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2011 Kamshuka Gallery Show: The South African Collection

July 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Over 200 guests waited with anticipation, not knowing what would happen next . This much they did know, it was to expect the unexpected. This was the 3rd Annual Kamshuka Gallery Show and if the previous two galleries were any indication, this would be a night to remember. You see she was not the one to do things the common way. Actually she would do all she could to make sure it was done uncommon. She is Belinda Barrocks, the founder and owner of Kamshuka Photography. Known for her creative photography, image consulting and personal branding, her gallery shows have become iconic yearly events of class and style. A must-attend event for those in the Toronto area who want to experience more than just an image sitting on an easel. This wasn't just an art showcase, it was an experience. An artistic expression of one woman’s viewpoint of what the world looked like. This year, it was the nation of South Africa on display. African drummers made their way through the crowd,  followed by classy models with hidden images in their arms. Then came the masked dancers, one of which who would surprise the crowd by revealing she was part of the production. Yes Belinda was no stranger to trying new things, stepping out of her comfort zone to inspire those around her. Hence, this was the true vision for the gallery shows. “Its a celebration of life, art and people,” says Belinda who has become one of Toronto’s more notable personalities in the last … [Read more...]

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Kevin Weekes on Living the Dream & Diversity in the NHL

April 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Kevin Weekes has been quite a busy man since retiring from the National Hockey League (NHL). He is the first black NHL colour commentator working for both the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the NHL network, and he continues to contribute to the community with his charitable work. BIM caught up with Weekes to discuss his transition from NHL goalie to NHL broadcaster, the state of the league, and whether he thinks the NHL is doing an adequate job of selling the game to blacks in North America. Black Ink Magazine: Is there any merit in the rumour that you have not closed the doors on a return to the NHL? Kevin Weekes:  It’s interesting that you ask that question. With my Caribbean upbringing my parents were all about principle, and closing doors in life was not an option; as for playing, I will always be open to the possibility of a return, but at the same time it would have to be what it should be and that’s fair market value. Incidentally, that had a major influence on my decision to transition into broadcasting. BIM: You went from NHL player to colour commentator and studio analyst for Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL Network; how has the transition been? KW: The transition has been very good and very fast. Playing hockey and watching it from a press box high above has given me a new perspective on the game. I was comfortable on camera, and my partner, NHL Network’s play-by-play announcer Mark Lee, has been outstanding and very helpful. … [Read more...]

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Who is T-Minus?

January 17, 2010 By 1 Comment
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T-Minus is a young producer from the GTA who has all kinds of major label, indie label, and no-label artists clamouring to record over his beats. For this issue of Black Ink, he steps away from his home studio setup long enough to answer a few questions about how he got started, what he’s learned along the way, whether the recession is affecting him, and what his fans can expect to hear next. If you think about your favourite producer, a typical fan of hip hop or R&B will probably answer with at least one of the following well-known names: Timbaland, Pharrell of The Neptunes/N.E.R.D., Swizz Beats, Dr. Dre, Kanye West. The common perception is that all the hottest urban producers come from the States (especially New York, Los Angeles, or Atlanta), but the industry is slowly starting to recognize the incredible talent that resides on the cold side of the Canada-US border. Case in point: T-Minus (Tyler Williams), an up-and-coming producer from Ajax, Ontario who is represented by Lavish Life Management. At the age of 21, this prodigious talent has already worked with heavy hitters in the world of hip hop and R&B including Ludacris, Drake, Plies, Young Jeezy, Mya, and Chris Brown. Williams first started experimenting with music as a student at Pickering High School. “I’ve always loved music,” he says. “I used to play the drums, so I’ve always been interested in music in that way.” After sitting at the drum kit for a few years, he decided to try making … [Read more...]

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This Business is Personal

January 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Trey Anthony on why health and harmony are crucial to success in business “I always approach my business as an extension of myself.” These words ring true when they are being spoken by a writer who draws from her own experiences to create touching and humorous plays, an actor who always empathizes with her audience, an entrepreneur who finances most of the budget for each show her company produces, and a producer whose motto is “How do I know it’s good? Because my name is on it.” Trey Anthony’s two Toronto-based companies, Trey Anthony Productions and the Trey Anthony @One Centre (started in 2001 and 2008, respectively) are both thriving. The former is a production company for theatre, film, and television which brings in six figures annually; the latter is a wellness centre for women on Queen Street West which encourages them to focus on the core principles of Mind, Body, Spirit, Creativity, and Fun. When Anthony wakes up in the morning, “I say to myself, In order to do this I have to be physically and emotionally and spiritually in sync.” She runs on the treadmill, meditates, and does daily affirmations to focus and prepare for a day of work. “You can ask my staff,” she laughs, “the days that I don’t exercise and the days I don’t meditate, they know. . . . If I’m not well physically or emotionally, my business isn’t well physically or emotionally. I cannot run on empty, because then my thoughts are running on empty, my creativity is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Arts