After the band Billy Talent recently took home the hardware for Rock Album of the Year at the 2010 Juno Awards for “Billy Talent III,” most would say that the result comes as no surprise for a group that piqued the interest of fans from major music markets around the world as early as 2003 after the debut of their self-titled album (which has sold over 350,000 copies to date in Canada) and subsequent success of their smash hit and first single, "Try Honesty." The acclaim kicked them into high gear in 2004 after the single caught on in both the UK and European markets, within which their unique approach to rock-and-roll set them apart from many other up-and-coming acts. Since 2004, the band has received the following MMVA awards: Best Rock Video ("Try Honesty") in 2004, Best Rock Video and Best Video ("River Below") in 2005, the coveted People's Choice Award for favourite Canadian group in 2007, and in 2009, Best International Video by a Canadian ("Rusted From The Rain").

In 2004 Sean Jones and Canadian-born R&B group In Essence won a Juno award for Best R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, "The Master Plan." Shortly after that, In Essence also took home the MMVA for Best R&B Video of the Year for the single "Friend of Mine." By anyone’s standards, 2005 was definitely shaping up to be a great year for the band, with an opportunity for them to establish themselves as a fixture in the Canadian R&B scene. Sean Jones, one fifth of In Essence, described his experience with the R&B group as a positive one. It taught him what it takes to achieve goals and attain dreams. It was during the members’ last year of high school that the band formed in order to perform at a talent show. And soon enough, they discovered that performing was a great way to meet girls. Nothing was taken seriously until the band found a manager, who helped them to land shows at much bigger venues and give them an opportunity to open for more prominent acts, such as R&B heavyweight, Usher. After a period of success, In Essence ultimately decided to disband. Sean Jones meanwhile held many aspirations of his own, which led him in 2008 to sign with LA-based Wideawake Entertainment Group, his current home.

Multi-faceted and ever-changing, Lisette Bustamante embodies a true artist with a fearless nature. By never believing that “You’re one thing, and that’s it,” this unique Venezuelan/Puerto Rican beauty soldiers on as she tours the world with A-list stars, including Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, Pink, Britney Spears, Paulina Rubio, and Madonna. Encouraging her audiences to simply be themselves and have fun, this charismatic chameleon dances, sings, choreographs, directs, writes, and is evidently the quintessential example that possibilities are endless.

Mateo Magazine: When did your love affair with dance begin?
Lisette Bustamante: It was at the age of 4 when I knew that I liked to dance. There was this record I heard on the radio, and I remember telling my mom to buy it. She went to six record stores to find it, and when she finally brought it home, I played it all day long. I was obsessed. It was clear to me. Singing and dancing…that’s all I cared about.

Known for her animated and explosive personality, Chonique Sneed is a force to be reckoned with.  Her natural swagger, out-of-this world movements, and witty lyrics carry a message of empowerment, education, and evolving entertainment. She has magically touched audiences world-wide with her work for such celebrities as Missy Elliot, Eve, Gwen Stefani, P. Diddy, Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, Pink, and Jennifer Lopez.  Committed to inspiring others and being an urban bohemian at heart, Chonique provides her audience with magnificent work that acts as a mere prelude for what’s to come. 
 

Mateo Magazine: Having been born and raised in the “city of dreams,” you’ve witnessed a lot—from dancers whose dreams have come true, to those whose dreams have been shattered.  How do you continue to inspire dancers despite all the challenges they face?
Chonique Sneed: By being honest with them.  Hollywood is not the most honest place. The industry is sometimes not loyal.  Fortunately, I know the difference.  I inspire them by coming from a genuine place.  I tell them to find their path, and that not everyone’s path or way is at the center of Hollywood.