Sonia Noel, three models for FWTT

ModelCEO of GFW Sonia Noel will again represent Guyana at Fashion Week of Trinidad and Tobago which promises to be even bigger and better than before. FWTT provides a strategic and essential platform for merchandising and branding for Caribbean designers living in the Caribbean and the diaspora.

Rosemary Stone, Public Relations director of Fashion Week Trinidad and Tobago (FWTT) is excited about Mariska’s Designs  participation in this year’s spectacular nine day fashion festival and said  “This year we are increasing our scope – six days in Trinidad and three in Tobago.” FWTT3 kicks-off in Tobago on May 29 with a gala networking party hosted by the Tobago House of Assembly and the Tourism Development Company Limited at Coco Reef Tobago.

All told there are more than fifty designers chocked full of fashion forward options to be presented through seven identifiable Caribbean brands such as Tobago style, Resort Caribbean, cutting edge Caribbean,  cosquelle couture – trini swimwear,  nouveau Caribbean,  new world style and haute Caribbean.

Sonia Noel, in FWTT three year history will be presenting on Resort Caribbean and New World style themes and she expressed her elation at being one of the select designers to showcase in both Tobago and Trinidad.

Last year Noel’s collection was dubbed HYBRID that paid homage to vegetation and the undergrowth of the forest. The colours lilac mauve and purple represent the beautiful colours that are sometimes lost in the undergrowth.Melissa Payne  who was very impressive in the show stopper for that collection.

She goes under the label Mariska’s designs but she will be launching a Sonia Noel resort and leather sandals  line in Tobago on the 31 st May.Different  types  of cotton is utilise for this line and it is free fitting and flowing  resort dresses that you can also dress up depending on the occasion.Her versatile rap dresses which can be worn more than six ways will also be featured  in this collection.The leather footwear  line will feature slippers and sandals embellish with various types of stones.

Noel will showcase in Trinidad her new black and white collection of which she is well known for  and because for her concern for breast  cancer she will also be showing a collection of mainly pink ensemble.

The collection will showcase various shades of pink and designed with zips and button to give it that creative edge.

In addition to Sonia’s participation Guyana’s top cat walk diva Meleesa Payne as well as Guyana Model Search winners, Jumain Victor and Yolanda Kerr will strutt their stuff on the catwalks. They wing out to the twin islands for shows slated for June 2 – 6.

Guyanese Edmond Johnson set to strut stuff for FWTT

Edmond JohnsonWhen the curtain is raised for Trinidad’s third Fashion Week billed for start today (Friday) in Tobago with continuation from Monday to Friday in Trinidad next week, Guyana will be well represented not just by home based influences.

In addition to Sonia Noel’s showcases and local models Meleesa Payne, Jumain Victor and Yolanda Kerr another Guyanese, Edmond Johnson, will be strutting his stuff on the catwalk too.

This kid who originates from Norton Street Wortmanville has been residing in Trinidad for 15 years but still keeps the Golden Arrow Head flying.

He believes that the sky is the limit to what one can have as he continues to pursue his dreams of being an international Guyanese entertainer. For the FWTT event he will be among a selected bunch of models donning the creations of several designers.

Also called Ejo in his portfolio as a singer he told entertainer that he’s working feverishly to complete several songs for release by August in the Twin Island Republic. no stranger to the local entertainment scene the 32-year-old has been part of the Carib Soca Monarch competition and  has plans to  return next year  if all goes well.

Expressing excitement at being one of the specially selected few models to take to the stages in Trinidad and Tobago he said “given that Guyanese are now more accepting of overseas based singers as was the case in this year’s Soca competition, I’m contemplating a return to Guyana for the 2011 Soca Monarch competition to take on the likes of Adrian Dutchin and Jumo as well as Bones man.”

He says he has penned may songs that yet to be recorded and is hoping to  do some collaborations with some of the  main stream soca artistes in Trinidad. his recorded and released son to date includes songs such as karma, concentration,  naked, wave, bring out yuh wine, secrets, rumona and push sweetness. Karma is a conscious reggae song while the others are of the soca genres.Naked was the song he used to qualify for the Guyana Carib Soc monarch top ten several years ago while he has released a music video for the song Secrets and both have made the rounds in and out of Guyana.

He proclaims himself as an all rounder who loves singing soca and is currently working to release several new summer hits such as Money deh, a dance hall styled song.

A graduate of Alleyne’s High School Ejo won the Trinidad Model search ’emerge 2005′ as well as the 2008 Arima Fest calypso monarchy. Prior to the 2010 FWTT he was among the more experienced  models at the Guyana Fashion Weekend 2008 and 2009. He also made  guest appearances at several major fashion events in the caribbean region including Barbados.

By Mondale Smith

Miss Guyana Shabeau Face selected

Madonna GhanieGuyanese MADONNA GHANIE age 19 has been selected as GUYANA’S DELEGATE to the upcoming FACE OF SHABEAU 2010 competition in Barbados. She was selected from a large line up of hopefuls who auditioned two weeks ago at the Pegasus.her pageant experience includes  being a delegate in the miss Guyana Talented teen pageant 2009 where she won the Miss Photogenic prize. Her hobbies include dancing, modeling,cooking, hanging at the Mall, camping and swimming.

Launch of Wildfire Entertainment

WildFire EntertainmentJust about two and a half years ago, Jonathan Beepat conceptualized the company Wildfire Productions. The aim was to create an entertainment and media production company to improve the quality of output from both fields. Now, the company has grown to a stage where it has garnered enough support and able to become separate entities with different clients under each.

Our entertainment unit has faced trials but was able to overcome them, manage and develop. Our group is a very tight knit one and it is with this unity and trust we are able to survive and continue. Since 2007 we have managed and effectively executed 11 local concerts, 2 concerts in Canada, over 15 sports events (dating from 2002), 3 VIP parties, and 1 school show. The team is led by Jonathan Beepat as the CEO and Creative Director who holds a Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) in Business Management; VP of operations Jermaine Softley, who holds a diploma in Business Management and Telecommunications and Event managers Vijay Panday, Warren Williams and Andrew Sukrah.

Wildfire Entertainment (W.E.) is focused strictly on entertainment. The creative acronym W.E. was specifically created to compliment our company Wildfire Entertainment, because it is a company that is for you, for me, jus fuh we. We are not merely promoters like other entities, W.E. are event managers. When we put on an event, many are involved – emcees, artists, sound systems, individual promoters, entertainment websites, security firms, bartenders, porters, and most importantly, fans and patrons. Hence the reason it is called W.E., because many of us are involved. Our intention is also to use part

of our profits from each event to help benefit our society in some way, whether it is a donation to a school, or installing a needed item in a community. The contribution will always depend on the success of the specific W.E. event. Our services for Wildfire Entertainment include artist management, artist promotion, music distribution, Concert hosting, Event management and planning, international artist booking, and music production among other things.
Since its inception, W.E. has been recognized by major corporations and hired to manage their events. Some of our prestigious clients include Digicel where we managed D’Bimmer Flex events in summer 2009 when Digicel gave away 2 BMW’s. More recently W.E. was contracted by the ICC World 2020 cricket to create the concept and manage the party stand for the cricket held in Guyana.
We are not affiliated with any company and we work with all. Our services are available to anyone or corporation who wishes to have quality events planned, managed and executed.

All through the world event management is a serious business and now we feel we have enough resources and experience to develop on this niche market and give Guyana a reliable and effective event planning Entertainment Company. Since Wildfire Entertainment is aimed at giving people quality and reliable events, involving so many different entities and people for an event, contributing to the non-partying community after events, we feel our slogan fits well when we say… “IS A W.E. TING!”

Timeka Marshall to premiere ‘One More Day’ Video on Sunday May 23 on HJTV

Timeka Marshall Video ShootGuyanese songstress Timeka Marshall who copped the title of Best female Reggae/Dancehall artiste at the recently concluded Guyana Artistic Music Awards is set to release her fifth video for her new release ‘One More Day’ an inspirational song which has been receiving great reviews nationwide.

The video directed by Marshall’s manager Kerwin Bollers and produced by Artistic Marketing was shot on location at Guyana’s Brickdam Cathedral of Immaculate Conception and is quite momentous since it is the singer’s first ‘locally-produced’ music video.

Bollers explained that the location was especially appropriate since it perfectly exhibited the video’s theme and it is also one of the few architectural-wonders among the masses of Guyanese buildings.
The reggae track which has been described by many as having a ‘gospel ‘ sound; generally speaks about assessing the important things in life and paying reverence to god for health and strength. Marshall explained that the song holds special sentiment since she acquired its inspiration from observing the struggle of a close friend whose mother was terminally ill. She was extremely traumatized by the incident and realized that people sometimes ask pray for the less important things in life when in fact they should pray for health, strength and spiritual direction.

Several local celebrities and entertainment-personalities including Celeste David, Miss Guyana World 2009 Imarah Radix, 2010 Junior Calypso Monarch Tenecia DeFreitas and Soca diva Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts are featured in this video.
This will be the fifth addition to Timeka’s repertoire of videos which include recent hits ‘Separate’,All Night’, ‘Hush’ a collaboration with Jamaican reggae megastar Peetah Morgan and ‘Feel Fah’ featuring Dancehall Superstar Busy Signal.

The General public is advised to tune in to Hits and Jams Television HJTV on Sunday May 23 for the video’s premiere at 13:00hrs and a rebroadcast at 19:00hrs.

Guyana Miss Jamzone Representative to be chosen via Reality Show

Always armed with aims of creating the most remarkable events and consistently raising the bar the organizers of the renowned Jamzone events are once again launching an initiative that is set to break new grounds in Guyanese Entertainment. While the newly introduced Miss Jamzone International 2010 pageant will include delegates from several Caribbean countries the local representative will be selected by means of a reality show.

The participants will be shortlisted from successful applications and interviews and over a period of weeks they will have to complete various challenges that are aimed at testing their intellectual capacity, fashion and beauty senses, ability to function efficiently under pressure and their overall ability to represent Guyana on the International scene.
The reality show will be aired weekly and the general public can participate actively by voting for their favorite contestant via text messages.

Reality shows are the current craze in television broadcast and usually attract a large audience since they integrate real unscripted dramatic or humorous situations and feature ordinary people instead of professional actors.
The Miss Jamzone International show will be aired on Hits and Jams Television (HJTV) and the National Communication Network (NCN).Guyanese are advised to brace themselves since this year’s Miss Jamzone pageant is expected to be nothing short of remarkable.

Jory Hector, Adrian Dutchin and Peter Ram – OMG Remix

These are the exact words that people will be uttering when they hear the recently recorded ‘O.M.G remix’ which features upcoming Dancehall Star Jory Hector, Barbadian Soca megastar Peter Ram and the song’s original singer Guyanese soca sensation Adrian Dutchin.

The original song which was produced by musical-genius, Keyes and recorded at Kross Kolor Studios has been blazing the airwaves however; this official remix is anticipated to be a definite chart-topper since these three amazing artistes have added their unique styles to this groovy dancehall mix.

Jory, who is vividly heard in the second verse articulating his appreciation for well-figured women effortlessly, complements the chorus with eight bars of cunning rhymes, innuendos and slangs that are sure to thrill music lovers everywhere including his budding fan base.
‘I chose Jory and Peter Ram to remix this song since they both have very unique styles and each artiste brings a different flavor to the table,’ said Dutchin, when asked of his reasons for choosing these specific artistes.

The song will be released next week and fans can tune into 98.1 FM or facebook users can log onto Jory’s and Kross Kolor’s individual pages to hear this track.

Guyana gets three new Queens and Princesses at 2010 Mothers and Daughters Pageant

There can be no complaints following the staging of the Supa Stylistic 19th annual Mother and Daughter Pageant on Saturday night at the National Cultural Centre, which produced three queens and three princesses.

Senior Winners Sharon Singh and LashaunnaArguably one of the better family-oriented events, it got off to an exciting start with 23 pairs of mothers and daughters competing in Junior, Middle and Senior Categories under the theme ‘Love’s magic moment’, and it was a night of magic and love indeed.

All told, six pairs contested the Junior Category, while the Middle Category featured 10 pairs.

The most looked forward to segment, the Seniors, featured seven pairs competing for prizes of trips in and out of Guyana, jewellery, and dinners amongst other prizes.

The highlight of the evening brought out competitive examples of what the bond of mother and daughter can be to mold that fabric of strong womanhood and love for family.

In the end, the winning pairs were Sharon Singh and Lashauna, Shivonne Gill and Jenelle, and Renita Duncan and LeShae in the Senior, Middle and Junior Categories, respectively.

The seven pairs in the Senior Category were all resplendently dressed as queens and princesses in their own right but the winners of the night were the most deserving of the title, judging from the audience’s celebratory applause.

Sharon Singh and her daughter, Lashaunna were a most pleasing and relevant sight to behold in their attire. Though a bit on the chubby side, they looked like twins with their matching rust-coloured Georgette roman influenced gowns designed by Pat Coates, which softly flowed to the floor. From entrance to exit the audience celebrated their bond as they floated across the stage playfully. As the crowd favourite and winners of the judges’ nod, they will enjoy an all expenses paid trip to Barbados, jewellery, a night at Princess Hotel amongst other prizes.

First runners-up, Barbara Derrick and Tanisha wore teal (green and blue) gowns, accentuated by silver designed by Michael Chase. Their gowns were cut on the bias to create a shimmering effect as if they were at the Le Meridian Pegasus for a Presidential ball.

The second runners-up pair, Veronica Charles and Micheala wore outfits designed by Michelle Cole for a night at the Oscars. Ready for the red carpet, their elegant evening dresses were a combination of purple, turquoise and lilac with mild silver shimmering and a fish tail effect, complemented by trails.

Shivonne and JenelleWith 10 pairs in the Middle Category, though some of the contestants went on picnics, the judges sure had their work cut out as competition was fierce for the trip to Trinidad and Tobago among other prizes. However, while some thought that Dr. Karen Boyle and Keziah could have won, the majority were in support of the judges’ choice of the winners, Shivonne Gill and Jenelle.

They wore almost matching linen dresses that sported strips of red and black, which were put together by Sonia Noel for a day of fun in the National Park. Mom complemented her attire with a large hat that differentiated her from her daughter and they bonded well with a sincere playful attitude which showed that their presentation was real as best friends would do. Hence, they won over the second place finishers Dr. Boyle and her daughter.

Karen Gorden-Boyle and Keziah were dressed for the annual Inner Wheel Club tea party in pastel colours and mild yellow, accessorised by peacock feathers. Mom’s outfit was off the shoulders and it was complemented by a sombrero-like hat.

The audience celebrated when the daughter’s skirt was transformed into a white apron for mom to serve patrons at the tea party, while the mother’s bottom was removed to change her outfit into a pants suit.

The third place finishers, Kellianne Daniels and her daughter Keziah also offered a true interpretation of love’s magic moment in Guyana’s forests as created by designer Donna Ramsammy-James. Their interchangeable outfits represented Guyana’s flora and fauna.

There were only six pairs in the Junior Category but the competition was most heart-warming to see lasses from as young as four-years-old bond with their moms.

Renita and LeshaeFun and frolic at a friend’s six-year-old party is what Renita Duncan and Leshae depicted in their mostly white dresses, sprinkled with red and other flowers. The daughter blew bubbles as her mother paraded across the stage in their Olympia Sonnaram created matching dresses. And in the end they won the competition without complain from the audience.

Shivonne Gill and Donelle, the second place finishers offered a depiction of fashion and fantasy in their several shades of pink with a splash of green outfits. The daughter wore slides and pranced around in green and pink creations by Sonia Noel. Their message was one for women and cancer, and also spoke of protecting the environment.

The other pairs that competed in this category were Natalie King and Niveal, who went to a birthday party wearing orange and gold dresses designed by Cole Facts. Alana Gravesande and Nianna, who were pretty in pink and white, went to a garden party. Kauandasha Scott and Tiamare went to a tea party at the Herdmanston Lodge, while Odette Myres and Natasia enjoyed the lasses birthday party.

The other pairs in the Middle Category were Shemane Short and Shemya who went to a youth club party and fashion show wearing blue balloon-like tube tops pants suits, which transformed into strapless orange dresses much to the audience’s liking.

Althea Bristol and Collithea honoured President Bharrat Jagdeo for being named champion of the earth at a special tea party at State House. They wore two shades of blue, accessorised with bamboo and lattice work created by designer Sonia Noel.

Oneika Adams and Shanaka wore blue and pink skirt suits created by Yvonne Smith, ideal for a picnic. Sharon Bailey and Grace attended an art exhibition at the Castellani House dressed in orange linen and khaki adorned with handmade roses accessorising the attire.

Beverly Junor and Joyann wore pink to a picnic but their bond was not the best on stage.

Indira Ramnauth and her daughter Amrita wore the essence of spring in pink, pastel and violet dresses created by Michelle Cole. The daughter’s skirt was removed to reveal a pants suit while the part removed was tied around her mother’s waist to complement the mother’s dress.

To conclude that segment, Michelle Clarke and Angelique were off to the Promenade Gardens wearing orange caprice suits with some lattice work and some hand paintings as well as handmade jewellery.

The other participants in the Senior Category were Natasha Persaud and Nikesha, who donned sky blue to green dresses that had bodices of layered petals on their flowing dresses. Mom’s dress was a single strap that converted to two around the neck while the daughter’ s dress was an off the shoulder with hugging short sleeves and silver accessories that were created by Sonia Noel.

Fraulette Shepherd and her daughter Kizzy wore pearl blue satin dresses designed by Ramesh Gobin accentuated by a black section. Mom’s gown bore spaghetti straps while the daughter’s was strapless accentuated by diamantes and silver.

Omefa Elgin and Junette were headed to a cotillion and sported gowns with colours of black, red, silver and white designed by Olympia Sonnaram. The daughter’s bustier effect gown, worn off the shoulder, had some hand paintings while the mother was a bit conservative, accessorised by silver.

They both sported oriental influenced fans.

Shevone Helligar and Andriana closed that segment by dressing for a ball in cream and brown organza and bridal satin dresses that were complemented by ruffles across one side of their shoulders.

By Mondale Smith

KKR school show a mega hit for Guyanese artistes

Event outgrows National Sports Hall

Adrian and JoryThe Cliff Anderson Sports Hall is a spacious venue but judging from the turn out of the nation’s youth yesterday, it might not be the first choice next year for the KKR school show. It would seem that the event has outgrown the location.

From about 13:00hrs, children donning uniforms representing schools from as far as  Linden, Essequibo and Berbice flocked in their thousands to the location  to witness the fifth annual Kross Kolor School show which offered live performances from the crème de la crème of Guyanese  entertainers.

With every appearance of the more than 15 local acts came rejuvenated, boisterous screams and celebratory waving, as proof that the youth population is very much in tune and in love with the local music offerings.

With his usual bubbly comedic personality, emcee Basil Bradshaw ensured that there was never a dull moment between performances.  The lineup included acts from OC who did three quick covers and a taste of what is to come from his musical repertoire.

While the applauses and frenzied screams came with each act the most were heard from introduction to close of acts that followed; including Road march queen, Vanilla who encouraged the audience to raise their rags high as she pranced from one end of the basketball court to the other.

The youngest among the stars was 12-year-old Jovinschie who imitated the late Michael Jackson’s moon walk and other moves. He made it clear that contrary to what some producer told him in the past, he is definitely not too young and an artiste to watch for.

One of the more high energy performances came from Bones Man, the 2010 Soca Monarch, who dished out vibes including the winning patriotic song ‘Mashramani time is we own.’

He’s heading to Trinidad in due course to change the words to ‘Carnival time is we own’ in the international Soca monarch competition later this year.

The youthful audience totally celebrated that performance and those that followed.

The most celebrated   screams came when Big Red hit the stage with her feisty gyrations which complemented her delivery of her popular songs with vocal clarity.

The entire audience was on   its feet in both stands  and  in the  immediate restroom environs  when Shelly G was introduced  and  she sure  was  welcomed in  fine style  with  uncontrollable screams and  flag waiving.

Her signature was the seductive ‘Ow Daddy’ intro to her many songs. When she got close to the stands some students grabbed her and refused to let go. As she sang they screamed while others sang along proving that Shelly G is definitely on top of her game and one of the more loved Guyanese acts.

She announced too that she’s working on several songs that will be hitting the airwaves soon and encouraged all to ensure that they put God in everything that they do.

The most celebrated of all was the show stopping duo X2 (Adrian and Jumo) who claimed a stand each and interchanged as they dished real Guyanese vibes such as Impossible, Krazy, and Hands up among others from their repertoire.

Then the crowd “heard the introduction of ‘Ah de real thing’ and   every one began screaming as if a superstar was coming on stage and it possibly may be true in due course.

He belted out signatures such as “Jory, all de gyal ah call fuh me, Jory, Chinese, Portuguese…,” “The rape man gone ah jail now…little girls could play now” and he created pandemonium with “I will say what I want to say no apology.”

Then he did several collaborations with X2 as well as the abortion song with budding artiste Jacquie Hanover.

Event organiser Burchmore Simon, amidst the screams of “We want Shelly G” said in his estimation “the show has definitely outgrown this venue and we might have to examine another location for this event next year.”

He also noted that the nation’s youth response to the event is proof that Guyanese music is alive and loved by the youth population.

Hip Hopster G Allianie who dished his new London Girl song which he recorded in the UK was a mild entertainer among the lot.  Not to be out done, B52 and reigning Chutney Monarch Fiona Singh proved to be true entertainers too with full backing from the audience.

The event also featured an exhibition and distribution of educational materials on HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases through representatives from the Guyana Red Cross and the National AIDS Programme Secretariat.

By Mondale Smith

Sherwin Rose aka Ras I-san chases a musical dream

Sherwin Rose, aka RAs I-san, 29, of Jacksonville, and a mason by trade, has been singing for more than 15 years but has been following on his dream to become an international recording artiste.

Choosing the name Ras I-San he is, as he says, the natural one. The father of two girls released two singles in 2003 out of the Fyah Clann studios on the dreaded rhythm titled Mama Africa.

He released another titled ‘Need love’ earlier this year as a call for love and an end to violence as has been the case for several years past on the local shores. He recorded this song in Trinidad and Tobago at the Vengeance studios.

Now back in Guyana after three years of working in the twin-island republic he is focused on producing an album which is already completed and will be launched soon. “My album titled ‘Share your bread’ comprises 12 tracks recorded in Trinidad and Guyana. These are mostly reggae, soca and dancehall songs to uplift the people who listen to them”.

He says that he’s not just about Dancehall and prefers to be known as an edu-tainer who only focuses on Positive Vibes. At present, he has completed two videos-Mama Africa filmed in Guyana, and Need Love. He is hoping that local VJays will give him and other Guyanese artistes equal opportunities of airplay.

The album and the were paid for by him self out of pocket because he believes in himself and his abilities. but he say if all goes well he’s hoping that corporate Guyana will come on board to offset his expenses which so far have been more than $20,000 per song for studio time.

He aspires to go as far as the music takes him and like all other artistes he says, “The sky is the limit.”

He is also calling on the relevant authorities to do their part in ensuring that intellectual copyrights legislation is implemented so that “we all can live and…for too long local artistes have  been  treated  like lesser mortals. We need to  earn a living from our  abilities.”
email [email protected]

By Mondale Smith