lil Uzi to name a few.

Which international artist would you want to work with?

"I have already collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists such as Cardi B, Meek Mill, Lil Baby, and DJ Khaled."

He continuously aims to work with artists local and worldwide—both established and emerging—who are making significant contributions to the industry. Celeb’s focus is on fostering meaningful collaborations and creating music that resonates with audiences across cultures.

Who do you listen to?

"I listens to a diverse collection of artists across all genres."

This approach allows Celeb to stay informed about evolving trends in music production and mixing techniques. By analyzing how different elements are used in various genres, he continuously sharpens his skills and expands his creative horizons. For Celeb, every track is an opportunity to learn and grow as an engineer.

What’s your favorite genre?

"While rap is my favorite genre, my versatility allows me to excel in a wide range of musical styles."

His expertise extends to Afrobeat, R&B, calypso, soca, bouyon, and more. Each genre presents unique challenges and creative opportunities, and Celeb takes pride in his ability to adapt and deliver high-quality results regardless of the style.

Celeb with Jay Z's Engineer, Young Guru

What are the plans for 2025?

"To continue “Pressing Da Button” with a range of exciting projects both locally and internationally."

One of PDB’s core goals is to empower aspiring audio engineers through workshops, panels, and training programs. This commitment aligns with the philosophy “each one, teach one,” emphasizing community growth through shared knowledge and mentorship.

Advice to the youth

"Stay focused, confident, and prayerful. The music industry requires passion, dedication, and perseverance. Surrounding oneself with mentors, continually improving skills, and remaining committed to your vision are essential to achieving success."

Celeb also highlights the importance of patience, encouraging aspiring professionals to trust the process and embrace challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth. Even when the journey feels tough, don’t overthink it, just Press Da Button!

If you would like to contact Celeb, please contact him via email: pressdabuttonpdb@gmail.com.

Merry Christmas 2024!

 

Wishing you all the best!

Poem: Sweet by Linette Rabsatt

I wrote this poem on October 30, 2024 for the Promptober challenge hosted by Worcestershire Litfest & Fringe.

 
Important Reminder: Pineapple is the best tart filling!

POEM: Rainbow

 

A poem about rainbows - because I love them!

My November Highlights and a Poem

I think this month was my busiest for 2024. I met new poets and creatives, shared my insights and poetry on various platforms, and channeled new ideas. I don't know what December will bring, but I will be sharing some old and new work!

Pulse Poetry Magazine
Did you read Issue 7 of Pulse Poetry Magazine? You can find me on pages 5 and 6. Issue 8 will be launched on December 1!

Video: We are the Harvest
I shared We are the Harvest on November 3, 2024 at the Belle Vue Methodist Church's Harvest. 

Read Yuh Ting TOO Virtual Caribbean Poetry Contest
I participated in the Read Yuh Ting TOO Virtual Caribbean Poetry Contest organized by the West Indian Women Network on October 24, 2024. I am humbled to share that I won after competing with regional counterparts who impressed me with their wordplay and style. Thank you to Mrs. Dale Pilgrim-Wade for sharing the competition flyer with me. Also, thank you to the West Indian Women Network for hosting this competition. 

You can view the entire competition here:
Link: https://rumble.com/v5ltiuw-read-yuh-ting-too-.html?e9s=src_v1_ucp
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB5krNg7pW0

I'm on from 28:06 until 30:05, but watch the entire video for all the participating poets.

I had an awesome time being interviewed by Priscilla Ramcharan of the West Indian Women Network. I love being able to share my insights and inspiration. You will also hear my rendition of my poem, Bob Marley Vibrations.

Are you a Mango Lover?
I shared two poems at the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School on November 4, 2024. They were able to capture my performance of Mango Array. What's your favorite mango?

BVI LitFest Panel - Roots to Routes

I shared the stage with facilitator, Enrica Rymer, and co-panelists, Toyer Fahie, Dr. Dierdra Wheatley, and her sister, Denesha Wheatley. We read poems from elders, Sheila Hyndman, Dr. Quincy Lettsome, and Jennie Wheatley, and from our personal collections. I shared Black Diamond, a poem dedicated to my late grandfather, Sanford "Black Diamond" Rabsatt.

Lousiana Lyricists Lounge
I was so happy to chat with Pawcram on the Lousiana Lyricists Lounge podcast on November 10, 2024.

The Paradox Magazine
I am so happy to share that a few of my pieces and a short story have been published by The Paradox Magazine on their website!

Cultivating Voices Live Poetry Open Mic

• I participated in the Cultivating Voices Wild Card Open Mic on October 20, 2024. I'm on from 59:00 to 1:01:50 performing "What the shadows remember" and "When the music hits you."
• I was happy to share the virtual stage with talented poets today at the Cultivating Voices Live Poetry reading on November 17, 2024. I'm on from 01:25:40, but listen to the entire reading for some amazing work!

Tropical Literature Creatives Feature
Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt was featured by Tropical Literature Creatives! Do get your copy today!

Calling All Poets Series
On November 21, 2024, I performed during Calling All Poets Series poetry event. I shared two pieces, Crime and What the Shadows Remember, from 1:40:00 to 1:42:34.

Let's Poet
I performed on Let's Poet with Stephanie Piper and Nuri Desvigne on November 23, 2024. I shared three pieces throughout the event, Untitled, My Love for BVI Culture, and Block. I encourage you to watch the 1.5-hour event because encouraging words were shared.

Feed the Holy
We Are the Harvest was highlighted and shared by Feed the Holy. I wrote and performed this piece for the 2024 Belle Vue Methodist Church Harvest.

Video: Anansi's Fancy
I wrote this poem to submit to a journal. Since I based this poem on a true story, I felt that Anansi was the perfect character to use.

Video: Granny Said A Lot
I performed this poem, Granny Said A Lot at the Cultural Food Fair Extravaganza, Book Fair, and Art Expo on November 29, 2024. I wanted to use some of the local adages that my grandmother and neighborhood elders would always say. What are some of the adages you heard from the seniors?

Newest Poem: I Am A Virgo

This poem was inspired by a Facebook poetry group. Shout out to Allie Poetry for the prompt!

I Am A Virgo

I am a Virgo

I dance like Michael

Groove like Beyonce

Act like Taraji

Rhyme like Ludacris

Sink the ball like Ibaka

I am a Virgo

Sometimes I don't let go

I know that the mission is to grow

I cherish the people I know

I speak with utmost flow

Virgo massive is where I stand

I stand strong when I take my stance

I love music and love to dance

Virgos are the best at romance

I am Virgo

Most compatible

Most adaptable

Comparable to none

Linette Rabsatt 11/30/2024

Thank you for your continued support! I hope to feature another Virgin Islander in December and share more poetry!

POEM: Granny Said A Lot

I performed this poem, Granny Said A Lot, at the Cultural Food Fair Extravaganza, Book Fair, and Art Expo on November 29, 2024. I wanted to use some of the local adages that my grandmother and neighborhood elders would always say. What are some of the adages you heard from the seniors?

Poem: Anansi's Fancy

I enjoy making these videos. Feedback always welcomed!

Interview with West Indian Women Network - Linette Rabsatt- INVEST in what GROWS! Virgin Islands

I had an awesome experience being interviewed by Priscilla Ramcharan of the West Indian Women Network. I am still delighted about winning the Read Yuh Ting Too poetry competition. I love being able to share my insights and inspiration. You will also hear my rendition of my poem, "Bob Marley Vibrations."