January 2025 - New Energy, Work and Features

I have thoroughly enjoyed the 10 weeks of January 2025 (lol)! I've had work featured in several publications and was blessed to have a 30-minute Solo Poetry Recital hosted by The Fertile Brains. I am looking forward to doing more in February and I plan to have great fun!

Here's a chronology of what has happened in January 2025!

Pulse Poetry Magazine
My poems, Another Year (page 34) and I Envision (page 37), were published in the January 2025 issue of Pulse Poetry Magazine. Nelly Vee and Akin Chinnery are also in the Magazine.

Feed the Holy
Feed the Holy published two poems in January:

• * Every Day on January 2, and
• * We Say Yes on January 17.

Personal Freedom Anthology
My poem, Personal, was published in the Personal Freedom anthology by Orenaug Mountain Publishing. You can purchase a copy here: https://www.orenaugmountainpublishing.com/poetry-collections/personal-freedom.

My Eintou Poem
My eintou poem placed second in a competition! I entered two pieces and Love Heals placed second.

Rebirth Anthology
The anthology, Rebirth, features two of my poems, Re-birth and Break Through the Cracks. All proceeds will go to New Hope For Families in Bloomington, IN. You can find the paperback here https://a.co/d/6SPAiH0 and the hardcover here https://a.co/d/6o5Fr6H. Thank you to Walden Quinn Ceasar for having confidence in my work.

Literary Cocktail Magazine
Literary Cocktail Magazine accepted my photo, Morning Blues in its Fall 2024 issue.

Darkly Beautiful
Magique Publishing selected my piece, Dark Snowman, for the Darkly Beautiful publication. Dark Snowman is on page 12.

Synchronized Chaos
Synchronized Chaos published two of my pieces, A Day Out and Pack Mentality, on January 1, 2025.

Dem Dope Poets

• On January 7, I was the surprise guest on Dem Dope Poets, hosted by Kim Mosby Summers on Instagram. The 3 Goats and a Mic, the featured poets, delivered some powerful and impactful pieces. I shared Another Year. It was awesome being in their virtual company.
• I performed during Dem Dope Poets on Instagram Live hosted by Kim Mosby Summers on January 14 along with Pawcram and Gerronteed.

The Poet Heroic
My poem, Filled with Flaws was published by The Poet Heroic as the Poem of the Week on December 27, 2024. It's one of the pieces that I originally submitted to Visual Verse based on a photo prompt.

Calling All Poets Series
I performed during the Calling All Poets Series reading on Janaury 16, 2025 which featured LJ Sysko. I'm on from 1:39:44 to 1:42:41 sharing What is Next, Pack Mentality and A Walking Inspiration.

YouTube Upload
I wrote my poem, Indecision, based on a photo prompt. It's a piece that I had some fun with based on the image. 

January 19, 2025 Online Readings

• Verse Virtual: I attended the Verse Virtual Poetry Reading, which featured Page Starzinger and David Baker. I'm on during the open mic from 47:42 to 49:08 sharing two pieces, Red Umbrella and The Cooling Aura.
• Orenaug Mountain Publishing: My poem, Personal, was published in the Orenaug Mountain Publishing Anthology, Personal Freedom. A poetry reading was held on January 19, 2025 and I was able to share my piece from 39:10 to 40:00.

Inspired Poetry Corner

I performed at the January 19, 2025 Inspired Poetry Corner's Show #36: Sunday at the Corner featuring Lady Dia  &Troph, Kinfolk Nation, who were awesome! I shared Indecision and The Table.

https://youtu.be/mJRpxnbbg6E?si=T5ueJ5eCFIuKTA2a

January 25-26, 2025 Online sessions

• Brownstone Poets: I performed during the January 25, 2025 online poetry reading, which featured Michael Broder, Allyson Paty and David Groff. I was on from 10:00 to 11:26 and shared Family Tree and Ugly Faces.
• Let's Po-Et: I joined the talented Nita Chase, Stephanie Piper and Nuri Desvigne for the January 25, 2025 session of Let's Poet. I shared my pieces, Erase and Embrace and Strong Woman.

The Fertile Brains

• Online Reading: I joined The Fertile Brains online poetry reading on January 26, 2025 and shared Roots to Routes, which was inspired by the BVI Lit Fest Poetry Competition. I'm on from 1:14:13 sharing my piece.
• The Fertile Brains Solo Recital: The Fertile Brains featured me in a Solo Poetry Recital on January 29, 2025. I shared a variety of my pieces throughout.

Artist Feature: Bari

I love highlighting our Virgin Islands talents on my blog. This month, I featured Bari, who is a multi-talented musician and athlete.

New Poem

Never Tired

drifting

a piece of history

once on an SUV

next on a swing

hurricane winds

took me to the river

I don't degrade

will be here forever

never tiring

just traveling

as the wind or water

take me

© Linette Rabsatt 1-31-2025

Thank you for your continued support!

Meet Bari - An Upcoming Virgin Islands Talent and Athlete

Jabari Pemberton, who is known as the Virgin Islands artist, Bari, is a 2024 graduate of the Elmore Stoutt High School. As a former Prince (2017) of the Virgin Islands Festival Prince and Princess Pageant, everyone saw that he was talented, intelligent, and confident. Bari is also an aspiring track athlete specializing in Long Jump and sprints. I chatted with him on January 26, 2025, so that he could share some insights with his growing fan base.

What inspired you to become an artist?

Bari said he is still shocked that he is writing and performing music at this level. He started with a band, Pure Drive Squad, but they eventually separated. His parents encouraged him to continue his musical pursuits, especially with his father's legacy as a vocalist in a local band.

What was your first single that you put out?

His first single was Squeeze with Jayqoi Hopkins in 2022. However, his first solo single was Which One? which was released in  2024.

Who is your team behind the music?

• Diamante & Djimon Gumbs
• Johntà Charles

Who writes your lyrics?

I write my lyrics.

What are your plans for your music for 2025?

I look forward to dropping more material. I haven’t been performing so much because I am working on a new sound. Creating my own sound is one of the goals.

What type of music do you listen to and who are the top artists on your playlist?

I listen to a lot of genres, including:

• R&B
• Soca
• VI Calypso/Soca/Bram
• Soul.

The top artists I listen to are Big Shaw, Kes, Machel Montano, and Riiqo Live from St Croix.

What stage have you always dreamed of performing on?

Anguilla was the biggest stage I have performed on so far, and Virgin Gorda will be next.

My dream is to travel to perform in St Thomas or St John, and once the call comes, I’m going!

Which artists would you want to collaborate with (local, regional, and international)?

I've had the pleasure of collaborating with Boss on a song, Follow Through.

I would also like the opportunity to collaborate with:

• Big Shaw
• Riiqo Live
• Papo Productions
• Jougo
• Adam O

Are you willing to experiment with other genres?

Bari said that he would be willing to try reggae or afrobeat, and he has been encouraged to try reggae.

Will you be continuing your aspirations in track and field?

Yes for sure. I love being versatile and have never been comfortable just doing one thing.

Share something with the readers that most people don’t know about you.

I’m not really good with getting attention. I’m not doing the music for that. I just love music!

Please share some advice for the younger generation.

 Bari was happy to respond to this question to share his advice.

• Be yourself!
• I don’t think people should focus on fitting in.
• Be genuine! Be positive!
• With the effort you put in – you will reap the benefits.
• Once you get too comfortable – everything will go downhill.

Anything else you would like to share with the readers?

Bari is a hardworking guy. I work 24-7 and I hardly sleep. I am a humble guy. Even though I don’t do well with getting lots of attention, I am a very kind person and I love to have conversations with people.

Who would you like to shout out?

• My parents,
• Everybody who had a part to play in my music journey and overall upbringing – those who helped to mold me,
• My team, Djimon, Diamante and Johntà,
• Khari Fahie, my bassist,
• The whole BVI massive for pushing me because one hand can’t clap, and
• A special big-up to my management team, Promo by Putna.

Bari is a talented young man with a positive mindset. He knows how to rock a crowd and get them energized. We will see him on the international stage one day!

Poem: Indecision by Linette Rabsatt

I wrote my poem, Indecision, based on a photo prompt. It's a piece that I had some fun with based on the image. Feedback always welcomed!

Happy 2025!

I wrote this poem in December 2024. I don't do New Year's resolutions. I live and try to do the right thing daily - professionally, personally, and poetically. I plan but I am spontaneous too.

I'll share my usual encouragement: Invest in what grows you.

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.