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Adrian Dutchin: “taking it any how” for Groovy Soca Monarch

Adrian Dutchin“If you looking for me… with company or alone anyhow I taking it…” set to a groovy chipping soca flavor is the tool that three times Soca Monarch Adrian Dutchin plans to use to take aim at the inaugural Banks Soca Monarch. The father of one who  originates from Kitty but now resides in the USA says he’s  ready to get back in his competition mode as he heaped praises on the architects on the new event.

This statement comes even as Dutchin is working out plans to market his new heart rending “I’ll never sell out” single and Video. He is excited about the idea of a new Mashramani competition and commends Banks DIH for taking the initiative to sponsor a competition that promotes Mash music long before the Republic Anniversary.

He had absented himself from the Carib Soca Monarch competition for two years after  copping the title  for a third time and  while he has not ruled out  competing  in the 2011 competition, he told Entertainer that he’s coming home for Mash and Christmas in one. From his home in New York he affirmed that “Every time I record it’s a very exciting feeling for me and yes I am entering the Groovy Soca Monarch.”

When asked why he said his decision to enter is because “it’s something new and it’s a contest for us by us (Guyanese)”.  He said too that he also loves the camaraderie and that its good and will help the art form to develop even more on the local shores.

While we have not heard much from Dutchin said he’s always doing music the likes of his new release “I’ll never sell out” and plans to promote the song and video because he thinks “its lyrics are very true.”

He has already completed his recording for the Groovy Soca Monarch and will be getting ready for Mash his “favorite time of the year”.

When asked of his plan for the competition if he makes the shortlist he categorically stated that he plans “to do nothing different but be my self on stage.”

Reminded that if he makes the shortlist he may have to compete against members of his camp including Jumo he said “it does not matter how many people from the same label is in a contest we all have very different styles and approach to things. But what is very important is to acknowledge the label for having nurtured the artistes to the level they are at”.

By Mondale Smith

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Candace Mercedes Fields is back! Launches new video

Candace MercedesA mother of three (twins included) Candace Fields holds a degree in Communication and has functioned as a media personality who reported on Presidential matters, the Diary   for several years. She’s also a former director at GCCI but above those things while she’s focused on academia she also has a first love to which she has returned… Music! Blessed with enviable vocals in 1993 she came to brief prominence as the little Saint Stanislaus girl with the dynamic voice that hit the highest octaves. She belted out covers from Celine Dion to Whitney Houston note for note and copped the Star Search best female title and the first place purse of $30,000. She still holds that title as there has not been another competition. That year Queens College student Osea Parris placed second while Mondale Smith copped the title of best Hip Hop singer in the same competition.

She has served as lead singer for bands such as the Original Sheriff Deputies and is at present the lead singer for the Majestics band thrilling private party crowds and sometimes those gathered at the Pegasus poolside. Now she is continuing to charter her future course musically with the recent launch of a new soulful ballad “”.  With assistance from song writer Raymon Ally she has also launched a music video to complement the single. To her credit she has also completed a video and audio song titled “Sleepless nights” At present she’s working on an album of about 12 songs that will not be just soul music when it is launched.

Speaking about the importance of education she said you need it to write, manage the business of music and it most important in dealing with the public. “When you have to do contracts its good to be educated so you would not be robbed or taken advantaged of in signing contracts.

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Miss Guyana Earth fundraiser concert on Tonight

Miss Earth 2010 - Soyini FraserSimpli Royal has announced that  Soyini Fraser, Miss Guyana Earth 2010 has been selected in the lineup of this year’s Miss Earth, slated to be held in Vietnam come

November 4 to December 6th, 2010.

As part of efforts to raise funds Simpli Royal has begun to prepare Miss Fraser for representation with a new wardrobe and competition outfit which include a National Dress, Swimsuits, Evening Gown and other accessories. She is also being treated to Dance practice with Choreographer; Clive Prowell She is also being offered a series of lectures and discussions to provide her with a working knowledge of the environmental issues and Guyana’s plans for the future.

 

Mr. Bonny Alves, along with his team, producer Charmaine Blackman, Queen Makeeba, Liesa Punch, Circle of Love, Marsha Taylor, Devon Denny, together with performing artist Granny Ivlaw and Classique Dance Company, together with Fashions from Sonia Noel, Olympia small, MeLeesa Payne and Lashanna Singh have lined up a spectacular show for Friday October 8, at the National Cultural Centre from 20:00 hours. The delegates from Miss Guyana Earth 2010, other models that have graced our catwalks with sparkle and the delegates for the 2010 Miss Guyana Talented Teens will put a fitting end to the evening. Persons interested in supporting this worthy cause could contact Pamela Dillon 665-4565 or Wasim Khan 624-2465

As part of the event nine  of  Guyana’s  most talented teens will be introduced when they launch the 10th staging of the Miss Guyana Talented Teen Pageant. The 9 beautiful, talented , intelligent delegates will all be vying for the crown and a chance to represent Guyana.  This show promises unique Guyanese culture expressed in song, dance and drama and will also feature The Works and Life of Eddie Grant.

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Its Gana Bhajana Time

Dance GroupGuyanese, especially those with a penchant for Indian theatre, will be enthralled with the latest addition to entertainment. The term, “Gana Bhajana” was fondly used in the past by Guyanese when trying to explain certain Indian shows that were forthcoming. Even some Indian movies, given their routine storyline, were in some way referred to as “Gana Bhajana”.

Given its association to Indian entertainment, the Dramatic Arts Academy, thought of presenting a variety show including songs, dances and drama aptly titled, “Gana Bhajana”. The hilarious entertainment package features a number of comedy skits including the one-act play, “Abu Hassan pays his debts”. The skits do not only present opportunities for laughter, but examine pertinent issues relating to Bollywood movies and some of its stars.

Bollywood’s influence on many fans here is well known making it easier for the audience to relate to the issues. The skits will be complimented by exhilarating dances by members of the popular Sitare and Shelita’s dance troupes. What would a Bollywood show be without dances? Not to be outdone, members of the cast will spoof some popular
songs in dance.

The one-act “Abu Hassan pays his debts” highlights the extremes someone will go to pay what he/she owes. A cunning husband convinces his loyal but sceptical wife to play along in a scheme to outwit his creditors. This plan evolves without his control creating circumstances he didn’t envisaged. The King, the Princess and other members of the royal household descended upon his home creating chaos beyond imagination. This chaos is what provides laughter for the audience.

The husband is played my Michael Ignatius, Rushella Edmondson plays the wife, Nazim Hussein the King, Kerry Phang the Princess, Keisha Narine, Yusuf Ali and Romel Edmondsom the servants and Rajan Tiwarie and Raymond Persaud the creditors. These actors, along with Sonia Yarde, Narda Mohamed and Jennifer Persaud, play multiple roles in the
many skits.

“Gana Bhajana” which is directed by Neaz Subhan, promises much laughter and entertainment for the entire family. It runs at the National Cultural Centre from Saturday, October 9 to Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. respectively. Tickets are available at the National Cultural Centre.

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Ravi B, Karma etc for Guyana Chutney in the Park

Chutney Soca lovers are being advised to mark their calendar for two full days of entertainment in November. Over the years countries such as the USA Canada, Holland and Trinidad have had their experience of the Chutney in the Park show and now its Guyana’s turn says coordinator Mahendra Ramkellawan. The Karma band members    who have
performed for countless sold out shows are more than eager to return to Guyana and that they most certainly will be doing for this event.

On November 6 and 7 the Karma Band headed by Ravi B and Nisha B will be in Guyana along with a slew of other chutney acts to entertain at the Starlite  Drivin and  the Anna Regina  Community Centre Ground. According to Coordinator Ramkellawan the two nights will be most entertainingly explosive.

He explained that “this is a Caribbean Fire Fest production and we guaranteed that this will be done at the international level” He said too that the event will feature himself along with acts such as Bollywood Filmi singer Anil Singh, Daddy Chiney, Rakesh Yankarran of Dulahin Chalaa fame  along with,  Davanan Gatto of baby dance  let me
see  dam dam fame. They are set to arrive on December 6 and will be dishing all the favourites and some fresh songs too.

Ravi B the reigning Trinidad Chutney King will also be using the event to launch a new single while the ‘drunk man in the grave yard’ video story will unfold officially from Ramkellwan.  The  artistes will be backed by Shakti Strings Orchestra and the  Clarity  International band.
By Mondale Smith

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Guinness Lucky 23 To Travel To Kingston For Arthur Guinness Celebrations

Kingston,Jamaica; Twenty-three lucky Caribbean Nationals will attend the Arthur Guinness Celebration in honour of the distinguished founder of the brew, Arthur Guinness. Winners from the countries: St Kitts, Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, Trinidad, St Vincent, Antigua and St Lucia will be flown to Jamaica on all-expense paid trips for performances from Reggae and Dancehall favourites Shaggy, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, Wayne Wonder and Mavado. The event to be held on Saturday October 23, at the National Stadium in Kingston Jamaica represents what has become a yearly tradition of celebrating Arthur Guinness Day through live performances and celebrations globally.

Arthur Guinness Day, Thursday September 23 will be celebrated worldwide with various activities. The success of the Guinness brand was made possible through one man’s dream to operate his own brewery. Arthur Guinness was no stranger to the process involved in the brewing of beer. He supervised the production of brews at a fairly young age on a large estate under the guidance of his father. With his £100 inheritance he started a brewery with his brother only to break away three years later to establish what would become his leap into greatness. He seemed to be certain of what would be his brand’s success when he leased the property he used to brew his ales and ports for 9000 years. From there on, the rest is history.

It is estimated that at least 5.5 million pints of Guinness are drank worldwide, per day. Arthur Guinness’ impressive legacy has survived for more than two centuries.  People from all over the world are united in celebration of the man, the pioneer and the genius behind the “black stuff”.
The Caribbean is set to host a grand celebration of culture music, food and great entertainment. Some of Jamaica’s greatest musicians will celebrate the work and life of a man who embodied all the qualities of greatness. The Arthur Guinness Celebration takes place on Saturday October 23 at the National Stadium Kingston, Jamaica. Admission to this event is only through the Guinness Under the Cap promotions.

Caught on Camera

Guinness Girls

They say a picture can speak a thousand words; well this one certainly speaks Guinness. From the Guinness girls lined up, their Guinness bottles and the Guinness bus, it was definitely celebration of greatness.

Source: http://bit.ly/axpYTI

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Ejo Releases Two More Songs

Edmond Johnson“I’m a hardworking individual who is straight up and hate negative and false people,” Says Guyanese model and Singer Edmon Johnson age 32. The Former Guyana Prison services rank now resides in Trinidad and has won several model and singing competitions in the Twin Island Republic and has also strutted his stuff for events such as Guyana fashion weekend and the Fashion Week Trinidad 2010.

As a positive youth who loves positive people Johnson who goes by the singing name Ejo has several songs to his name such as ” Karma (the seeds you sow) and naked as well as Secrets has just completed two more songs to ad to his  growing musical Repertoire. He says the two new releases are titled ‘money junkie’ and ‘the way you feel’ and both are self written and composed. Of the recordings he said “I’m known for soca vibes but these two songs are being done with a dancehall and soca vibe.”

He also let up that while he is contemplating a return to Guyana for the 2011 soca Monarch clash he said he’s about to hit the studios to complete his power soca and groovy soca songs for the 2011 Trinidad’s carnival season. He told this publication  that  it is his wish  that he could be  hired “to come home and perform and be compensated like the  other artistes   are  from the region and  on the international scene.” As a point of note he says “I’m coming strong for the Trinidad and Tobago soca monarch! I’m still considering to come for the Carib soca monarch but as a judge”. The songs can be heard on you tube.

By Mondale Smith

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CASUAL FUSE to take Soca swing in October

Hot on the heals  of the Just concluded FUSE party the stage is being
set for yet another   show and this time the focus is likely to be on
entertainment for soca lovers.

Speaking with Show coordinator DJ Casual he has   confirmed that plansare in train for an all soc showcase.  Entertainer has   heard from sources that the show may not be held at the Tower Hotel Poolside but at a popular sports ground in the Nation’s capital. The event from what entertainer has heard may feature one of the veteran soca singersthat could be Sparrow or Shadow as the headliner and a current soca band that might be Krossfyah.  While DJ Casual has neither denied or consented to the names he said that the Show will also feature Guyana’s three times soca monarch Adrian Dutchin and Jumo as well as three times road march Queen Melissa Vanilla  Roberts. We also heard that another Fuse show would be planned for Christmas that could see the live performance from an American international artiste. For the soca show Casual said he is still working on Logistics and contracts for the October event.

The Krosfyah band  is  no stranger to the local shores  but has not
beeen to Guyana for more than five years. it is reportedly the hottest band to have ever come out of Barbados. The unique blend of soca, reggae and calypso is thrilling fans all over the world and the music is characterized by a fresh, innovative sound and positive, conscious messages. Krosfyah is popular for songs such as the Ultimate Party, Pump Me Up, ‘On the Road Again’, ‘No Behavior’, and ‘Oil Pumping’.

By Mondale Smith

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Fuse Flashback

Christopher Martin, D Major ignite Tower Poolside, Guyana – Kudos to DJ Casual

Even as some are thinking that a Guyanese promoted party ‘ain’t popping’ locally unless it has Hits and Jams or Wildfire attached to it; here comes food for though. Praises are being heaped on Radio DJ turn promoter Casual this follows the successful staging of FUSE at the Tower Hotel pool Side two Saturdays ago. Fuse is s string of parties that feature live performances by the crème de la crème of Guyanese acts and International artistes. The first show that filled the Tower Hotel pool Side and lobby area to capacity featured performances from reigning Road March queen Vanilla, Guyanese star entertainer Jumo and Jamaican artistes Christopher Martin and D Major. This we understand
is the first of several Digicel sponsored entertainment offerings before 2010 concludes and from what we hear it promises to get even better and better with each promotion.
Talks of Second serving:  If all goes well Guyanese Christopher Martin fans might be treated to a second serving of the Jamaican artiste and his team member D Major before year end… the most recent information from sources close to the last promotion. Entertainer understands that the second serving idea is being discussed and that it might be on Old year’s night possibly at a bigger venue. This talk was heard as more than 2000 patrons were celebrating the Digicel sponsored FUSE show live hosted by radio DJ Casual at the Tower International Hotel poolside.

The very humble and focused Martin, came to prominence in 2005 after winning the Digicel Rising Star competition in Jamaica and is popular for hits such as Driver, Real Friends and Christopher Giving it. More than a  year ago Martin was advertised as   one of the  featured acts along Side  Sizzla but that show  never  came off and  he  was most
apologetic as he told Entertainer “that was not my fault but I will make up for it.” He certainly did make up by arriving in Guyana one day ahead of the show with team member D Major. They hit up several night spots as well as the Guinness Bar on the Plaisance Line Top as part of their pre-show schedule and were celebrated on every occasion making friends at every location. Then on show night as part of his first live Guyana stage show he dished songs from his ever growing musical repertoire and aside from gaffing up fans, he along with D Major dished some back in time covers that attracted screams mostly from the overwhelming majority of women folk in attendance.

Aside from the excited capacity crowd there were the over enthusiastic ladies who took every opportunity to paw and claw at the 23-year-old crooner’s crotch and legs. Of the lot two in attendance.lucky women join him on stage at separate intervals. (One was celebrating her birthday while the other represented for the Guyanese women as the envy of every woman Both had more than enough body mass but the petite yet sculpted artiste took them on in a most entertaining but sexually charged way. At one point the artiste got more than he bargained for and enlisted the assistance of Guyana’s Rubber waist Jumo to entreatingly offer a human game of tennis with a lustful lady patron at the center.  Martin is probably still getting over the spine tingling experience of the tongue that brushed his left ear which saw him blushing uncontrollably while clasping his face and looking to the heavens.  It was D major’s rendition of “girl you know I, I, I …” that started the segment of hot cover songs such as unchained melody etc… Setting the tone for what can best be described as an excellent promotions start event were Guyana’s own Vanilla who dished her regular vibes with songs such as High etc.

Jumo Primo who is promising to bring the Byron Lee’s Dragonaires Band to Guyana for Christmas was his usual self that included him teaching the crowd to wine Guyanese style in comparison to the citizens of other Caribbean Countries. At the show’s conclusion there was hardly a person with dry clothing and there was no murmuring from fans who did express their desire for more shows of such a nature. Up beat about Guyana/ Florida show Chris Martin told one of Urban Islandz website representatives in Jamaica that he is still on a high after his hugely successful show in Guyana and in Florida. The former digicel rising stars winner rocked a huge crowd in Guyana at the Fuse -Hotel Tower. The young reggae singer dished out his huge catalog of old and new hits to a screaming crowd at his feet. “It was truly a pleasure being in Guyana, myself and D-Major felt as if we were right at home and the response of the fans was truly overwhelming. The crowd was somewhere between 2000 and 2,500 but they made me feel like they where 70,000 the entire experience was pure love an I truly appreciated it,” Chris told Urban Islandz rep.

By Mondale Smith

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Guyanese selected to be peace pioneer in international youth project

Tiffany Daniels20-year-old Tiffany Daniels of Guyana has been selected as one of thirty-five young participants in the 2010 Nkabom Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme.

Tiffany, a student of Sociology at the University of Guyana, is an ardent youth activist. Beating stiff competition from over 500 other international applicants, she has emerged as Guyana’s sole representative in a group comprising 28 diverse nationalities.

The Nkabom Programme is a flagship project of the Royal Commonwealth Society, the oldest and largest NGO devoted to Commonwealth affairs. The word Nkabom (pronounced ink-a-bom) means ‘coming together’ in parts of Ghana where the programme was first held in 2004.

In September 2010, thirty five young people aged between 18 and 25 from around the world will gather in Kigali, Rwanda for an interactive 10 day programme focussing on international understanding, peace building and conflict resolution skills. Rwanda, which is the Commonwealth’s newest member state and where the average age is 18 years, will be an ideal setting for an initiative that propagates the potential of young people to be agents of peace and development.

Tiffany Daniels said: “I am delighted to have been offered a place on the programme, especially given its focus on peacebuilding. We ought to envision a world where our children ask what ‘was’ war as opposed to them being caught in this present-day snare. ’’

RCS Youth Programmes Manager, Claire Anholt said: “The standard of applications received this year has been outstanding. The knowledge, experience and perspective that Tiffany will bring to the programme will, I am sure, empower her fellow participants to promote peace within their own communities and in the wider world.’’

Notes to Editors

The Nkabom Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme:

  • actively engages young people in international issues, particularly conflict resolution
  • fosters friendships and encourages the exchange of ideas among people from diverse cultural backgrounds
  • develops a network of young leaders who can pioneer and revitalise peace-building initiatives in their communities, their countries and beyond
  • is directed by young people themselves.

The Royal Commonwealth Society: Founded in 1868, the RCS conducts a range of events and activities aimed at promoting international understanding. Its educational, youth and cultural programmes include one of the world’s oldest and largest schools essay competitions, and an innovative international youth leadership programme. HM Queen Elizabeth II is Patron. Headquartered at the Commonwealth Club in London, the RCS has some 4000 members in the UK and a presence in 40 Commonwealth countries through a network of branches and Commonwealth societies. The RCS is a registered charity in England & Wales (226748). For more details, visit: www.thercs.org

Tiffany Daniels:

  • Currently completed a BSc. in Sociology with an unofficial GPA of 3.6 from the University of Guyana, awaiting graduation in November.
  • Youth journalist/secretary for Youth Media Guyana
  • Previous Intern at the Commonwealth Youth Programme Caribbean Centre
  • International Youth Juror for the United Nations Alliance of Civilization’s – Plural +
  • Years of extensive involvement with projects of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
  • Independent Coordinator and Chief Facilitator of UNICEF funded/GuyberNet Facilitated Rights Education Summer Programme in 2008
  • Previous Presidential Candidate for the University of Guyana’s Student Society Elections 2009-2010
  • Represented Guyana and the Caribbean in May 2010 at the United Nations Alliance of Civilization’s Youth Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  • Alma mater – St Rose’s High School (2000-2005) [top ten graduating student]; The Bishop’s High School (Lower 6th Form: 2005-2006)
  • Represented Guyana and the Caribbean at the International Student Week in Ilmenau, Germany (May 2009)