What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see your body in the mirror? I usually find it a little difficult to engage in discussions about the female body because, as a slim person, almost any statement made about body structure and weight could be interpreted as insulting by individuals on the thicker side. In my case this includes most people I interact with.

Unfortunately the recent, or not so recent, 'slim craze' does not make this any easier. A lot of women are now going for smaller even if it does not mean healthier. In addition, this entire discussion tends to neglect the fact that many of us on the smaller side are also victims of similar social pressure. However, size is just one factor in this complex equation. Even if you do attain that ideal shape - Is your hair the right texture? Is your skin the right complexion? Are you too tall or too short?

Infatuation with the female form  is manifested in visual art as far back as the 'Upper Paleolithic' or 'late stone age period'. Venus Figurines from some regions had exaggerated or prominent stomachs, breasts and vulva with no facial features or clothing included while it was almost quite the opposite with Venus Figurines from other regions.

 Historians studying the art of ancient cultures speak about images of nude women as representations of birth and fertility as opposed to notions of objectification and sexualization . While this is not untrue, it cannot be disputed that one is given a sense of the 'ideal form' of the particular period from the physical appearance of women in art.
One is able to get an insight into the way of thinking and the thought processes of a particular society or group of people simply by the way the body is portrayed in the work.  

The necessity for women to try to achieve an 'ideal look' is also hardly a new phenomenon. John Singer Sargent's Madame X, an 1884 portrait of  Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau, is a depiction of a woman who painted herself with a lavender powder and prided herself on her beauty and appearance. She was well known for having a blue tint.

 The truth is that visual art is not simply sculpture or representations on canvas anymore. We can now access images with the click of a button. Today we live in a very commercialized environment and the way the body is portrayed has evolved with this environment. The body has now, more than ever, become an object of conflict and debate where people try to force an ideal concept on individuals. Simply look at the way the body is portrayed in advertising and the media. Ask yourself why are anti-aging products and plastic surgery designed to target women more so than men.

The truth is that the 'ideal form' could never be the same for every individual. The artistic value of the body is that it comes in different structures and sizes and, as a result, appeals to different senses. I am not going to deny that the constant overload, of what is and is not the current superficial look, does not present a challenge in how we view ourselves.

Nevertheless, the pertinent question is how do you want to view yourself? There is certainly nothing wrong with being comfortable in your own skin. If loosing weight or gaining weight will make you a healthier person then by all means do so. However, the only ideal perception of what makes you beautiful should be yours.

Your hair, your skin, your features, your shape and size make you a unique work of art. I don't have to tell you what the solution to the problem is.......LOVE YOURSELF!

Anya 'Tripp' Lorde

Recently I had the experience of attending the Gap Theatre for the presentation of the production Alleluia Pork Chops which is directed by Amanda Cumberbatch and choreographed by Rosemary Neilands. Featuring a nearly 'all star' cast, Alleluia Pork Chops makes a creatively daring attempt to give an accurate  perceptive observation of elements of the Barbadian identity, culture and social dynamics.

It is not often that you have the opportunity to see a presentation which involves a cast primarily featuring actors who may be considered the crème de la crème of our acting fraternity. If I were, hypothetically speaking, an institution that was serious about the development of my theatre students, this would be a prime learning experience and I would be organizing a field trip to the Gap Theatre. I am sure organizing a student fee, at least with this particular producer, David Neilands, can't be that difficult.

Breaking away from traditional theatre, veteran actors Tony Thompson, Nala 'The $2 Philosopher', David Neilands, Alison Sealy-Smith and the animated Dyrstra Browne made this promenade theatre production a worthwhile experience. Especially for those of us who were unfamiliar or not accustomed to moving around the space with the actors as they performed.  

Alison Sealy-Smith was very believable while in character convincingly displaying through Gertrude  that 'engaging de pork' is a serious matter. The interaction between Admiral Nelson, played by Nala 'The $2 Philosopher' and arch enemy Admiral Villeneuve  played by David Neilands was by far one of the highlights of the play.

Ayesha Gibson-Gill is by no means to be underestimated as an actress  and while I felt that the scene around her character 'Alleluia Morning' may have gone on a bit too long, there is no denying that she too was convincing in hammering home the importance of standing by who you are.

The youngest actor in the cast, Levi 'Levitance' King, continues to grow and excel in his craft. Accompanied by percussionist Nigel E. Willock, his rhythm poetry delivery was good and while I did sense that at times during the play he may have been having problems with projection he continues to prove, at least to me, that he is serious and will be a force to reckon with in the near future.  Michael Cheddi Taitt adequately displayed his versatility and skill as a veteran gymnast and Carolyn Brathwaite, though not as experienced as the rest of the cast, was not at all disappointing.

The concept and delivery of the entire production Alleluia Pork Chops is beneficial, not only for theatre practitioners, but for all performing artists and producers. We are currently under pressure to find alternative and creative ways of presenting our craft. This is especially regarding the lack of adequate venues and the unreasonable expense that one must incur in order to utilize any of the currently available traditional performance spaces.  

The production team and actors of the Gap Theatre have certainly demonstrated, through the creative use of their production space, that it is not as difficult as it seems to utilize the limited resources available at this time. I would implore performing artists and producers to seriously consider, literally and metaphorically, breaking the 'fourth wall'.

This is the prime opportunity for those of you who complain that "artists don't support artists" to put your money where your mouth is. Coming out to watch the presentation of Alleluia Pork Chops will not only be an insightful experience with regards to aspects of our social and cultural heritage but, for us who are having problems with our production quality, it definitely provides a creative platform on which we can all build as we continue on our journey to sensitize and develop our audiences about our art forms.

Nevertheless, as I always say, don't take my word for it. You be the judge for yourself. Alleluia Pork Chops will be running at the Reggae Lounge, St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church on March 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th and April 3rd and 4th 2014 at 7:30pm each night.

Disclaimer: I am by no means a theatre expert (yet) and must therefore make it very clear that this review is not an attempt to give any opinion on what technically should or should not have been. I am sure that theatre stalwarts who attended the production will be able to adequately deal with that. Nevertheless, as productions are not done only for our peers, I offer these opinions.

Anya 'Tripp' Lorde

The month of love has left us and I hope that all of Cupid’s lucky, or not so lucky, victims have found their happy endings. This month’s artist in ‘The Spotlight’ is guaranteed to be just as engaging as Narkissos was last month and, since we are currently celebrating Women’s History Month, I decided to sit down with one of our many female artists who has spent most of her life committed to the arts and creative development.

For the next few minutes you will spend your time interacting with a Queen of Rastafari who has penetrated local and international markets with her music. Leaving Sweden and coming to Barbados with her Barbadian father in the mid 80’s when she was a child, Empress Roli Roachford has been an ambassador for the country and mentor for young artists through both her music and, believe it or not, equestrianism. Her courage, love and commitment in dealing with horses are definitely the very same dominant characteristics that come out in the passion of her music.

It is important for me to reproduce the interview, as much as possible, in the voice of the artist and, as Bajans would say, 'Empress Roli don't hide she mout'. For those of you not familiar with Rastafari I have included a few notes to help to place things into context for you. This brings me to note number one:

**There is a difference between a salon dread and a follower of Rastafari. Rastafarianism is a way of life not a hair style.

With that said, it is now my pleasure to introduce you to Empress Roli Roachford.

Tripp: Empress Roli welcome to 'The Spotlight'. There is so much to talk about where you are concerned that I honestly had problems figuring out where the hell to start. You are a performing artist and an equestrian expert how did you manage to end up with that combination?

Empress Roli:  My father John Roachford was a Bajan and an Artist. we moved because Sweden is too cold and he wanted his children to get in tune with their Roots. My Mother Elizabeth Roachford is a Swedish horse expert. My mother use to knit and my father had a studio downstairs. Artists lived in our house.....like a big family.

Tripp: Well it is quite obvious that growing up in that environment had a profound  impact on you. When did you realize that you wanted to be an artist?

Empress Roli: Yea man Art is it....I create...hmm how long now....since I Spirit is the eternal force. I will say from Birth. I always loved music. I knew from the arrival of self-awareness. I use to sing and dance with my twin Akoele at a young age for fun. We use to dress up n' ting. Sang in the choir at school in Sweden also.

Tripp: Let us turn for a bit to the other part of your life. You are the first Rastafarian woman to compete and represent her country in Equestrian Dressage. How did your interaction with horses develop?

Empress Roli: I have been riding horses since age 3 and been working with horses for more than 30  years. Yes I've been blessed. I have been ranked #1 in the Region in the FEI World Challenge Cup more than twice. I competed in Canada in show jumping and our team took silver and I also got an award at the same show for best sportsmanship. I have represented Barbados in Dressage on many occasions also. I have maybe 100 trophies or so. My students also  do very well. It is hard work to stay on top but horses are naturally I and I feel blessed to be the first Rastafari Woman to represent. It was a long journey...... gotta hold firm.

Tripp: What I find interesting is the way you use your music and experience with horses for a greater purpose. Both you and your business,  Jahworks Nature Walk Tours, have been providing therapy for the disabled through the Barbados Equestrian Association For Riders With Disabilities for quite some time and the message coming from your music is always one encouraging peace, love and respect.

Empress Roli: I founded the Barbados Equestrian Association For Riders With Disabilities (BEARD) because I see the need for more activities and sports for our special needs community. Equestrian is an Olympic sport and we have good enough trainers here in the Island. It brings great joy and happiness for the families while interacting with different cultures also. I do for them as I would like for people to do for each other. I have provided therapy for more than 15 years and it has been amazing. We now have a full ongoing therapy program at Jah Works and have had a number of shows already. Jahworks full 100!

Tripp: What about the vibes coming from your music?

Empress Roli: My music and lyrics come from the source The Most High**. As a woman and mother it hurts to see how people are so cruel to each other and creation. Then you find out they are possessed by demonic activities.

Rule one: How to run a demon? MAKE A BETTER EARTH!

Music sooths the savage beast. It is true as it is written. When one can replace aggression with love we have made a huge step to peace.

I also find in the Caribbean women are seriously treated inferior and disrespectfully. It is not in the culture that we females are progressive and independent. We must be brainless and dependant. Jah nevah mek it so! It is a lie they feed us so the unfairness can go on.

Many women - young girls outside late nights,  abuse verbal and physical - all of this they dish out because we are to be less. Noways de Empress says!!  A woman is a blessing and respect must be due right now! No more abuse it is utter foolishness and it shows how brainwashing has shrunk people's brain and being. To the Mother of your children is respect due! So in my music I share the strength of woman as Jah made us to be. Free and strong with love. No aggression.........burn fire pon dem who does chop up dem woman when dem don't get what dem want!  Run de heathen outta creation! I don't see no other animal getting on so possessed. Jah send HIM** Angels in all forms. I am one of them.

*The Most High is His Imperial Majesty Emperor Halie Selassie I also referred to as King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Conquering Lion of Judah. He is the Devine being central to Rastafarianism. 

* HIM is the acronym for His Imperial Majesty.

Tripp: Respect is definitely a key ingredient. You yourself have  been with a significant other for almost as long as I have been alive. How do you maintain the balance in your relationship/marriage.

Empress Roli: The balance comes when one remains who you are as an individual. Married I am not but spiritually we are connected.  I don't believe in marriage and I feel if we were married for real, like in the world, we would not have lasted the 20 years. This is a good way to live. We are both artist so sparks will fly. Always be considerate to the other's expressions.

Tripp: I don't think that it would take anyone listening to your music for the first time very long to see that positive messages like these are a large part of your signature as an artist. You have also done a number of major collaborations.

Empress Roli: To date- with Courtney Melody, LRG, Supa Frost and Orakle. My newest is with Jamaican reggae sensation Kashmar.

Tripp: You have been nominated at least twice at the Barbados Music Awards (BMA's) for Best Reggae Artist and  you have also had the opportunity to perform at Reggae on the Hill which is regarded as Barbados' biggest reggae festival.

Empress Roli: I was Nominated and went on to be the first Rasta to win the People's Choice Award in 2012-2013. I was also nominated for Best Reggae Artist in that Year and in 2013-2014 I was nominated for Best Reggae Artist of the year again. Reggae on the Hill I loved! It was awesome.....had a blast. I love the band..the people the sound system..top class..I LOVE!!

Tripp: What would you consider to be your biggest achievement to date?

Empress Roli: No trophies or awards can ever match being in tune with Jah Jah and knowing that the real force behind 'representing' is my greatest achievement. Being a woman in Barbados, holding firm with Natty Dreads** and representing my sistas, holding true to my music regardless of people's opinions. Freedom and Love.... that's real.

**Natty Dreads refers to locs but in this context it also means holding firm to Rastafari

Tripp:  What would you say are some of the major issues happening with regards to your art form today?

Empress Roli: Well reggae from Bajans seems to be not accepted....brainwashing again. We are as a people to keep ignorant which is really un cool. They have decided that Calypso is we only music which is not true. We have so many multi genre talents in Barbados including spoken word. We need a proper infrastructure.

They say they play local music? What percentage? because to I they only play the same 4 artist over again every day? How is that? How de youth gine be heard?

Also are we not sexual enough? "Bajan ladies are beautiful.....the men don't get enough nukie"? In nearly every tune that gets push we gotta 'pat' we Royal parts and 'back shot' it or crawl round like a dog and piss. Music? Nah that's foolishness! Now they are complaining the girls are slack but what yuh think? That is all they hear like if those songs are BIG TUNES.

If de man was not buying slackness de woman won't be selling it simple!

Bashment Dance Hall I love but lyrics need improvement. We don't need to tell our ladies and people that bad is good and cool because people push bad as though it is good and cool. In fact reset the minds......strong and clean is good. Dance yuh sexy dance it's all good. Love yuh man it's all good. Dissing yah Royal self? nahhh! error! Be true to your Creator and Creation. Watch de youths dem. No porn needed in public.

I am also in the process of setting up a Sports, Culture and Community Centre so we in Barbados can get a better structure in music in Barbados. This centre will also be the first of its kind to cater to special needs people and has received the endorsement of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. The reality is we need pro managers and a team. It is the same problem for all artist......we need dollars backing us not talk! To do a tour you must get out there. If yuh nah there it aint gine happen.

why we don't plan a Barbados oriented concert in reggae in the UK or Europe as well? Any place but here. They do it for Calypso and Soca. Raise the reggae artist please! I wonder as one of the only Reggae female artists in Barbados why my music aint getting played every day?

 I would like to see financial support to those studios who assist the youth to help push record and market their product. A mobile recording unit that comes around the ghetto and records artist for free....next day they bring back a cd with their tune which the artist owns. No scams, no tricks, just pure love and forward. Our concerts should not be genre based but should include some of everyone. Music is a unity thing. No more boxing we off in folders!  You get me sis? I have 100 ways to make it better.

I feel because I am a woman they don't want I to lead the massive but the reality is that every day Bajan artists reach out to I on Facebook and other networks for assistance in all aspects including managing and marketing. I do what I can but it takes money to make things right. Hard to push an artist in a pair of jeans that are 100 years old......hard to push myself in them also. I am lucky enough to be at a point where persons sponsor me but I need a team for my Bajans. Personally I now have Destines Media in the UK who now represents I in the UK, USA and Europe and in place for late summer there are plans for an Empress Tour.....more info to come.

Tripp: So there is really not a lot of support for the female reggae artist in Barbados is there? 

Empress Roli: I wanna see the daughters** get forward. Kings support yuh Queens! Get your head out yuh ass it aint about you.....it's about Jah's music and a bigger mission. Don't make her life harder by not being supportive. Respect her as a messenger.

SURPRISE! Yes Jah speaks to woman also. Not only man is the messenger.

I try not to get pissed off but it happens. It pisses me off that promoters and males feel we have to spread legs to get a forward  with our music. Pisses me off that disk jockeys play mainly male reggae music. Pisses me off that people feel I born rich because my skin aint as dark as yours. I started working at 12....no hand outs.

It pisses me off that I crack my back at Jahworks to make a better tomorrow for Bajans and the special needs, including, rescue horses, and there is no assistance. It pisses me off to know I am such a positive asset for Barbados as an ambassador and I aint travel to represent because I don't kiss ass....dirty ting to do.

It pisses me off that our special needs community aint feel welcome to come and socialize with us. It pisses me off that music plays on air dissing women. It pisses me off that Barbados has so much red tape to have an event or party. How we can push our culture when people broke and now gotta pay for licenses etc? It pisses I off that the mentality here is still enslaved....the rest of the world moved on and we are stuck in 1932

**'daughters' refers to females/women.

Tripp: What advice do you have for artists and aspiring artists?

Empress Roli: Life is for living. Make the most of it. We all live and then move on. Make a better tomorrow. Always keep positive. One must remain free and know how to love one's self. We need to stress less and realize that a lot of our worries are fabricated for us to fit in the world. If we don't do it their way we are wrong. Once you are doing good you're right as far as I am concerned. Live your life share the love and be thankful.

for my fellow artist out there.....do your art because that's who you are....because it makes you feel good and allows you to be free to express. Many times your work might not be appreciated but if you love it it does not matter. One day people will grow to your vibe and then you will smile. Make sure your production is tops and work with some of the well know producers and disk jockeys. They have a lot to teach.

Make sure your stage performance is good and clean and that you sound just as good live as you do in the studio. Make sure to be open minded to positive growth and learn people skills. Try to market and push yourself as much as you can on your own. Create a good on line product and production. Many times you will meet great connections on line, broaden your horizons, allow the growth and to it all have faith in your talents because YOU ROCK!

ONE LOVE!

Courageous, committed, straight forward. I did warn you that the Empress don't hold she mout'. Thank you all for joining me in this month's edition of 'The Spotlight'. I hope you enjoyed interacting with Empress Roli Roachford as much as I did. Don't forget to check out Empress Roli's music video below and show some love by sharing the video. You can also follow Empress Roli on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EmpressRoliRoachford and https://www.facebook.com/roil.roachford. Access more of Empress Roli's music at http://www.unitymusik.com/empressroli.html and  http://www.reverbnation.com/RoliRoachford?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

Don't forget to subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook. Come back next month to see who will be in The Spotlight for the month of April. You never know......it could be you.