Posted on

Slingerz turns 9 with major anniversary plans

Slingerz FamilyOver the years, Slingers Anniversary celebrations have grown from strength to strength with thousands of dollars in giveaways annually. For the last five years they have added even more excitement by inviting International Entertainers to the local shores. This year as the anniversary approaches much is on the offer.

Past Slingers Anniversary activities included providing international entertainment through the likes of Black Chiney sound from Miami, Monster Piece Sound of Barbados, Baby Cham, Assassin and Natural Black among others. This year as they prepare to head to New York, they have invited Love Movements of Kingston Jamaica, which will feature Bill Crosby, Diamond and the Big Boss of Stone Love Movement Father Pow. Stone Love arrive in Guyana on Sunday April 4 at 22:45hrs and will be live on air on HJTV Easter Monday morning from 1l hrs before heading to the West Side at Joe Viera Park for the Slingerz Family Anniversary.

One of the Anniversary co-ordinators has informed that the Slingerz Family will be offering even more surprises for its 9th anniversary celebration including live performance from an international Artiste. The mega artiste’s name is a secret for now but the Slingerz family crew noted that “he (the artiste) is known as the lady’s pet and on Easter Monday at Joe Viera when Jamaica Stone Love takes the stage so will the artiste and his dancers.

The Anniversary celebrations will also see several persons being issued with awards such as fan of the year, dance group of the year, Slingerz support award and Slingers employee of the year. At the Easter weekend, Slingers said there will be Anniversary celebrations in Linden, New Amsterdam, and West Demerara.

April 3rd, the people of Linden will have the 1st treat of the Slingers Family Celebrations when Soca Hitmaker and Most Wanted Entertainer in Linden, Peter Ram, along with X- Factor dancers, Linden Dancers, Stone Wall, Stereo Sonics and Slingers Family will entertain with free Digicel Top up all night.

The Anniversary continues for Fans in New Amsterdam, Berbice on Easter Sunday and will feature Peter Ram, Carib Soca Monarch Bones Man and Shelly G, X Factor dancers, Stereo Sonic and Slingers Family at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute Compound.  On Easter Monday at Joe Viera Park West Bank Demerara is the Venue where the sound was born.

Posted on

GFW spokesperson showcases new jewelry line in New York

Hollywood actress ANNA MARIA HORSFORD who is the Spokesperson for Guyana Fashion Weekend is a part of a special art exhibition in honour of Women’s History Month, currently housed at the Renaissance Fine Art Gallery in New York City.

Anna’s exotic jewelry collection is among the fashion accessories as art displayed along with seven other noted female artists.

The opening took place on March 12, and drew a wide cross section of luminaries who came out to see the exhibit which is entitled `Girl Talk: Narratives by eight women Artists.’

Anna is currently featured in a popular movie titled `Our Family Wedding’ with Forest Whittaker, America Ferreira, Regina King and Lance Gross. She is popularly known for her roles as Thelma in the legendary television sitcom `Amen’ and as Dee in `The Wynan’s Brothers Television Show.’

Anna was in Guyana where she showcased her jewellery in 2008 and is expected to be here again for this year’s Guyana Fashion Weekend in October. She is happy with the new jewellery installation and said creating jewellery is an extension of her talents.

For the `Girl Talk’ exhibition, Anna showcased pieces that were cleverly displayed as wearable art. She named each piece after a movie or television show that she has appeared in. One of her signature pieces entitled: `The Shield’ is an elaborate necklace fashioned from Pewter, Electroplated Gold leaves and crystal stones was lavishly displayed on a large square mirror.

`The Guiding Light’ a necklace created from Swarovski crystals on silver plated circles adorned a mannequin.

“I am an art collector and a jewellery lover,” said the actress during the opening reception. “It’s all a part of adorning oneself. Adorning yourself tells the world who you are. I create each piece so the wearer demands attention. My jewellery is not for someone who does not want to be seen or simple at heart.”

Anna, who was born in New York to Caribbean parents from Antigua and the Dominican Republic, explained: “My fascination with glamour started at a very early stage in my life. Dressing up was my permanent state of mind, I loved glamour and wanted to feel that way all the time.

“At 18 years old, I bought a muskrat coat and dyed it to look like mink. I put $25 down and gave the furrier $10 a week until the entire $250 was paid. I became what I know I was supposed to be: a Harlem glamour girl.

“I never stopped playing dress up and I didn’t need a special occasion to do it. I never had the fear of over-dressing. If I was the only one with layers of jewelry and furs at a house party, I pretended I had another stop to make before I went home and that party demanded I came `dressed-up’…..

“We all have stories to tell. My jewelry will get the conversation started.”

Posted on

Miss Guyana off to BVI Pageant

Imarah RadixTomorrow the Grenada-born Miss Guyana World, Imarah Radix, is scheduled to wing out to compete at the Miss Caribbean World Pageant to compete for the coveted crown.

She will be competing against beauties from Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Margarita Island, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, USVI, Venezuela, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados and the British Virgin Islands.

Once in the British Virgin Islands, she will participate in several pageant related and community events.  Such as a Church service, trips to places such as the Virgin Gorda, Television Interviews, Swimming with the Dolphins, BVI High School Sports and a motorcade. The pageant is slated for March 27.

Guyana’s first representative was Janella Lewis in 2008 and according to the franchise holder, Ken Chung, she is now enjoying a modeling contract with a US Company. Meanwhile Mr. Guyana World, Max Chung, according to the franchise holder, is in Korea competing for the Mr World crown.

Speaking of funding the franchise Holder said it has always been a difficult issue “but I always manage in the end that is why I have the franchise for so many pageants, promoting Guyana through myself and sponsors that is the ultimate aim of pageant ambassadors.”

Posted on

‘Bring it’ T/20 song to be launched at the Edge

Mr Vegas, Fay-Ann Lyons to perform live

Energy, hype and pulsating entertainment is always associated with performances from Jamaican Dancehall artist Mr Vegas and Trinidadian Soca performer Fay-Ann Lyons and nothing less is expected tonight from 22:00hrs at the Edge Nightclub at the Tower Hotel in Georgetown when they perform for the first time live the theme song for the 2010 T/20 cricket World Cup which starts in Guyana on April 30.

The two celebrated Caribbean entertainers have joined forces for the making of the up tempo Soca and Dancehall mix theme song and the pair has promised an energized performance tonight at the official launching of the song in Guyana.

The Edge, Guyana’s latest and most modern nightclub has a capacity of 400 and tickets for tonight’s show is $2,500.

Accompanied by her musician husband Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, a three-time Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Road March champion (2003, 2008, 2009) who won the 2009 International Soca Monarch title while pregnant, explained the concept of the ‘Bring it’ song at a press conference yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium.

With hit songs like Lyon Empress, Mane the Matriach and Silver Surfer, the 30-year-old Fay-Ann said some feel that the ‘fete’ atmosphere at sports is not necessary but explained that she felt is was needed since Caribbean people are not passive people.

“The party atmosphere does not take away from the professionalism of the players and could actually inspire them because of the manner in which we celebrate,” Fay-Ann said.

Also present at the Stadium yesterday was 35-year-old Clifford Smith, know in the music industry as Mr Vegas after being given that nickname by his schoolyard football-mates, who thought that he kicked the ball like a Las Vegas dancer.

Rhonda Kelly, of Kelly/Holdings Limited, has been contracted to coordinate the activities of the artists for the first ever T/20 World Cup in the West Indies. She was also present yesterday.

Mr Vegas, who was hit in the face with a crowbar and had his jaw wired shut for six weeks after a scuffle over stolen master tapes, found fame in 1998 with hits such as Yu Sure, Jack It Up, and Latest News.

Mr Vegas informed that the ‘Bring it’ song, which was mainly written by USA based Jamaican Marlon Chin and developed by Fay-Ann and Mr Vegas, is all about bringing the positives to the matches.

‘The ICC wanted the energy … when they approached us they wanted to attract the youths. It’s not like when I was a youth. Back then you said cricket and everyone would tell you about the match they watched the night before. Now many of the youths don’t have that interest for cricket which is still the national sport of the West Indies. You talk about West Indies cricket now and many youths can tell you who Manchester United beat in football,” Mr Vegas explained.

Kelly disclosed that the ICC brought the concept of the song to the singers and they finished off the writing of the lyrics which was started by Chin.

Fay-Ann says the song encourages the entire family to come out to support the West Indies team and celebrate being Caribbean people. She songbird said the song is not only a party song but it is also very informative.

Both artists said they were honored to have been chosen to perform the theme song for the world event.

“I remember growing up and listening to cricket on the radio without even seeing the match and feeling if I was there. I remember Dujon and Richards batting and now to be actually involved in helping to inspire our present players with this song is humongous,” Mr Vegas said.

Both entertainers said they hoped they could create the right vibes at the venues to entertain the fans and motivate the players.

Bunji Garlin said he was here to not only support Fay-Ann as his wife and Mr Vegas as his ‘brethren’ but as someone who is proud to be a West Indian.

The singers and Kelly visited Antigua, Jamaica and Trinidad before coming here but tonight will be the very first time that the duo will be performing their riveting rendition since they did not perform in the three Islands they visited.

Guyana is also the first host venue that the singers are visiting and they are scheduled to tour the Islands which will also host matches (Barbados & St Lucia) before going to St Kitts which will host matches in the Womens division of the T/20 World Cup.

Sabrina Panday, who runs the Guyana ICC T/20 secretariat, said that the concept for the song was born after what transpired during the 2007 World Cup hosted by the West Indies.

“There were so many restrictions …some many thing you could not bring….it took away a lot from the atmosphere of West Indian cricket. This T/20 World Cup is a lot more relaxed without compromising security and the fans are being encouraged to bring it, the drums, the horns, the noise, the fun. The song also urges the West Indies players to bring their best game,” Panday said.
Mr Vegas said it’s all about bringing the positives and the energy while Fay-Ann said the ticket prices should encourage the fans to bring their friends in large numbers since the atmosphere, the rhythm section in the party stand, the fun and frolic and what should be enterprising cricket should all combine to create what should be an unforgettable event.

By Sean Devers

Posted on

Guyana Artistic Music Awards

Eddy Grant, Natural Black, First born among awardees

On April 25, next, when the local and diaspora-based Guyanese music and entertainers gather at the National Cultural Centre for the Guyana Artistic Music Awards, GAMA, some will be among a list of more than 90 nominees in 34 categories.

And as is done at the international level, singers will not be the only ones collecting crystals.

GAMA Chief Executive Officer Sherlon Shephard reiterated that there is no political leaning to any side in this prestigious event.

It’s a time out to say thank you to the people that make life more worthwhile and stress free while creating a network among Guyanese musicians in the diaspora while encouraging local artiste to stick to the task of insuring that the Guyanese voice and creativity is delivered to the world.

He listed the categories under which singers both local and in the diaspora will be  awarded in as including soul, RnB, Hip Hop, Dancehall Reggae, Culture reggae, soca, chutney, gospel and calypso as well as folk.

The other awards are for comedians, community workers, entrepreneurs, music producers and engineers as well as promoters and editors. There will also be awards for lifetime achievement and legendary works and the Lifetime awards recipients list include international Guyanese music icon Eddy Grant. Other names  mentioned for awards are  Natural Black and First Born.

The GAMA CEO said with out bias based on the selection process most Guyanese artistes whose music moved from national to international airtime over the years will be honoured as icons.

The younger artistes, on the other hand, will go through a nomination and voting process and the winners will be selected after points a maximum of 100 points are tallied from various sources of which public opinion will play a role via Facebook, Myspace, websites and music video releases.

Further a panel of judges will be employed to tally votes in addition to feedback garnered from radio and television stations and this will include the level of publicity that artistes have.

When asked what would awardees be receiving, he assured that they will each receive a customized GAMA crystal.

He also reiterated that it is not a one-man show and listed the players as including other founders such as Randolph Waterman, CEO of “Randolph’s Building and Renovation Company”; Elton Joseph, CEO of “Nortel Uphostelry”; and Andrew Francis, CEO of “Ark Plumbing Inc.”

Clearing the air on any misconceptions about the GMA and the Accolade, he said that the GAMA of Canada started around the same time that the Accolade Awards started without the Guyana Canadian artistic Entertainment group GCAE having any prior knowledge about the Accolade Awards.

GAMA was created after the President and other members of GCAE realized that many Guyanese artists living abroad had made tremendous strides in the Entertainment Industry without anyone saying thank you or honour and they so decided to create this. The difference with the GAMA of Canada and the Accolade Awards is that GAMA honours Guyanese artists worldwide while the Accolade Awards only honors Guyanese artists mostly found in Guyana.

He said, too, that “after presenting the first GAMA in Toronto Canada, we realized that we were only connecting with Guyanese artists in Canada and USA, when there were Guyanese artists all over the world in many different countries making their mark on the Entertainment scene and so we decided to include Guyanese artists from other countries”.

GCAE CEO said too that his committee decided that Guyana is the fittest place to stage the Awards show because it is strictly a Guyanese Awards show and we wanted to honour not only the Guyanese artists living abroad but also the Guyanese artists at home (living in Guyana).

Because we know that everyone cannot travel to Canada, hence, there is the decision to stage the event in Guyana.

By Mondale Smith

Posted on

Twenty20 World Cup Song

Mr Vegas, Fay Ann Lyons ‘bringing the vibes’

Mr. VegasThe 20/20 World Cup cricket event bowls off at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence on April 30 with the opening ceremony and the first two of six matches to be played on the Guyana leg of the International event which attracts the World’s best One-Day teams.

Sri Lanka play New Zealand in the opening game before West Indies and Ireland clash later that afternoon in the first ever International cricket match to be played under lights in Guyana.

Two more matches will be played at Providence on May 3 and May 4. The Men’s and Women’s semis are fixed for St Lucia while both finals will be played at the Kensington Oval.

“Are you ready, Bring It Posse we ready 20 Posse we ready
Let’s show the world how we party
Let’s go…
Bring the vibes, Bust the vibes, Feel the vibes,
20 vibes,
Love the vibe, Want the vibe, be the vibe, 20 vibe”

Singing these infectious and vibrant lyrics, dancehall maestro, Mr. Vegas, and Soca Queen, Fay Ann Lyons, have combined to unleash the ICC World Twenty20 2010 Tournament Song “Bring It” and word is that they will be in Guyana  in a matter of two weeks for  some promotional  activities. This we understand will include making appearances at the Edge Night club.

Back to the song: Appropriately titled after the event slogan, the fusion of two of the Caribbean’s musical genres has been produced with young cricket fans in mind and showcases the persuasive harmonization of Soca and dancehall. However, it promises to be a satisfying mix that appeals to cricket fans of all ages.

“ICC World Twenty20 represents a more stimulating, fun and fast-paced version of cricket and the song fits in with that spirit and energy. It’s designed to catch younger cricket fans, especially throughout the Caribbean – which is one of our primary objectives,” said ICC WT20 WI 2010 Regional Marketing Manager, Ms. Michelle Gibson.

“This song makes you want to move, to dance. The lyrics, the melody – they are reflective of the essence of our lifestyle and cricketing passion in the West Indies. Partying and playing cricket go hand in hand. Music has always been an essential part of cricket matches in the Caribbean, whether deejays or tuk bands or the unmistakable sound of the conch shell.”

“Bring It” begins with one of Mr. Vegas’ signature pitches on a quick tempo ragga-soca beat where he refers to the Twenty 20 dance. He is then joined by intros from Lyons, urging the crowd to get in on the action: “Hands up, hands up, everybody bringing it.”

Mr. Vegas then pours a radical dancehall rap about cricket on the beat, before the song steadily rises to a crescendo with the catchy chorus sung by Lyons.

Listeners continue to be swept into a celebratory frenzy and, by the end of the song, are likely to be singing along with the artistes…

Lyrics for Bring It:

Are you ready, Bring It Posse we ready, 20 Posse we ready
Let’s show the world how we party….yeah
Let’s go…
Bring the vibes, Bust the vibes, Feel the vibes,
20 vibes,
Love the vibe, Want the vibe, be the vibe,
20 vibes
Well every man, every woman, every West Indian
Put your hands in the air,
Party in the Stand
Jump up, Jump up, jump up super fans
2, 4, 6 RUNS!
Barbados bringing it!
Guyana bringing it!
St. Kitts bringing it!
Saint Lucia bringing it!
Hand in the air,
Everybody start swinging’ it,
Start…swinging’, swing, swinging’ it…

Posted on

Meet the Miss Bartica Regatta Delegates

Delegate #1

Patricee Wilson SPONSORED BY SPOTLIGHT PRODUCTIONS

Name: Patricee Wilson

D.O.B: 21st May, 1991

Age: 18

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Career Goal: Accountant/Cosmetologist

Hobbies: Reading, Dancing, Modelling and chatting on the internet.

Education: Madhia Primary School and Bartica Secondary School (7   subjects- 1 GRADE ONE)

Patricee is a secondary school teacher but her childhood dream was to one day become an accountant. Her current career choice is fulfilling one of her many desires, one being her liking for children. In her spare time she enjoys widening her intellectual capacity by reading and browsing the internet. And when she has had enough of the two, this Gemini beauty still finds time to indulge in a little bit of dancing.

She hopes one day to be able to tour some of the richest countries in the world. India is on the cards since she is totally fascinated by the Indian culture. This is not her first pageant and will certainly not be her last. Patricee once held the Miss Mahdia title back in 2003. She is entering this pageant with a broader focus on contesting the upcoming Miss Guyana Universe pageant. Her focus will be on domestic violence and the impact it has one her community.

Delegate #2

Lydia Timmerman SPONSORED BY CB&R MINING

Name: Lydia Nerica Timmerman

D.O.B: 16th April, 1991

Age: 18

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Career Goal: Nurse

Hobbies: Watching television, swimming, eating.

Education:  St. Anthony’s Primary School and Bartica Secondary School

Lydia describes herself as a loving person who enjoys a good conversation. She always has an encouraging word and draws her inspiration from her father.
This aspiring nurse has a great liking for animals and in her spare time enjoys watching television, keeping fit with some swimming and eating.

The Aries beauty has never been in any pageant before but says she was encouraged to enter this one since it is her aim to build her self confidence. Likes the other delegates she plans to bring fierce competition to this year’s pageant and really show off what Bartica has to offer.

Delegate #3

Raffena Rebecca Sattaur

SPONSORED BY ALLEN’S ENTERPRISE

Name: Raffena Rebecca Sattaur

D.O.B: 13th October, 1992

Age: 17

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Career Goal: Medical Doctor

Hobbies: Reading, Surfing, Meeting people & Dancing

Education: St. Anthony’s Primary School, the Bartica Secondary School and Three Miles Secondary school.

This Libra beauty simply lives by her motto ‘beauty lies in simplicity’. Raffena enjoys reading, surfing the internet and dancing in her spare time. She says even though she has wild fantasies she always keep in mind her motto. Despite not having any pageant experience Raffena says she is going ahead with full confidence and hopes that she will walk away with the coveted crown.

She says her future in pageantry depends on the outcome of this year’s Miss Regatta pageant. This aspiring medical doctor has a word for the other contestant, to be on the alert for fierce completion and don’t be fooled by her simplicity.

By Mondale Smith

Posted on

Plans in train for 2010 Bartica Regatta

Nine delegates to contest crown

Calling all tourists, domestic and international mark your calendars as; plans have commenced to make Bartica Regatta 2010 even bigger. Regional Chairman Holbert Knights has informed that the events will be staged for the period March 13 to April 5 this year.

Aside from the boat races the major attraction and entertainment packaged comes through the annual Regatta pageants. This year nine beauties from the mining community have been selected and have commenced training to see who will be crowned Miss Regatta 2010.

They will be sashed at an official ceremony on March 20. Added entertainment will include a Dance fiesta; featuring the Classique Dance troupe and the Famous Pose dancers. That event will also be used to honor outstanding Barticians as well as champion racers, footballers and athletes. On that occasion too there will be the awarding of Grades Six and CXC scholarships from 2009 and the showcasing of video highlights from the 2009 pageant and races.

On April 1 Regatta gets a real jump start with the welcome party that offers a gate prize of US $500 that includes a dance clash between dancers from the USA, Bartica and Georgetown at the Gardens in Second Avenue.

On Saturday April 3 the Modern and Platinum Square will come alive for the annual Regatta, Street Jam where patrons will party all night to popular stereo sounds.

The Easter Sunday REGATTA is set for April 4 at the Golden Beach, Third Avenue and will feature Canoe racing, at least three Canoe skills competitions and Power Boat racing. The committee is promising that prizes will be handed out immediately after each race.

The Pageant is set for April 4 at the Admin and Modern Square and will feature nine delegates including Patrice Wilson, Lydia Timmerman, Rebecca Sattur, Nickesha Fraser, Tiffeny Wong, Latoya Allen, Nikita Henry, Jessica Mc Kenzie and Anice Hicks. As part of the pageants offerings the delegates will present on their chosen platforms live on TTS channel 5 one week prior to the pageant.

On pageant night international singing duo X2 featuring Adrian and Jumo will entertain patrons. The delegates will be featured in swimwear as well as a talent segment.

On Easter Monday the beach party and family fun day is carded to be staged at the Golden Beach, Third Avenue and will feature Canoe racing, Canoe skills competitions and Power Boat racing.

When the sun sets from 17:00hrs the atmosphere will be transformed into a concert setting that will be dubbed the official Regatta Wash Down. There X2 as well as a yet to be named international artiste will take to the stage constructed over the Golden Beach.

By Mondale Smith

Posted on

Guyana Artistic Music Awards are coming home Sunday April 25

While there is no sure word on whether Guyana will be having an Accolade- the music awards of Guyana this year– it looks like an international group is set to honour stake holders in the industry shortly.

For the first time in its short history, on Sunday April 25, the Guyana Artistic Music Awards (GAMA) is set to be staged at the National Cultural Centre to honour not just locally based artistes but Guyanese entertainers from 14 territories in the Diaspora.

The promoter is the ‘Guyanese Canadian Artistic Enterprise’ company based in Toronto Canada and is headed by promoter Sherlock Shepherd. Working alongside is co founders Randolph Waterman CEO of “Randolph’s Building & Renovation Company”, Elton Joseph CEO of “Nortel Upholstery” and Andrew Francis CEO of “Ark Plumbing Inc.”

GCAE has promoted annual boat rides, concerts and dances during the Caribana Celebrations every summer since 2002.  The company also promotes various events during the year featuring Guyanese and other Artists from Canada and around the world.

The last GAMA was staged in Toronto Canada in 2008. It was organised by GCAE in collaboration with “Massive Bunch Entertainment”.

It is being staged in Guyana this time around because the promoters have expressed the belief that Guyanese music has made commendable strides.

The Guyana Artistic Music Awards (GAMA) of Canada is an annual community event created to promote and recognize Guyanese talent internationally. It will feature 29 Guyanese acts spanning 14 countries on stage entertaining. Some of the lot will receiving awards in various categories.

Among those listed to be honoured are  Lionel Abel, Mark Bryan,  Otis  Holder,  Dave Martins,  Sammy Baksh,  Sash Persaud,  Tony Ricardo,  Ivor Lynch,  Kenny Lawrence,  Phil ‘Bumpy’ Dino and Patrick ‘Patto’ Gonsalves.

Originally, the event was to have been two-fold but Shepherd said that after discussions with senior authorities locally, he was advised not to stage two back to back shows. The other is the Guyana Reggae Sunsplash.

“We are aiming to create a product that can become a marketing tool for the tourism industry while aiding in creating a Guyanese cultural identity that is on par with the international musical requirements, Shepherd said.

The promoter is of the belief that the awards to be staged annually would encourage artistes to up their game and work towards bettering their musical and entertainment offerings.

That Sunsplash is carded for April 17 as a prelude to the awards so that locals can experience live performances from Guyanese musicians who are doing their thing for Guyana in other countries.
The GUYANA REGGAE SUNSPLASH is carded for the NATIONAL PARK.

Some of the nominees resident in Guyana include Shelly G, Tennicia Defreitas, Jumo, Adrian Dutchin, Timeka Marshall, Mariam Williams, Jory Hector, Melissa Vanilla Roberts, Bones Man, Kester D, JB, Big Red, Alabama, Cid Hooper, Young Bill Rogers, and Cliff Davis. The nominees residing in France include Ras McBean and Colin I and the England based artistes include Joe Tex.

The Jamaican based nominees are Imykal, Fire Juice and Major Joe B, while the USA artistes include Zebulan, Kapa Shanti, Prakz, H20, Redemption and Yonette Hooper. From Canada the nominees include Telescope, Donna Makeda, Prince Ally, Cyborg, Mandela and Daddy Rusty.

There is also an editor’s award that will cover the media for best print, television, radio and Internet personalities.

The organisers say they will be consulting with the Ministries of Culture and Tourism to endorse the Awards and to get the relevant support.

Local sponsors listed for the event thus far include Carib Beer, Wireless Connections; White Castle Fish Shop, FCE Systems; American Exchange Barbers, Colours, Lenscraft optical, Aubrey James Video productions amongst others.

They are awaiting confirmation from the telephone service providers of Guyana among other corporate entities.

According to Shepherd the local event will be a Red Carpet affair at the National Cultural Centre with a Cocktail Event to follow. The list of artistes that number more than 15 for honorary awards will be announced later but this publication understands that Barbados based international artistes Eddy Grant will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award wile Jamaica based Natural Black should take home the International Music Ambassador Award.

Why GAMA?

When asked why such an event given that Guyana has its Accolade awards the organisers said the GAMA of Canada started around the same time that the Accolade Awards started without any prior knowledge about the Accolade Awards.

GAMA was created after the President and other members of GCAE realized that many Guyanese artists living abroad had made tremendous strides in the Entertainment Industry and so decided to create this event to award and honour these artistes.  The difference with the GAMA of Canada and the Accolade Awards is that GAMA honours Guyanese artistes worldwide while the Accolade Awards only honours mostly Guyanese artistes in Guyana.

“After presenting the first GAMA in Toronto Canada, we realized that we were only connecting with Guyanese artistes in Canada and USA, when there were Guyanese artistes all over the world in many different countries making their mark on the Entertainment scene and so we decided to include Guyanese artistes from other countries”.

The GCAE decided that Guyana was the fittest place to stage the present Awards show because it is strictly a Guyanese Awards show and they wanted to honour not only the Guyanese artistes living abroad but also those living in Guyana.  “We know that everyone cannot travel to Canada and hence the decision to stage the event in Guyana was decided upon.

Some of the international sponsors are ARK’S plumbing Inc, De Castro & De Castro Construction Co, Channaman’s Restaurant, First-Class Printing, Calypso Hut, Tennessee International, Freight Inc, All Natural Beauty Supply Product, Randolph Cuilding and Construction and Titan Tours Airlines.

By Mondale Smith

Posted on

Passion releases two singles this weekend

Local singing sensation, Clifton ‘Passion’ Adolphus known for songs such as Me Alone, Ah come out to Dance and Abusive is set to release two new singles this weekend.

The two songs titled Caribbean wine and Inside the party, according to the 31-year-old, will be released for the first time on Television stations such as HJtv 72, NCN-11, HBTV-9, NTN-69 and HGtv 16 as well as MBC Ch 42.

These songs are Groovy Soca-styled.  The Caribbean wine is a humorous way of   describing the gyrations of persons of various body types and there is also a shame face wine being portrayed by the X-Factor dance group and members of the Trendsetters Sounds.

Inside the party is specifically for people who have not gone to a party in a long time and possibly will meet that special someone. The videos filmed in Guyana at the Umbrella resort were produced by the Gathering of the People Television Productions.

Passion who has contested six soca monarch titles, unsuccessfully, opted out this year because he says entering the competition has proven more of a financial burden to him with little or no results or compensation.

The local singer who wishes that he could have made a career out of singing says he is constantly on the grind but cannot at this time. “I haven’t given up on the Soca monarch competition because if you win there is much to be gained so I took a rest this year but I will be back”.

He let on that he is currently more focussed on producing his tracks and as a result he’s also hoping to help other perspective artistes who want to get their music produced but can’t afford it. He’s also in the business of writing songs for artistes.

To date passion has 21 songs fully recorded to his name and some are still to be released. He has also launched an album titled ‘Flavour of the Caribbean’ that featured production work from Kingdom Friends’, Kross Kolor Records, Dynamics and Platinum studios.

By Mondale Smith