THIS JUST IN: New news featuring Nelson Mandela, Romain Virgo, Busy Signal and Ziggy Marley

THE PEACEMAKER: Early funeral details for Mandela emerge
Countless celebrities have been paying tribute to the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), the late South African freedom-fighter and humanitarian who passed away at age 95 on Thursday. According to online reports, Mr. Mandela, affectionately called Madiba by his native South Africans, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Qunu following a thanksgiving service on Sunday, December 15. 

GOING PLATINUM: Busy Signal reaps a platinum 'Watch'
Thanks to his hypnotic, chart-topping single "Bumaye (Watch Out Fi Dis)," top-flight deejay Busy Signal has gotten his first taste of platinum success. The hit song, produced by Major Lazer, was recently accorded the high honour by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) in Denmark, after the track and its accompanying video racked up an impressive 50 million views on YouTube. "I have been tremendously blessed, and I can't deny it," admits the deejay, whose voice is also featured in Pepsi's current international ad campaign. 

ALL FOR ONE: Virgo to debut The Unit this month
"It will be the first time that I will get to perform on a major show with my own band," reveals reggae heartthrob Romain Virgo of his upcoming headline performance on the GT Taylor Christmas Reggae Extravaganza "We call the band The Unit because we work as a team. There is a oneness about how we work together. When I perform with them, it's not about Romain Virgo performing with a back-up band; it's about all of us working together to give the people a good performance every time." 

A SONG FOR TWO: Ziggy and Dionne Warwick record a "feel-good" duet
Capping another banner year for the hard-working reggae superstar, Ziggy Marley has recorded a new song for 2013 Jamaica Jazz & Blues songbird Dionne Warwick's forthcoming duets album. "Feels So Good" is among the tracks that will appear on the disc due out next May on the singing legend's son's label. Among the other big names for the album are the likes of Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and Ne-Yo. Ziggy's Live in Concert CD, released this past summer, is favoured to win a Grammy nod when the Best Reggae Album nominees are revealed following the live nominations concert on Friday night (Dec. 6), hosted yet again by LL Cool J.

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BANDS ON THE RISE: Two emerging groups bring the noise for inaugural Kingston Music Week

THE MELODY MAKERS: Members of the Earthcry Band, a troupe with skill and style to spare.

For what's bound to be one of the most memorable periods of the month, Kingston Music Week is off and running, offering patrons across the city performances by some of the local entertainers they've come to love (Tanya Stephens, Rootz Underground), while giving some up-and-coming musicians a much-welcomed platform to showcase what they're all about. 

Thursday night's brief live show inside the Edna Manley College's Vera Moody Concert Hall was all about the on-the-verge band, with standout stints by two groups in particular: Earthcry, which yielded a solid fusion of roots-rock reggae and jaunty contemporary sounds with cuts such as "Will You Be There" and "Hard Road", and the five-member aggregation Pentateuch, which drew on a blend of stirring grooves on tracks like "Armaggedeon Time" and "Pressure." 

By all appearances, these are young bands with substance, and, above all, their memorable performances succeeded in getting beyond the superficial.

Though the concert ended much too quickly, the fair-sized crowd got a real sense of the craft that goes into the projects of these impressively talented instrumentalists (and lead vocalists) and a sound understanding of the requisite stage presence and delivery techniques needed to woo audiences and win admirers of all stripes.

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FLICK OF THE WEEK: Jason Statham takes on the whole town in slightly sluggish Homefront

RIDE AND SHINE: Statham and Vidovic as a father-daughter duo striving for normalcy.

It's not very often you come across an ambitious action thriller that packs enough adrenaline to power a turbo machine. Then again, almost anything starring Jason Statham (The Transporter series) is bound to pack a power punch or two -- even the story leaves much to be desired.

Such is the case it turns out with this month's Homefront, a frenetic small-town saga (with a screenplay by Sylvester Stallone) populated by unruly rednecks and lost souls that, in spite of its sketchily drawn bunch of characters and a far-fetched plot, delivers a decent wallop. In short, for all its flaws, Homefront is a respectable take on the settling of old scores against sun-and-dust realism.

Statham plays Phil Broker, a retired NARC who, having lost a wife and left his job over a police operation gone terribly wrong, moves with his young daughter (Izabela Vidovic) to a remote town where, he soon learns, feuds dies hard. When his kid is lured into a fight by an overweight bully at school, it sets in motion a dangerous series of events with damning consequences.

The other-wise lovely Kate Bosworth, doing her best redneck wild woman here (the bully's cantankerous mother); James Franco, as a local rent-a-cop with a roguish streak, and Winona Ryder (his down-for-whatever chick) round out the supporting cast.

You don't have to be conversant with the finer details of the plot to know that things will turn out horribly for most. And though the action doesn't play out all that predictably, the movie still doesn't pull you into a vortex; rather, Homefront leaves you on the outside a bit dumbfounded with its steam-heat madness and rough-house sensibilities. Tyrone's Verdict: B-

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THE MEASURE OF A MAN: Global icon and freedom-fighter Nelson Mandela takes his final bow

THY BROTHER'S KEEPER: The South African leader greets Jamaica's Michael Manley on arrival in Kingston in 1991.

On account of his phenomenal and selfless work as untiring crusader against apartheid and other forms of social injustice, South Africa's Nelson Mandela emerged as one of the planet's most revered patriarchal figures and a global symbol of remarkable decency and grace under fire. That's why his passing is so deeply felt around the world. 

To my mind, Nelson Mandela, who drew his last breath at age 95 on Thursday after ailing for quite some time, was the utter definition of perseverance and how to deal with adversity. Such well-deserved accolades, as the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, were testament to a life fully lived in the service of others. 

"I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideals of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities," Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, remarked in one of his most famous public speeches. "It is an ideal which I hope to live for an to achieve. But, if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
Based on his internationally acclaimed autobiography, A Long Walk to Freedom, a new film starring Idris Elba and Naomie Harris, is currently doing the rounds in cinemas. July 18 of this year was observed as International Nelson Mandela Day.

LET'S RECALL A GREAT MAN: Jamaican political figures salute the late Nelson Mandela 

"I convey the heartfelt sympathy of the government and people of Jamaica on the loss of the father of the South-African nation. His life will inspire countless generations and his illustrious legacy will endure. He was, without doubt, one of the greatest human beings in the history of humanity." -- Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller 

"Nelson Mandela was one of the greatest leaders to have ever walked the Earth. We all are fortunate to have witnessed his selfless leadership and dedication to humanity and to his people and to his country." -- Opposition Leader Andrew Holness 

"Nelson Mandela overcame the tyranny and racial oppression to become an apostle for a world where people, irrespective of colour or creed, could dwell together in peace and harmony." -- Former prime minister P.J. Patterson 

"[Mandela] tried to transform [South Africa] into a country in which people of different races could live together in a multiracial society, and he succeeded to a great extent." -- Former prime minister Edward Seaga

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NEWS & NOTES: Richard Bevan appointed new CPL chairman + School-based culture card programme launched

ART APPRECIATION: Under a new pilot programme conceived by the youth and culture ministry (launched on Wednesday at the National Gallery), over 100 students from several corporate-area secondary institutions will receive special "culture cards" giving them access to museums, galleries, heritage sites, exhibitions and productions by private arts and culture companies, as well as activities at the Edna Manley College. According to Minister Lisa Hanna, the initiative is aimed at heightening the cultural awareness of "students who have shown no particular inclination towards culture, as well as students who are excelling in academics for whom culture cards are offered as incentives." 

ON THE MOVE: A highly respected figure in global sports administration, Richard Bevan has assumed the chairmanship of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Bevan comes to the post having previously served bodies like the English Professional Cricketers' Association and the Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA) as founding director. "Richard has huge experience in the business of sport and a track record in leading organizations through significant growth and expansion," notes the CPL's chief executive officer, Damien O'Donohoe. "The CPL is very honoured to have him lead the team."

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WHAT'S COOL FOR DECEMBER: Something for everyone -- a quick roundup of the month's best in culture

FAIR PLAY: Poised to showcase a range of must-see performances, triumphant returns and rollicking good times at the playhouse, theatre's 2013 holiday season seems set to come off as one of the most thrilling in recent memory. From the new pantomime, The Golden Macca Fat, to fresh debuts by Basil Dawkins (My God Don't Wear Pajamas), Dahlia Harris (To The Finish) and several others, expect nothing short of front-row-worthy entertainment. 

SHOW TIME: Awards season has slipped into high gear buoyed by momentum from actors and directors all jostling for consideration for the big prizes due to be handed out mere weeks from now. Still, December will be a mixed bag, spanning blockbuster epics (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug) and prize-baiting, high-wire dramas (August: Osage County) starring a galaxy of heavyweights led by Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford and Julia Roberts. 

PAGE BY PAGE: Great literary titles always make for great stocking stuffers. That's why we're heartily recommending that you invest in new Caribbean releases like Prof. Eddie Baugh's latest anthology, Black Sand: New & Selected Poems, full of nuance and lyrical glamour. Among the other worthy options: track superstar Usain Bolt's Faster Than Lightning, a personal account of his life so far, and veteran journalist Ian Boyne's compulsively readable Ideas Matter. 

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD: From a hardworking culinary squad-on-a-mission, led by Jacqui Tyson and Leisha Wong, Kingston Kitchen remains a terrific reason for foodies, friends and family to flock to Hope Gardens for the richly diverse fare on offer at the increasingly popular event. Combining good food and a great, big outdoor setting, this month's "Christmas Grand Market" (December 14) will deliver everything from live cooking demos to a kiddies' village to musical entertainment. Log on to kingstonkitchenja.com for more details.

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PART OF SPEECH: Fraser-Pryce inks another 4-year deal with Grace + Billy Heaven bats for progress in local cricket

HEIGHT OF HER CAREER: "Being a part of the Grace Kennedy family has definitely given me the strength and courage to first understand that I have so many persons who believe in me, who believe that if you work hard and stay committed to what it is that you want to achieve, then you will get there." Those heartfelt words coming from sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as she renewed her brand-ambassador contract (another four-year run) with Grace Kennedy Limited in Kingston on Wednesday -- and was presented with a special First Global platinum visa card.

A COLLECTIVE APPROACH: "We have effectively put together a team that will take the game forward. At the end of the first 100 days I will give a report on the progress and the plans we have put in place. We come with a team that comprises different skills sets, including highly qualified professionals, as well as past and present Jamaica and West Indies players." So says freshly installed president of the Jamaica Cricket Association, Wilford 'Billy' Heaven, addressing the 76th annual awards banquet of the Business House Cricket Board in Kingston on Saturday night.

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OPEN HOUSE: Artist Latoya Smile brings her eclectic tastes to a new personal creative space

INTERIOR MOTIVES: A section of the Waterloo-based gallery; Below, the artist strikes a pose.

For quite a few years now, artist and aspiring poet Latoya Smile has been quietly churning out paintings and photographs boasting a whimsical palette and a marked engagement with everything from nature to human relationships, which she was content to keep all to herself. Until now. Buoyed by the encouragement of her husband and two high-school-age daughters, Smile has transformed the downstairs portion of her tony Waterloo Avenue address into the Master's Peace art gallery and studio, an inviting and airy haven that currently showcases nearly 40 of her finest pieces.

Perhaps best of all, she's been (at last!) welcoming visitors into her home to view the exhibition. What immediately strikes you about the display is the vibrant array and diversity of styles -- not to mention the range of moods that characterizes Smile's work. "I believe every pieces should have significance. It should tell a story or inspire someone else," emphasizes the 35-year-old intuitive who did one semester at the Edna Manley College's visual art school. "I want my work to spark conversation."

That's not all. Ultimately, Smile says she wants to collaborate with other creative souls, particularly those who need a space to show their images to a wider public. "I know how hard it is to get your work recognized, so I am trying to get the word out, inviting other painters and photographers to submit their works for display here -- and get people to come and buy because that's also crucial."

Meantime, as far as Smile's own ever-expanding body of work goes, she's found a major enthusiast in husband of eight years Gio, a Canadian chef now permanently residing in Jamaica. "She's got her whole heart put into it," he tells TALLAWAH of his wife's commitment to her art. "From day one I told her to get a brush, get a canvas and start going." Clearly the wise advice has (and continues to) reap succulent fruit. 

>> To get in touch with the galley, contact themasterspeace@live.com.

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