Editor’s Letter: The Make it Happen Issue

The other day I received an email with the heading ‘Keys to Success’. It wasn’t from anyone I knew, but curious, I opened it:

BELIEVE while others are doubting
STUDY while others are sleeping
BEGIN while others are procrastinating WORK while others are wishing
LISTEN while others are talking
PERSIST while others are quitting

I took a few minutes to reflect on these words and my own journey, as I have had to do all of the above on my path as an entrepreneur. Then my thoughts moved on to my friends, family and people featured in this issue, also working hard, actively living and breathing those words to succeed, at least try. In the face of adversity, including a lack of finance, naysayers and the stresses of everyday life, we still try to reach our goals. Welcome to our ‘Make It Happen’ issue…

Our cover star Chip didn’t ever consider his music career could be over because of the closure of his record label; instead he and his team formulated a new plan, packed up and headed Stateside. The move paid off as he is now signed to platinum- selling rapper TI’s label Grand Hustle. For more motivational tips, find out more inside.

Another rapper who had it tough but has lived to tell his tale is Tyga. Through determination and the support of his famous cousin he was able to become a success in the music industry. Tyga had to grow up fast. Why? Well, you’ll have to read the feature to find out.

This issue also showcases musical talent from Africa. For a long time African music wasn’tplaylisted on major radio stations or spoken much about in our media, but in the last year that has all changed. Read our feature on stars like D’banj, Wizkid and May7ven, who have put the Afrobeats genre on the map. Artists from Africa are now winning awards and topping the charts outside the continent, and it’s only the beginning.

With the eyes of the world on the London 2012 Olympics, now is a good time to spur yourself on and leave your mark, whether in business, sport, music, entertainment or your local community – just like Marshals Cheer, Trey Songz, Wale, Cleo Sol and many other talented people featured in this issue. Read on and find your inspiration to ‘Make It Happen’ too!

Annika Allen
Editor-In-Chief
PS Congratulations to Jamaica, celebrating 50 years of independence!

Check out some pics of our journalists with some of the talent featured in The Make It Happen issue.