The name Hans DesVignes has over the years become synonymous with Trinidad and Tobago’s radio and television landscape. A media personality and professional host who has proven his worth across spectrums, DesVignes delivers crossover appeal time and time again. Now, he’s on to something new, necessary and exciting. He gets hands on with something he’s passionate about, something that has already begun to bring smiles to the faces of culture loves everywhere.
A reflective posture amid a pandemic that changed the lives of millions around the world, including cultural stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago, birthed a new project, aptly dubbed, “Hans On.”
Hans DesVignes is delivering Hans On
The production of a television series that would delve head first into the heartache, frustration and glimmers of hope amid Covid, became as necessary, as it was urgent. “Our stories weren’t being told. It was clear to me that nobody was telling the stories of our entertainers and other people in entertainment, who left our country to pursue income overseas during the pandemic,” said DesVignes. He lamented that there was hardly enough mainstream media coverage to the plights of the country’s cultural ambassadors and other representatives.
In September 2021, Hans joined his entertainment cohorts, flying out to the United States prepared to collect their stories. From Carib Fest in Virginia, to meeting up with Kees Dieffenthaller and his band ahead of their ‘IZWE’ concert in New York, a chat with Boston Caribbean-centric promoter, Scoops Way on his efforts to promote Caribbean culture, Farmer Nappy’s Miami showcase, DJ Private Ryan’s pandemic experience, the Miami Carnival Experience and so much more, Hans accrued the necessary content to bring those back home, up to speed on what was truly happening with their people, outside.
“I felt like these stories really needed to be told and not just the stories of singers, but the stories of all the other people who do it for us – DJs, promoters and every other professional who keeps our culture in focus even when no one is giving them the attention they deserve,” said DesVignes.
Now, a deal signed with local network, TTT allows the media personality to shine the light on all that has happened during the pandemic and onward. “The great thing about Hans On is that it can go in any direction from here,” he said. The 4- minute feature airs each Wednesday at 7:30am, on the NOW Morning Show on TTT. Even with all that, Hans says he’s far from finished, teasing yet another project he’s calling H&S. That, he says will take on a talk show format, something he knows will add immensely to what’s already being offered in T&T.
Hard at work on the upcoming venture, and having created, produced and hosted ‘Hans On’, Hans is leveraging passion and purpose. He’s got a keen sense of hope and pride in a culture that has lived in him for as long as he can remember.
Though weary, family and friends, along with Damian ‘Ace’ Oliverie himself, will not give up on the prospects of a bright and happy future. Now diagnosed with Multiple myeloma – a cancer of the body’s plasma cells, a type of white blood cells charged with producing antibodies- the well-loved Trinidad and Tobago entertainer, husband and father, will require chemotherapy and constant treatment for the rest of his life.
Oliverie was rushed to hospital on the morning of March 2nd. Initially, a diagnosis had not been confirmed, however a surgical procedure to decompress his spine had been accomplished. His wife has explained that since the surgery, he has been receiving continued treatment and requires round the clock care. “In recent weeks Damian has been plagued by a number of infections and complications, but he is strong and we are faithful,” said Kizzy.
Unwavering in spirit, many in the entertainment industry have pledged their support to the artiste’s recovery. On June 14th, they will gather as one to raise funds for Damian’s medical expenses and his continued healthcare. Recovery The Concert will take place at WASA’s St. Joseph grounds with patrons being asked to contribute $200 to attend and experience the music of reggae, soca and dancehall artistes from both Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. The event starts at 7pm and will go until 12am with all proceeds going towards Damian’s healthcare. “Although the initial surgery addressed the spinal issue, doctors have advised that there is still a great deal of treatment necessary,” said Mrs. Oliverie.
Tickets for the Recovery Concert are available online at islandetickets.com and the list of physical ticket outlet locations can be viewed @recovery_the_concert on Instagram. “We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of love, prayer and support received,” said Kizzy, adding that assistance offered in any way, is appreciated. “Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. This has ultimately shaken our family to the core, but we will get through it with God and the support of our village. We are grateful to you all,” she said.
A livestream on TikTok ended suddenly under tragic circumstances when the son of reggae artiste, Jah Mason was shot at point blank range. The victim, Jabari ‘Baba Skeng’ Johnson was reportedly approached and shot execution-style on Monday while live-streaming on TikTok near a shop along Red Hills Road in St. Andrew, Jamaica.
Jabari ‘Baba Skeng’ Johnson
The St. Andrew North Police have launched an investigation into the incident. According to the Jamaica Observer, the young man’s father, Jah Mason has since confirmed the death of his son but at the time, was still coming to terms with the devastating news and preferred not to speak in detail.
According to reports, Johnson was broadcasting live on TikTok when he was approached by a masked individual dressed in black. The assailant shot him in the back of the head at close range, then continued firing after Johnson fell. The gunman then fled the scene.
Johnson’s death marks the fourth killing of a Jamaican TikTok personality in recent months.
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