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The Israelites experienced forty years of wilderness wandering because of unbelief (Numbers 14:26–34). Forty years of walking around in circles because they allowed themselves to be influenced not by the word of the LORD but by what they heard from their peers. How many of us make that same mistake today? “Search the land of Canaan, which I [the LORD] give unto the children of Israel” (Numbers 13:2, KJV). The word was not “which I *will* give” but rather “which I give.” That they had the land was already a done deal, and all they had to do from this point on was follow the LORD’s instructions.

To walk in God’s promises and assurances requires us to see things and situations from His perspective. His track record is perfect, and nothing He has ordained has failed to come to pass. Six times in Genesis 1 we read, “And God said… and it was so.” We may sometimes doubt what God says, but if it aligns with His revelation of Himself, we can stand with conviction on it. It is interesting to note that when some of the spies saw the land filled with giants, they immediately saw themselves not as the LORD’s children doing what He had instructed but reported, “We were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight (Numbers 13:33). Their inability to see themselves as the LORD saw them defined who they were, and they presumed others saw them as they saw themselves.

If God says you’re strong, then you are. If He declares you an overcomer, then you are. If He says you can and that you will, then you can and you will. Whatever He says of you, that is what and who you are. The issue is not so much what others say or believe about you, or even what you believe about yourself, or the different challenging situations you and I find ourselves in. The challenge to every believer is this: What and whose report are we going to believe? The Israelites chose to believe the bad report, and by doing so, they angered the LORD.

What does the LORD say of Himself? In Isaiah 55:8–11, we read, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (ESV).

If He says it, then we can believe it. Everything else outside of that is irrelevant.

The post WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL – The Cost of Unbelief appeared first on Jamaicans.com.

Jamaican dancehall artist Popcaan and British footwear titan Clarks have teamed up. This partnership introduces a new Wallabee line design set to the brand’s Originals collection that hit selected retailers and online stores on November 10, 2023. The collaboration is a significant blend of Popcaan’s  “Unruly” persona and the classic appeal of Clarks’ footwear.

A Nod to Street Culture

Popcaan, a prominent figure in the dancehall scene, has had a longstanding connection with Clarks, a brand that resonates deeply with the street culture in Jamaica. The artist’s earliest memories of Clarks are tied to his childhood desire for the shoes, which were then a symbol of status and respect. The collaboration is said to be a natural progression for Popcaan, who in 2010 was featured on Vybz Kartel’s  hit song “Clarks” celebrating the brand’s iconic status in Jamaica.

Unruly Style Meets Classic Design

The new Wallabee design features a bold red and black camouflage print, intertwined with Popcaan’s signature ‘Unruly’ wording, showcasing a design that’s as much about making a statement as it is about fashion. This partnership marks Popcaan’s first collaboration with Clarks Originals and showcases the artist’s personal style. The choice of the Wallabee silhouette for the collaboration is particularly telling, as Popcaan considers it his favorite Clarks shoe, and the colors chosen represent what he calls “unruly colors.”

Anticipation and Future Collaborations

This collaboration has been anticipated by fans of both the artist and the footwear brand, with the launch creating a significant buzz in the fashion community. Looking forward, the partnership between Popcaan and Clarks isn’t just a one-off event; it signals the beginning of a potentially ongoing relationship between the artist and the brand. Popcaan himself hints at more to come, suggesting that the collaboration will go “harder on the next design.”

Photo – YouTube

The post A Weh You Get Da New Clarks Deh Popcaan? Dancehall Artist is the Face of Clarks Latest Campaign appeared first on Jamaicans.com.

On Sunday, November 5, a large crowd of women gathered in anticipation to witness the debut performance of Grammy-nominated R&B sensation, Trey Songz, at the Sunscape All White Brunch party in Kingston. For those unable to attend, it was an event they deeply regretted missing.

The American artist, who had teased his appearance on social media, expressed how excited he was to perform for a Jamaican audience. Taking the stage in a crisp white button-down ensemble, Trey Songz treated the audience to a dynamic 20-minute set, featuring hits like “Bottoms Up,” “Dive In,” “Say Aah,” and “Neighbors Know My Name.”

The fervor of the audience was palpable, with some women almost tempted to leap onto the stage. Despite the short duration of his time on stage, Trey Songz’s performance demanded considerable vocal prowess, effortlessly navigating the wide range of octaves in his repertoire.

For a glimpse of the electrifying performance, here are some video highlights.

 

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Video Source – Sunscape Brunch on Instagram

The post Jamaican Women are Demanding An Encore From Trey Songz Following His First-Ever Performance in Kingston appeared first on Jamaicans.com.

Braata Productions, an enterprise dedicated to providing authentic representations of the culture of Caribbean islands, will present the Christmas Grand Market during the 2023 holiday season. The market, which will be held in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, will showcase Caribbean-themed arts and crafts, traditional foods, music, and cultural performances. The festive market will bring together Caribbean communities and those interested in Caribbean culture to enjoy the season and explore the many rich traditions of the Caribbean.

A Long-Standing Tradition in Jamaica

The Christmas Market is a longstanding tradition in Jamaica, which typically takes place on Christmas Eve or after Christmas morning church services. The family-friendly festivities are enjoyed by the entire community, and all participants enjoy games, competitions for all ages, gifts – including toys – on offer at brightly decorated stalls, and always an abundance of tasty food and drinks.

Three Days of Celebration

The 2023 Christmas Market will be held at three separate locations on three consecutive days:

Saturday, December 09, 2023

Merrick Academy Charter School

136-25 218th Street, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413

Market opens at 5:30 pm

Concert at 7:00 pm

Sunday, December 10, 2023 

Harry S Truman High School

750 Baychester Avenue, Bronx NY

Market opens at 4:30 pm

Concert at 6:00 pm

 Sunday, December 17, 2023

Alliance Tabernacle (formerly Clarendon Road Church)

3304 Clarendon Road, Brooklyn, NY 11203

Market opens at 4:30 pm

Concert at 6:00 pm

Hosted by Award-Winning Jamaican Emcee Dahlia Harris

Jamaican-born cultural and creative industries entrepreneur, Dahlia Harris, will serve as the emcee at the market. Harris, the CEO of the independent product company, DMH Productions, provides employment for creative talent and is dedicated to exploring social issues via the arts. Her mission also includes advancing the recognition of Jamaican content around the world. She is the recipient of the Bigga High Achievers Award and has been inducted into the Caribbean Hall of Fame. In 2017, at the inaugural Brand YOU Academy Kingston, she received the Excellence in Personal Branding Award. She is the founder of the Jamaica Women in Theater Festival and has won numerous awards for her talent as a writer, actor, and producer. She was the first female senior product of radio and television sports in Jamaica and is in demand as a motivational speaker.

Featured Performers

Concerts staged during the Christmas Market will feature Meecah and Abena. Meecah has been performing on stage since she was three years old and played Zindi Mandela in workshops of the musical production of “Mandela.” She played all leading women in the Tony Award-winning “Hamilton,” and recently appeared in the original Jamaican musical, “The Harder They Come” and as Dorothy in the Broadway Workshop of “The Wiz.” Off stage, she enjoys spending time with her Caribbean family, surfing, and playing sports. Abena comes from Nevis, and is the daughter of the accomplished vocalist, Erlene Williams-King and the late Honorable Vance Amory, the former Premier of Nevis. She has sung with several Gospel choirs in Brooklyn and performed with Sir Frankie McIntosh, among other music legends. Recently embarked on a solo career, she has released the original reggae love song, “Your Love” and a cover of “Flowers.”

Christmas Market 2023 Made Possible Through State and Local Support

The Market will be presented under the joint efforts of Braata Productions, the New York State Council on the Arts, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and the New York State Legislature. It is also partly supported by public funds via the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council members Selvena N. Brooks-Powers and Kevin Riley, and New York State Assemblyman Brian Cunningham.

About Braata Productions

“Braata” is a colloquial Jamaican term that means “more,” and more is what Braata Productions seeks to bring to its supporters and audiences. The company was launched by actor/singer Andrew Clarke in 2009 with the goal of providing entertainment and education to patrons and giving a voice to performers, writers, and directors to bring Caribbean folk culture, music, and theater to the United States. It is dedicated to providing Caribbean and Caribbean-American artists a place to showcase their talents. It seeks to take its position among the leading performing arts organizations in New York City, while also providing community outreach beyond the five boroughs to Connecticut, Rochester, and Boston. Since its founding, Braata Productions has served more than 350 artists, directors, designers, technicians, and entrepreneurial artists, and has created The Braata Folk Singers, Braata Education & Outreach Project BE, Braata Theatre Workshop, and The “Braata” Award.

Photo – Braata Productions

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