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Andrew Harris Men’s Wear Collection

Presents:  Man Power Upgrade Contest

Andrew HarrisDescribed as one of Guyana’s premier men’s wear creators, Barbados-based designer, Andrew Harris Jnr, is ready to bring his fashion label upgrade contest to Guyana. This follows his win of the Sonia Noel’s Designer/ stylist portfolio competition several years ago and his subsequent showcase on several regional stages.

Harris told this publication that the AHMW Man Power Upgrade contest is offering three Guyanese men an opportunity to be made over and upgraded fashionably.

Harris said, “The general public will have the opportunity to send photos of their father, brother, uncle, husband or grandfather to be possibly selected for the makeover.”

He noted that the submission must include a brief explanation of why that person deserves a makeover or an upgrade to [email protected] or deliver it to Shekinah Styles Beauty Shop Upstairs of Bourda Post Office, Georgetown before May 29, 2010.

Harris lists the prizes as including outfit and styling by AHMW, manicure, pedicure and facial from Shekinah Styles Beauty Shop, Shoes, Socks and belt from Thani’s Barbados

Barber Grooming. There will be several photo shoots among other prizes.

Man Power reinforces masculinity through physical transformation that motivates confidence and making positive statements which enables men to truly possess greatness, leaving long lasting impressions in their country.

New Line 2010 collection and Online Model Competition

After being named the official male designer of the Kolij King and Queen Pageant 2010 Harris is continuing his quest to become a fashion household name in the Caribbean Fashion Industry and eventually in the international circuit.

At the ready to launch his 2010 collection, Harris is also in search of a face to represent the line. He said “The 2010 line represents every male figure and fuses current fashion trends with retro styles.”

In a press statement, he noted that men who believe they fit the bill should be between 16 and 30 years old and display confidence at all times as an ambassador. Not just for models, the competition is open any man who is fashion conscious and likes being debonair.

Harris noted, too, that persons interested in taking a shot at the title should submit their photo online to [email protected].

The competition is the brainchild of Harris and his Public Relations teams and it will be run on Facebook with the public having a chance to determine the semi-finalist by voting. The name of the group is “Andrew Harris Men’s Wear Cover Model Search”.

At the end of the search, the winner will be the face of AHMW when headline Fashion Shows and for all publicity campaigns.

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Guyana Musical Splash postponed to April 24

Those seeking a refreshing taste of Guyanese music dished by more than 22 artistes from 13 countries in the diaspora are being promised that and much more on April 24 at a  venue to be named shortly.

Tomorrow evening should have been set aside for the first ever ‘Guyana Musical Sun Splash’ that features good quality Guyanese entertainers at the Thirst Park Ground but inclement weather has forced its postponement to next Saturday.

More than 22 Guyanese artistes based in 13 countries in the diaspora such as the Caribbean, the USA and Canada have begun arriving for the Guyana Sun Splash and are also pumped and hype to attend and perform for the Guyana Artistic Music Awards on  April 25 at the National Cultural Centre.

Canada based headliner Aubrey Man popularly known for delivering ballad covers from the likes of Otis Redding with precision has already arrived and is more than happy to be part of this ‘historic unfolding’.

The artiste who has thrilled audiences the world over from 1968 to current day has also released a new CD that salutes his more than 40 years in the music industry. Todate he has completed countless singles and three albums. All told he has been residing in Canada for more than 30 years said he is back home because he likes what he’s hearing coming out of Guyana musically and  supports any real effort  by artistes and producers from his homeland.

As the headline act for the two events, Mann a father of five, said after six years of not performing in Guyana he’s out to please fans, show that Guyanese music is as good as any other country’s and to lend support to the formation of a network of Guyanese musicians in the diaspora.

His new album features eight covers and two new singles titled “it’s never been the same” and “we’ll still be making love on the side”. The latter is a follow up to his 1979 smash hit song ‘Stealing Love on the side.’

The other artistes who have arrived from the USA and Canada thus far are Donna Makeda, Daddy Rusty, Zebulun, and Papa Roach amongst others.   But the show will also feature many names from artistes from across Guyana including Major Joe B the Firenese and Fire Roy amongst others.

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Ward Entertainment

Linden Town Week “All White, Ladies Night Show & Party”

The mining town of Linden will be celebrating its 40th anniversary as a township from the 25th April to the 3rd May with a series of events, workshops and festivities that will mark the Linden Town Week celebration.  As part of the celebration, Ward Entertainment will host an international show and party at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on Sunday May 2nd from 9pm.

The show, “All White, Ladies Night” will feature Jamaican Dancehall diva, Macka Diamond known for her hits “Robbery, Money-O and Bun him” among several others. Macka is excited about headlining the Linden Town Week show and intends to put on a performance like never before.

She will be joined on stage by fellow Jamaican entertainers Deejay Nikki-Z who is the most celebrated Female Caribbean disc jokey and music selector, and the runner up of the Jamaican talent show “Rising Star”, young Princess Tia who is enjoying a fast rise in the Caribbean music industry.

Guyana will be represented at the All White, All Ladies affair by Timeka Marshall who continues to enjoy a take off to Caribbean stardom. Timeka will be fresh from her performance at the Barbados reggae event “Reggae on the Hill” and she intends to provide patrons with a performance that will showcase her growth and development as a seasoned artiste.

Show promoter Ryan Apple has indicated that the All White, Ladies Affair will be a Glow Party with a difference. Special glow lights have been imported to transform the MSC ground into more than a party atmosphere, “it will be a sea of glowing lights and whites” he said.  In addition, Fusion Audio with the HJ deejays and Linden’s own Farensik Sounds will provide all the musical entertaiment along with the Mingles Band.

Apple who was born in and grew up in Linden believes that life begins at 40 and as Linden celebrates its 40th year as a town, he thought it best that “this year’s show be dedicated to the women of Linden and Guyana who have shown strength and comfort in the most trying of times”.

Ward Entertainment intends to continue supporting the development of Linden through promotional events and intends to expand its activities beyond the Linden Town Week celebration.

ENDS-13/05/10

Ward Entertainment is a privately owned and operated promotion group headed by U.S based Guyanese, Ryan Apple who previously promoted shows for Linden Town Week featuring Beenie Man, Lady Saw and Tony Matterhorn.

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Search on for first Miss Guyana Earth Queen- Simpli Royal

Miss Earth's Top FourScreening has commenced for the inaugural Miss Guyana Earth pageant says coordinator Pamel Dillon and while six delegates have already made the shortlist from a field of 13 who auditioned. But others who are interested have one week to contact the Simpli-Royal committee before the interviews conclude.

While Guyana has yet to field a finalist at any of the major international pageants Dillon is optimistic that Guyanese beauties can actually bring home a crown and shine some positive pageant light on the country. She said “We are looking for beauties to apply for a chance to represent Guyana at the Miss Earth International pageant.”

Several competitions are carded before the big local night on June 26. as aprelude  and the organisers are looking for a line up of at least ten of the most exciting, personable, beautiful Guyanese women aged 18- 25.

Dillon added that “The ladies we are looking for have to have beauty of face and figure and possess perfect health. They must also never have had a child, never have been married and should have written CXC. They can be of any race and from any cultural background”.

Lester Rauseo of Trinidad’s beauty bank is the trainer and he is expected to arrive in Guyana shortly while the pageant’s artistic Director is Clive Prowel CEO of the Classique dance Company.

This is the inaugural pageant and Pamela Dillon, the Fanschise holder is emphatic that this is not a free for all, any girl and anything goes pageant it’s a serious event that allows beauty ambassadors to be groomed and then sent to represent our Nation. The winner and her runners up after training should be better able to think on their feet and address current affairs as well as environmental issues as spokes persons on environmental issues during and after the year has ended.

Dillon says thus far the Princess Hotel is the main sponsor of the event but the door remains open for other interested sponsors.

Among the many competitions to be staged before a queen is selected is a high fashion show featuring the delegates competing for the ‘Queen of the catwalk’ title.

The committee has employed the resources of international US based Guyanese Designer Roger Gary for that segment. This will feature the delegates showcasing Garry’s Aqua Couture line as well as creations that focus on the five elements earth, fire, wind, water and heart which symbolises love for nature and humanity.

The committee includes Wazim Khan as chairman, Wanita Huburn Public Relations Officer, Gileon James head of wardrobe, Melessa Payne is Delegate Liaison and Lester Rauseo as trainer.

By Mondale Smith

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Liquid Honey ignites fire to win preliminary round of Miss Bootilicious 2010

Liquid HoneyThe excitement was electric and the vibes were purely pulsating last Saturday when the twelve ‘Bootilicious Ladies’ faced off at the Club Ice Sports Bar for the 2010 Miss Bootilicious title.
Though it was just the preliminary round from which four contestants were eliminated, the ladies each tried to outdo the other with ultra sexy choreography, and some definitely taught the female audience new tricks on enticing and keeping their male partners, entertained, satisfied and overjoyed at home.
After the steamy show of ‘ultra sexiness’, it was ‘Liquid Honey’ who copped the top spot, followed by ‘Venom’ and ‘Ultra Slim’, and ‘Miss Licklicious’ who both placed third. In fifth position was the sweet sexy ‘Sugar Momma’, followed by ‘Miss Boombastic’, ‘Miss Volcano’ and ‘Superwoman’ all of who will go to the semi-finals in this month-end at ‘Club Sky Seven’, 8 Pere Street, Kitty.
‘Electra’, and ‘Lady Pressure’ were also eliminated from the first round. The eight semi-finalists will be performing at the ‘Co-co-cobanna Nightclub’ on Saturday night to the delight of many Berbicians.
After an electrifying opening introduction by the MC, Promoter and Pageant Coordinator, Alex Wayne, things kicked off with delegate #1, Exciting Estaleen who failed to please the crowd with her luke-warm presentation. She made way for the suave ‘Juicy Fruit’ whose sauciness worked well with the audience but somehow failed with the judges since she too was eliminated.
Next to come was a crowd favourite ‘ Ultra Slim’ who displeased her fans with an almost vague presentation which lacked her usual sexiness. Some said she was distracted by her mother who was present in the audience, and has been hounding her down like a ‘scary god-mother’ since the contest began.
Miss Boombastic represented for the ‘big girls’ and taught the audience many innovative ways in which a ‘big curvy woman’ can still be sexy and creative. ‘Miss Volcano’ who entered the completion only a few days before show night dazzled the audience with some indeed provocative moves as she seduced her school teacher whose intention was to teach arithmetic. Much more was expected from ‘Miss Liculicious’ who seemed distracted, but she has noted that the others will have to look out for steamy surprises coming their way in the next round.
‘Sugar Momma’; seemed ‘stuck up’ and did not deliver her ‘horny nectar’ like she did at rehearsals and many said she was very nervous on stage.
Each contestant displayed sexy choreography as they enticed, controlled, seduced or ‘made a mess’ of the rippled male models who appeared on stage. Mark well the men had a few surprises of their own too.
The climax of the show was centered on performances by the first and second place winners, ‘Liquid Honey’ and ‘Venom’ who battled fiercely for the title. Many believe that ‘Venom’ should have won since her moves were sizzling and sensual, not to mention her mind boggling choreography with two males on stage.
She was all coy, then dominant, then sexily manipulative, before flowing nicely in the moods of sophisticate, irresistible, pulsating and most have been a mouth watering morsel for the male audience.
‘Liquid Honey’ a professional exotic dancer was suave and used her stage experience to her advantage. Her moves were electric and throbbing as she played havoc with the minds of the audience. The ministrations of her male model ‘Fabian’ who acted the role of a man caught in the feverish throes of ecstasy while being dominated by his seductress, most have been the factor that sealed the deal for the two who left the stage to resounding applause. The models and contestants were all trained by the Promoter, Alex Wayne who is a professional runway model, dancer and vocalist.
‘Miss Bootilicious Rewind’ will kick off at Club Sky Seven at a date to be announced in the near future.

Go to www.guyanalive.com for Miss Bootilicious Pics

By Alex Wayne

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About Cyborg Mad@Work

Mixtape CoverIn an industry of many talents but dominated by few comes a musical storm – Cyborg. Born and raised in the rough and tumble ghettos of Albouystown – Georgetown, Guyana Keith Sandiford quickly earned the name Cyborg from his gifted ability to quickly create lyrics on the spot. Son of local (Guyana) reggae artist Sangie, it was a natural fit that Cyborg would one day find himself at the centre of a group of youths singing and deejaying at his school. Realizing his artistic gift to thrill audiences, Cyborg made it his mission to nourish his talents and bring them to the stage for the world.

Upon immigrating to Toronto, Ontario Canada, Cyborg began performing songs by his favourite reggae artist with local sound system – Baseline Sound- (1998). Cyborg then was steadily working in the studio writing and producing his original music. In 2001 Cyborg release his first recorded single -“Plan to Make Millions”- marking the start of his vinyl career. The great response to his work would soon lead to the first of many professional showcases and appearances on national and international stages. From 2001 to the present Cyborg has been performing on many major shows including The Canada Explosion Show, the Toronto Reggae Festival, The Montreal Reggae Festival as well as the “St Mary Mi Come From” show in Jamaica and the Guyana Artistic Awards Show.

During this time, he has also been very active in the community performing at many local shows and community events raising awareness. He has performed alongside such greats as Barrington Levy, Ninja Man, Beenie Man, Sizzla, Jah Cure, Chuck Fender and others. Truly an international artist, Cyborg is destined for greatness. Coining the term “Mad@Work” Cyborg is doing just that. A new mix tape, just released in 2010, features his original works and shows his expanding views on life and diversity. For more information and all the latest info and work from Cyborg check him out at: www.myspace.com/cyborgmadatwork or www.youtube.com/cyborgmadworks

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Guyanese Donna Makeda on a Musical Mission

Heads home for GAMA

Donna MakedaWhen the curtain is raised on April 25 at the National Cultural Centre to honour Guyanese artistes at home and in the Diaspora, Canada-based Guyanese artiste, Donna Makeda, will be among the lot.

This very conscious, positive vibes, reggae queen in her own right is among the nominees who will perform for the GAMA and is promising Guyana a taste of quality reggae that is “culturally uplifting”.

“I live overseas but Guyana is and always will be home. I feel honoured to be heading back there this year to be part of the historical music awards. I believe that this is a step in the right direction for artistes to network and work together for the common good of all Guyanese artistes,” she said.

Dubbed by those in the ‘Culture Music know’ in Canada “a definite musical force to be reckoned with,” Makeda was among the lot honoured with crystals at the inaugural GAMA 2008 event in Canada.

With about three albums in her repertoire, some of her singles include “Don’t you break my Heart” done on the Old Fashion Love rhythm produced by Mr. Cooper and Ras Vibes Records and “Need Some Money” which climbed the charts on Galaxie Reggae.

Another “Hold On” done in 2007 was mixed in Kingston Jamaica by the legendary Dr. Marshall of Anchor Studio.

The single “Need Some Money” was written and produced by Prince Everald and the rhythm courtesy of African Star.

Donna, though not as popular in Guyana, is no-one hit wonder. Internationally, she also received honours from the Toronto International Reggae Music Awards for “Roots & Culture” Album of the Year and on that occasion the album was for her album “Jah Ah De Rulah”. All told she has more than 14 awards to date.

Because of her musical abilities, she performed at the Calgary International Reggae Festival and created quite an impact on the 6000-strong audience with her dynamic and impressive showcase.

In August 2004, this entertainer with her talented dance cast ‘The Caribbean Dance Theatre’, created quite a stir that was much pleasing to the audience.

Her performance was referred to as “a storybook’ and “dreamlike” by the viewers, who said that it was the most memorable performance they had ever seen.  Donna received the Consul General’s Award at the Guyana Awards as she was honoured for her steadfast commitment and service to the Guyanese community. She also walked away with the 2004 Female Dancehall DJ of The Year Award at the 20th Canadian Reggae Music Awards.

Donna’s other awards include: “Top Reggae Newcomer” 1993, “Top Reggae Dancehall DJ (female) 1995, 1996 and 1999 and 2003 and “Top Reggae Music Video (for her video “Jah Great Woman”) in 1995 from the Canadian Reggae Music Awards.  And “Arts & Entertainment Award” for her contribution to the Arts from her home country – Guyana in 2000, and an “Artistic Award of Excellence” from the Inter-City Multicultural School of Excellence Reading Club in 2001.

Donna released a 12-track album titled “Jah Ah De Rulah” which includes songs like “Come Into My Life” featuring Prince Everald, a slamming, conscious track. It also included the hit single “Make Love, Not War” featuring Roger B, “In My House” featuring Negus Morris of the Heptones, the ever popular “Folk Song Medley” and ‘Sweet Victory’ (groundation dub).

She has done opening acts for internationally renowned artistes such as Capleton, Coco Tea, Marcia Griffiths, Sister Carol, Culture, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Michael Rose, Cutty Ranks, Yami Bolo, Anthony B, George Nooks and Louie Culture.

Donna has performed extensively in Canada in places like Toronto, Brantford, Hamilton, Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary, also internationally in Barbados, Guyana, New York and Jamaica.

Her song “Sweet Victory” was Number One on the reggae charts in Miami for eight weeks while “South Africa” (from her CD “Who Can Endure” released 1998) followed closely at #2. “Jah Great Woman” also enjoyed much airplay and was #1 in Miami for six weeks.

The “Jah Great Woman” music video, which was done with the help of Videofact, was on high rotation on Much Music and played in Jamaica, Barbados and New York on selected programmes.  Donna signed a licensing deal with Amiata Records in Italy for the remix of her song “Life Story” and also was involved in many stage plays where she performed as an actress, dancer and singer.

She also starred in a Documentary film titled “Roots Daughters” alongside Judy Mowatt and that film is constantly being aired on television throughout the world. She also released two music videos such as “Who Can Endure” and “Make Love Not War”.

Since 1993, this multi-talented, untiring artist has released two full length CD’s titled “Who Can Endure” and “Jah Ah De Rulah”, two cassette-albums (Who Can Endure & Sweet Victory), two vinyl-singles (Sweet Victory & Jah Ah De Rulah & Wonder Weed), one vinyl-album (for Who Can Endure), two compilation CDs with Canadian Music Week and four CD singles (Just Hurry, Money Crazy, Make Love Not War and Family Medley – Part 1). Donna has appeared live numerous times on City TV’s Breakfast Television, Entertainment News, Clip Trip, The Scene, Lunch Television, Rogers Cable 10, Soul in the City and Da Mix (Canada).

This Guyanese born dread locked sing-jay is also a graduate of Trebas Institute where she received her diploma in Recorded Music Production and Multimedia and also is the proud owner of her own music label “DONNA MAKEDA MUSIC” and a quarterly music magazine called “REGGAEXCLUSIVE Entertainment News” which recently won two awards for “Top Reggae Magazine”.

Donna started singing and performing 25 years ago. Her foundation in music came from the church, which she attended when she was a little girl.  Donna started out as a dancer; she was trained in Afro-Caribbean Dance, Modern Dance, Folk Dance, Kathak and Classical Ballet.  At age 16, she opened her own dance and aerobics school: “Burning Flame International” Dance Troupe.

By the time Donna got to Canada, she had already been performing extensively throughout Guyana with her dance troupe.  Singing at that time was just a fun thing for her.

Upon sighting Rastafari, Donna took her music more seriously and began writing lyrics and practicing on sound systems, singing at various stage shows and winning many competitions.

Without a doubt, her voice is her wealth; her intellect a cultural strength, and her stage presence is an expression of royal heritage.

By Mondale Smith

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It’s Miss Bootilicious night at Club Ice

ContestantsMuch buzz has been circulating about the 2010 Miss Bootilicious Pageant, and sheer sexiness is expected when the event kicks off tomorrow at the Club Ice Sports Bar (formerly Blue Iguana Nightclub).

To date, twelve ultra sexy ladies are gearing for a steamy face-off on show night and there are some definite hotties, who are expected to blaze a trail at the venue.

Miss Bombastic has upped her act and plans to teach the Guyanese ladies a few tricks about keeping their spouses entertained and not distracted.

Much is expected from Miss ‘Lickulicious’ who is expected to take the queen’s title, but she will have to fight off the sensual creativity of Miss Ultra Slim who many has decided already has the most sexy choreography.

These two ladies will have hot competition from Liquid Honey who is an exotic dancer and performs such provocative choreography, its bound to play havoc with the male senses.

Sugar Momma has improved during rehearsals and has created a showpiece so dazzling, that housewives will now have new ideas to keep their husbands entertained always and never distracted by hustlers.

Lady Pressure who weighs almost two hundred pounds has indicated that after the show her Guyanese sisters will acknowledge that the ‘Big Mommas’ can be just as sexy and captivating as the ‘Ultra Slim Divas’.

Lady Electra, the most flexible and energetic of the lot, plans to take things to a screeching crescendo but she will have to make room for the pulsating creativity of  ‘Venom’ whose bag of tricks includes enticing two rippled and astoundingly handsome male models at the same time.

While the show is expected to explode with ‘sensual static electricity’, the promoters yesterday indicated that the event is not a ‘striptease’ show as many seems to believe but is indeed a new sexy concept that will showcase ‘ultra sexiness’ as the contestants not only model sexy lingerie but execute some of the stirring and mind boggling sensual choreographies with the help of twelve young men.

Contestants will not be judged on their beauty or intelligence but instead on their presentation during their introduction, their ultra sexiness and of course the audience response.

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Canadian soul singer Melanie Fiona travels in time

Melanie FionaMelanie Fiona travels through time in her music. Play her records, and you’re trans-ported back to the DayGlo days of mod ’60s soul, a time when snappy Motown songs ruled the charts and shiny go-go boots defined the fashion.

While many modern stars have gone for retro-soul sounds over the past decade – from Lauryn Hill to Maxwell – Fiona aims for something more bright, poppy and pruned. Luckily, her connection to history hasn’t stopped her from climbing steadily on today’s charts. Her debut CD, “The Bridge,” has seen building sales over the past few months, slowly inching its way into the Top 30 in the last few weeks, goosed by a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

This week, the 26-year-old Canadian singer (born Melanie Fiona Hallim) played the Garden, opening for another star with an eye on soul history, Alicia Keys. Which makes one wonder.

How did a girl from Canada – born to Guyanese parents – get that vintage, finger-popping sound?

My parents were big music lovers and played soul music all the time. They loved the Supremes, the Ronettes and Sam Cooke, along with music from their West Indian heritage. My dad also played guitar in a band, and my mom sang all the time in the house.

Do you think your sound has brought you an older audience than it otherwise might?

Yes. I feel like I have an old soul anyway. Older audiences are hard to win over. They’re very specific in their tastes and critical of new music. But my music seems to have spoken to both generations.

You got a Grammy nomination this year before many people even heard of you. Did that make a difference?

It made a big difference. Now whenever anybody mentions me, they talk about me as a “Grammy-nominated artist.”

Your album uses a lot of prominent samples of classics: The first single, “Give It to Me Right,” is based on the Zombies’ “Time of the Season.” But you’ve also got bits of Frankie Avalon’s “Venus,” Martha and the Vandellas’ “Jimmy Mack” and Eddie Holman’s “Hey There Lonely Girl.”

Were you ever self-conscious about using so many older hits in your music?

I feel this album is a tribute to my influences. It’s also a kind of history lesson. A song like “Time of the Season,” people know it, but they may have forgotten where they know it from. This helps put the spotlight back on these artists.

It’s interesting that your breakthrough hit in America, “It Kills Me,” is the most contemporary-sounding number.

I knew that song would shift the market to the urban listener and appeal to people here. In Europe, it’s more open. They just like music. They don’t care where it comes from. In America, it’s more segmented by radio formats.

When did your parents come to Canada from Guyana – and why?

They came in the late ’70s, before I was born. They wanted a better life. Canada had the good health-care system and educational system. It was a privilege for me to grow up there. But it was hard, at first, for my parents. They came from the tropics to a cold country. They had never seen snow before. At first, my dad worked as a janitor. My parents came a long way. Now my dad works in finance. My mom is in banking.

Your first break came from the Caribbean side of your musical influences. You got a Jamaican-styled song on the “Reggae Gold” series. Why didn’t you stick with reggae?

If I had done a reggae album, I would be known as a reggae artist. And I didn’t want to be pigeonholed. Basing the music on soul was a good foundation to be more diverse. I could mix it with rock, R&B or anything.

How did you get your record deal with Universal?

I had a deal with a production company, and for five years we developed what I would do. Steve Rifkind at Universal had a commitment to keeping the sound as it was. Another label might have tried to change me. Steve was on the same page.

Why did you call the album “The Bridge”?

Because we were bridging cultures, genres, generations and ethnicities.

What do you say to those who find your music too retro?

Retro can be a crutch. I don’t want to be seen as going only where music has already been. I’m also about where music is going next.(www.nydailynews.com)

By Jim Farber

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Canada based Guyanese Cyborg coming home for GAMA

CyborgIn an industry of many talents dominated by few comes a musical storm – Cyborg. Born and raised in the rough and tumble ghettos of Albouystown – Georgetown, Guyana, Keith Sandiford quickly earned the name Cyborg from his gifted ability to quickly create lyrics on the spot.

He is among more than 29 Guyanese artistes residing in the Diaspora who should be heading home for the Guyana Artistic Music Awards, GAMA carded for April 25. He will also be among the performers at the upcoming Guyana Musical Splash billed for Thirst Park on April 17.

Son of local reggae artist, Sangie, it was a natural fit that Cyborg would one day find himself at the centre of a group of youths, singing and deejaying at his school.

Realizing the artistic gift he possessed to thrill audiences, Cyborg made it his mission to nurture his talents and bring them to the stage for the world.

Upon migrating to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Cyborg began performing songs by his favourite reggae artist with local sound system – Baseline Sound- (1998). Cyborg then was steadily working in the studio writing and producing his original music. In 2001 Cyborg release his first recorded single -“Plan to Make Millions”- marking the start of his vinyl career.

The great response to his work would soon lead to the first of many professional showcases and appearances on national and international stages. In March 2001 Cyborg was granted his first major performance at – The Canada Explosion Show- where he performed alongside dancehall greats such as Barrington Levy, Everton Blender and the Explorer family which signalled a change in Cyborg’s career marking a change in status from armature to professional.

Since then, he has performed alongside reggae artists such as Brigadier Jerry, Singing Melody and countless others. As part of the first ever Reggae Festivals in both Montreal and Toronto, Cyborg has proven himself to be a trendsetter and an asset in Canada’s Reggae music Industry.

Inspired by the hardships he faced growing up, and by musical greats like Jimmy Cliff and Gregory Isaacs, Cyborg finds his solace in the one drop of reggae music. His commitment to the upliftment of the youths has earned him certificates from Toronto Community Housing for giving his time to perform for young people at their annual Black History Month Celebration (2004), as well as Jamaica Canadian Center, and Unity is strength community group in 2008.

Truly an international talent, Cyborg performed on the “St Mary Mi Come From” show on his 2007 tour to the Home of Reggae Music, Jamaica. It was on this tour that he graced the stage with the likes of Jah Cure, Sizzla, Ninja Man, Chuck Fender and many more of Jamaica’s finest musical exports. In 2008 Cyborg Travelled to Jamaica and recorded a track with Computer Paul and the Uprising Band.

Coining the term “Mad@Work” Cyborg is doing just that. He is currently working on a series of mix tapes that will feature his original works and that was followed up with a Cd release in 2009.

For More Information and all the latest info and work from Cyborg check him out at: www.myspace.com/cyborgmadatwork

By Mondale Smith