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.

Known as the sassy, fiery redhead in the original Pussycat Dolls, Carmit Bachar is placing her individual stamp on the industry.  Never settling for less and being a pioneer for cultivating creative freedom and innovative thinking, Carmit knows no boundaries. Dancing before she would even walk, she has worked with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Beyoncé, Gwen Stefani, Michael Jackson, Black Eyed Peas, Wyclef Jean, and Macy Gray.  And now Carmit has created a sizzling Hollywood platform—where new talent and celebrities share the stage in a multi-genre, music-driven, concert-style theatrical show—as she has seamlessly moved from her beginnings in dance into the areas of choreography, directing, music, and production. Starting off as an all-night underground celebration, the show has grown to become one of the hottest tickets in town and is claimed as the next step in the evolution of entertainment. Carmit was bursting with endless energy when we caught her on the way to a rehearsal for the glamorous LA BeBe Fashion Show, for which she was booked to perform, host, and integrate elements of her self-produced “Zodiac Show.”

Anyone who has been paying any attention to the great influx of Canadian music over the past few years will have heard of a band named The Arkells. This five-piece unit, which formed in 2006 during the members’ first year at McMaster University, has set itself apart with a Motown sense of rhythm, a ‘Springsteen-esque’ vocal style, and a Neil Young lyrical sensibility. By touching on such influences, the band has created blue-collar anthems that are resonating well with their newly acquired fan base. After the release of their 2008 full-length album, Jackson Square, with standout singles that include "Oh, The Boss Is Coming" and "Ballad of Hugo Chavez," The Arkells have enjoyed some radio success, which has helped them achieve a much-envied spot among their indie peers. With the help of the Dine Alone Records digital re-release of the six-song EP Deadlines in early 2008, members Nick Dika (bass), Mike DeAngelis (guitar and vocals), Max Kerman (lead vocals and guitar), Dan Griffin (keyboard, guitar, and vocals) and Tim Oxford (drums) have been pretty busy, to say the least.

The release of their 2007 EP proved to be a great decision after they drew the attention of Dine Alone Records, home to such bands as Bedouin Sound Clash and City and Colour—both groups that have enjoyed Canadian and international success.

John Payne empowers WIDEawake-Deathrow Entertainment with evolution and industry panache as he targets new directions in music. An engineer for early Death Row projects, John Payne is the new face of the industry. An ear for sound, a heart for the music, a mind for business and the power to take artists to new levels combine to make him a true Renaissance man. A humble, soft-spoken person during our interview, he said, “I am married to the music. It brings me joy to create and to help my artists succeed. It is my passion.” Music is the heartbeat, and John Payne is the energy conduit that brings forth WIDEawake-Deathrow Entertainment. Integrity is his cornerstone as he breathes new life into the business.

The new sound includes hip-hop, R&B and the urban music of the streets. John Payne’s belief that music is universal is the core of WIDEawake-Deathrow Entertainment. The search for talent equates to the search for the human element that makes an artist remarkable.

The phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover” most definitely comes into play when first laying eyes on the English-born model, actor and musician Sam Sarpong. When I was first asked to follow Sam over the course of several months, I immediately imagined a typical model-turned-actor. I did a quick run-through in my mind of what my experience with him would consist of: girls, parties, the limelight, and designers, among other narcissistic impressions. I did not expect to see much else, initially unaware that Sam is the complete opposite of the conventional Hollywood star. But who is Sam Sarpong?

When introduced to Sam, I found him to be very calm and personable. We talked briefly on the set of Cold Case about his transition from ‘Sam Sarpong’ to his guest role as ‘Zed, the rap star.’ It was remarkable how effortlessly he switched characters.

The night was a bit chilly and the line up in front of the Horseshoe Tavern was long.  Fans were in anticipation for a chance to preview Moneen's performance, supporting their latest CD and fourth full-length album, “The World I Want to Leave Behind”.  Many waited patiently as the security tried to control the ever-growing line, impressively stretched along Queen Street West.  You could not help but feel a sense of magic in the air as you entered the venue.  Something cool was brewing, and I realized that I would be a witness to one of Moneen's infamous shows, which they have built their reputation on.  The set was full of crowd surfing, and an energy set that proved to all that Moneen is here to stay.

The Toronto based band was formed in early 2000 and consists of four members.  Kenny Bridges (front Man), Erik Hughes (Bassist), Chris Hughes (Guitar/vocalist), and Steve Nunnaro (Drummer) who recently joined the band in early 2009.