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Duane Stephenson has been invited by the World Food Programme to The George McGovern Leadership Award ceremony for United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday October 5 in Washington DC.

Stephenson is being invited to join the WFP’s Board of Directors, US Congressional Committee Members and Special Representative for Global Partnerships in the Office of the Secretary of State, Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley. At the prestigious event, US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, will be presented with The George McGovern Leadership Award for her work in addressing the issue of global hunger. This award is given to individuals who have done stellar work in tackling the issue and Mrs Clinton is the tenth awardee.

Asked how he feels about being in such powerful company, Stephenson says he is humbled and excited at the same time: “It’s so inspiring to be in the company of global leaders and dedicated corporate partners who share the same values and aspirations to eradicate hunger. Food is a common bond that unites every single life form on this planet, we all require it to live, yet a billion people each night go to bed hungry and 25,000 of them die,” he states.

Stephenson continues, “the Wailers and I are partners with the World Food Programme and our song, A Step for Mankind, has helped to spread the message of the need for more action in addressing the issue of world hunger”.

The young Reggae act says his work with the World Food Programme will continue as he sees the issue of world hunger as one that is very important to him: “I am happy to be there to see Secretary Clinton get this award as she has helped over the years to bring the problem of world hunger to the fore. The issue is one that affects a billion of our brothers, sisters and children in 80 countries. This award will bring added attention and raise awareness of the issue”.

Duane Stephenson is currently touring the US promoting his sophomore album Black Gold which was released on September 28. Black Gold follows Stephenson’s debut album, From August Town which was release by VP Records in 2007 and was hailed as one of that year’s best reggae albums.

Courtesy of www.jamaicaobserver.com

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Dancehall artiste Konshenswill take on his first movie role early next year in a film that will be directed by Gareth Cobran.

Speaking with THE STAR recently, Cobran, who is popular for music videos like Konshens’ Realest Song and Protoje’s Dread, said he would be doing his first film next year, with the dancehall artiste playing the lead role.

“I am in the process of developing a script. I am also looking for some funding for this script that I am going to be shooting next year and it will have Konshens as one of the stars,” he said, while remaining tight-lipped about the name of the film.

Cobran said the film will be an adaptation of a play written by Omall Wright.

“It’s not the everyday kind of story that comes out of Jamaica but still very relevant to our culture,” he told THE STAR.

The film will also be a first for the dancehall artiste, who is excited about this new venture.

“First of all Gareth a mi nigga. As for being in a movie it would be my first time but I’m definitely looking forward to the experience, and I think Jamaican artistes should jump at opportunities like this to work on local projects, build and expand their selling power and star qualities. And who knows, my young fans in music might see me in a movie and get the inspiration to make themselves the next Will Smith or Julia Roberts,” Konshens told THE STAR.

Having worked with Konshens on several projects, Cobran said he thought he would be perfect for the role.

“The writer asked me if I thought Konshens would be interested in doing it. The second he asked me, I thought he would be perfect for that role,” Cobran said.

“I know he’s a good actor and I know he can step into character. He’s going to be Garfield Spence, he will not be Konshens. I’m quite excited about that,” added Cobran.

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