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Guyanese galore for Guyfest 2010

Roger Gary and modelGuyfest 2010 set for staging July 10, NYMichelle Cole

Cole, Cotes, Gary for Style and culture show
Karib Nation, Inc. a registered non-profit organization will be hosting the annual Guyana Cultural Festival – “Guyfest 2010” on Saturday July 10, 2010 at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, 1450 Generals Highway “MD Route 178” in Crownsville, Maryland and Guyana will be well represented at the event.

The day’s event will highlight a “Musical Journey”- featuring Guyana’s musical icons, including Terry Gajraj and the Supertones Band, Jumo Primo, H20 Wata Flo, Eddie Neblett, Timeka Marshall, Tony Ricardo, Adrian Dutchin, Geeta Bisram and the Angels Caribbean Band.
While the local designers and fashion industry may have their knit picking that have thus far created factions, three Guyanese designers are set to showcase their creations today in Maryland, USA. That lot includes USA based Roger Gary, Pat Coates and Michelle Cole-Rose.
According to Gary the three were getting ready for the “STYLT & CULTURE” in Maryland and Gary said “I’m looking forward to showing along with two of Guyana’s best designers.”

The show titled “STYLE & CULTURE” lunches “Guyfest 2010” celebrating Guyana’s culture and will be staged at “The Atrium at Treetops” in Landover Maryland. Mischele Cole is showing Facts N Roses sportswear and Pat Coates is showing evening creations. Guyfest 2010 is a celebration of Guyana’s unique cultural heritage, drawing on the traditions of its African, Amerindian, Chinese, European, Indian and Portuguese roots. This day long celebration will draw an estimated 6,500 people to enjoy the rich sounds of Guyanese music, cuisine, visual and performing arts, activities for the entire family, displays of arts and craft by vendors from across the US, Guyana and the Caribbean.

Visual and performing arts,  including traditional folk dances, theatre and poetry, Art & Sculpture – Children’s and family play area featuring, Maypole plaiting, slides and more. A Food Court featuring authentic Guyanese, American and Caribbean dishes: Vendors of arts and crafts from across the United States and the Caribbean will be participating. Karib Nation, Inc. is the host of Guyana Festival “Guyfest”

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Treyon Garrett working on solo album – Releases first video

Trayon GarrettDuring a television interview Tuesday last the 29 -year-old who is caught between contractual landscaping and his music introduced the video of a recently launched single done with Jamaican artiste ‘King Prof’ under the Vision Sounds label. This is one of about 12 songs which will be featured on his soon to be released solo Album.

“This video is a cover for the oldies ‘Worried over you’ and we actually tried to do it three times and apparently this is the right time to release it. I encourage all Guyanese music lovers to support by buying a video CD combo at Matts Record Bar” the soft spoken dreadlocked youth said. The track was built in Jamaica while the song was recorded at the Vision Sounds Studio in Guyana.  Originally the son was to have been done with Edwin Yearwood of the famed Kross Fyah band and when that didn’t work Bonny Alves was called in and that too did not work according to Trayon.

It was shot and edited by Troy, another member of First Born but the motivation for a remake of the original song was encouraged by veteran Music producer Walter Fraser (Wally).

Speaking about his career he said his 12 track album has already been recorded and will soon be mixed before being released before year end.

To him music is life and he was always supported by his father and mother and relatives from the time they recognized his talent. “I used to beat drums plenty as child and then my mother got me involved in Star Search way back in 1993,” he recalled.

His message to aspiring artistes is “continue working and keep your focus on your talent as a first love and a dream to be realized by you.”

He also encouraged supporters to keep supporting local.

This is the first song and video of my solo album so look out Guyana Treyon as well as some members of first born are doing things solo for now.

In a humble tone he is also encouraging persons interested in having their lawns and yards spruced up to contact him as he has started a land scaping business.

By Mondale Smith

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Whats Up with First Born

FirstbornGroup still functioning void of management- Treyon

They have performed for close to13 years as proud Guyanese voices in the Caribbean and various parts of the world. Now while we have not heard the last of them, speculations are rife that they have split up for reasons unknown.

However, recently on the BTV2, Caribbean Music Box programme Treyon Garrett one of the five members of the First Born group confirmed that all is not well with the group.

“As First Born (the group) we are under a self management basis, two of us are working with Vision Sounds, Sean is in Berbice doing some personal show organizing, Rawlston is in Linden and Lambert is in Trinidad at present”, he told the fans of the programme.

While the other members of the Guyanese group could not be reached for comment Treyon said “We are at a level where the members have decided to do some solo.” Amidst rife speculations of the gropu being split he said  some members have parted ways with management but “the group is still the group together, whenever its that time you will see us perform together but right now we are not delaying we’re doing solo recordings.”

Expounding further the 29-year-old said that “it’s a little situation going on, We (Firsts Born) have some differences as some members are not under the Vision Sounds management any longer but the group is still the group whenever we come together and it is no longer managed by Vision sounds”.

Before the separation from management Treyon said some members did want to be away from management but all of us weren’t in total agreement so two of us remained under Vision sounds as solo artistes.  A lot of people have been wanting for us to do solos but management never saw it that way but that’s what is happening.

Explaining further he said it’s a group and management issue where some members just wanted to be away from management for different reasons while others did not want it that way as such the First born Group is no longer being directly managed by Vision sounds.

First Born is known for songs such as Bounce yah head, Irits and headlines as well as How are we gonna survive and Black Joint.

Some members of first born will be touring Europe shortly through an arrangement with Vision Sounds boss man Wally Fraser along with other artistes.

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KKR artiste Jovinski Thorne Rocks Cellink Kids stage

Jovinski ThorneThe Kross Kolor Studios artistes have yet another reason to celebrate victory following the finals of the Cellink Plus Kids stage competition last weekend at the Theatre Guild in Kingston.

After a night of very memorable competitive performances by the nation’s future entertainers KKR artiste Jiovinski proved the best in the 11-14 category of the inaugural Cellink Kids stage competition.

Initially the six month long competition started with more than three hundred children drawn from across Guyana displaying dance, dramatic poetry and singing but on finals night the line up was down to twenty one: ten in the 8-10 category and eleven in the 11-14 category.

Minus a few glitches the evening sparkled with mostly good performances by the majority and kudos is in order for the organizers almost show.

Jovinski performance of Michael Jackson’s classic ‘Rocking Robin’ was ahead of his game from the opening bars of the song to the very end. Dressed in a black scissors tail suit with red comber band, white shirt and black hat to top it off, Jovinski lived the song in every way.

He was probably the most relaxed performer and the one that communicated most effectively with the judges and the audience. Except for two occasions when the mike moved slightly away from his mouth he was right in the zone. As if his singing wasn’t enough, Jovinski showed that he also has got dance in his blood and this sent hi s performance over the top to finally get the judges nod.

The Judges were Dave Martins, Ron Robinson, Michelle Johnson, Paul Charles, Francis Bailey, Lavonne George, Charlene Wilkson, Michael Thompson, Lorraine Barker King and kenrick Cheeks.

Jovinski is the youngest performer on the Kross Kolor label and finds himself  among Guyanese music Royalty such as Three time Road march Queen Vanilla and people’s Choice award winner 2010, two time Chutney Monarch Rajesh Dubraj, Three time Soca Monarch Adrian Dutchin, Three time Junior  Calypso Monarch Wilbur “b52 ” Levans, Junior Calypso Monarch and HIV song contest winner Tennicia Defreitas and former Roadmarch Queen Big Red. The two other members of the KKR family are Jumo and Ossie O. Simon said his formula or the continued success of his artiste is always the same: long term planning, arduous practice, and efficient implementation.

By Mondale Smith

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Miss Guyana Earth Swimsuit competition set for Princess International Hotel Sunday

After more than a month of training and mixed media publicity as well as three shows including a national costume segment and an intelligence segment; its time for the swimsuit competition.

Reports from the competition coordinator Pamela Dillon are that the delegates will compete at the Princess Buddies Hotel in Swimwear on Sunday June 13. “The girls have been trained well and will be showcasing a selected competition swimwear as well another of their choice.  Additionally there will be much on the offer with side entertainment from several Guyanese artistes such as Malo, Big Red, Rajesh Dubraj and Tennecia Defreitas as well as Classique Dancers.  From an original line up of nine the line up is now down to the final is set for June 26. Their swim suits are designed by Vastie Harlequin and a list of various Guyanese designers.

Let’s meet the delegates:

Marcia Badal Anesha Benjamin Velisha Easton Franale Holder

Shellon Fraser Soyini Fraser Kiswana Jefford
Delegate # 1
Marcia Badal age 23 boasts statistics of 33-25-35 and stands at a height of 5’7″.  She is employed as a script Writer for National Communications Network and is Sponsored by National Communications Network. He PLATFORM is Sustainable Logging and she loves Basketball.

Delegate # 2
Anesha Benjamin age 23 is sponsored by Forest Enterprises Ltd. Her PLATFORM is Responsible Garbage Disposal and she say that the environment is everyone’s business and all should do their part to preserve it. ” littering in any form is a definite no no because it can cause much harm to the earth and  the earth is our only home so I’m advising that we take more care and caution when we go to dispose  of our waste and garbage,” she  told this publication.  She loves reading, listening to Music and Traveling. Her statistics are 34-24-34 and she stands at a height of 5’9″ with sights set on becoming an Air hostess she’s currently a Customer Service Representative.

Delegate #3
Velisha Easton age 21 is sponsored by:  Y& J International Cuisine and she loves dancing and surfing the net. Her ultimate goal is to become a nurse as she has a hear for caring people back to heath.  Her vital statistics are 32-24-34 and she stands at a height of 5’7″. Her platform is renewable energy.

Delegate # 4

Franale Holder age 21 is Miss Sun Lite International. Her hobbies include cooking, singing, dancing and modeling.  Her platform is project clean air and her vital statistics are 32-23-34. She stands at a height of height; 5’4″

Delegate #5
Shellon Fraser is Miss Lucky Dollar. This 22 year-old says she loves; modeling, and dancing. Her vital statistics are 32-24-34 and she a professional Administrative Assistant. As a Guyana hopeful beauty ambassador to the Miss Earth International Pageant in Vietnam her platform is ‘using plastics wisely’.

Delegate # 6
Soyini Fraser is a confident self assertive 19-year-old. Sponsored by Unicom her vital statistics are 36-26-36 and she stands at a height; 5’9″. Her hobbies include dancing. She’s student pursuing tertiary education and her platform is ‘reduction of greenhouse gasses.’ She’s a dancer with the Classique dance theater.

Delegate #7
Kiswana Jefford age 19 is focused on ‘Embracing controlled logging’ as her platform. A legal clerk at present she’s also a second year student at the University of Guyana UG. Her hobbies include dancing. This Miss Guyana Talented Teen second runner up is a confident articulate but quiet beauty who says has all the right qualities to be a Guyanese beauty ambassador to the world.

By Mondale Smith

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Guyana Fashion Weekend plans begin with designer auditions

Sonia Noel and a ModelTaking Guyana’s fashion to the world

Fresh back from showcasing her new world Sonia Noel Resort line in Tobago and her Mariska’s line with shades of pink in support of breast cancer awareness Sonia Noel is now focused on Guyana Fashion Weekend 2010.

The ever busy designer told this publication that all focus is now set on making the 2010 even grander than in years past. “Guyana Fashion Weekend is set for Oct 30 and 31 at The Pegasus Hotel and will feature designers from Guyana as well as international designers and some from the Caribbean.

As a prelude, registration for hopeful local designers to the event commences on Tuesday June 15 and ends on Saturday. This is the word from GFW CEO Sonia Noel as she encourages new designers to present sketches and one or two complete pieces during the period at her Silhouette showroom Barr Street Kitty at the former Rayon House of Fashion building.  She also let up that among the lot of designers will be Guyana Born Diaspora based designers.

After showcasing her creations on many Caribbean catwalks, Sonia Noel’s first fashion weekend show was staged in August of 2007 and has since been staged at the Buddies Hotel, the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground. The event normally features regional and international designers as well as models. This year’s event will feature as special focus on Breast Cancer awareness. Meanwhile the Search for Guyana’s next top model male, female and full figured and chef is soon to climax. Noel can be contacted on 226-3099.

By Mondale Smith

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Introducing: RadiKal One

RadikalPositive vibes Hauraruni village kid Jason Beaton

Amidst much talk of youths being only associated with negative vibes and influences of violence in dancehall this publication introduces Jason Lester Beaton a.k.a ‘Radikal one.’

From Hauraruni, Soesdyke linden highway this youth age 22 is a kid with big dreams to promote positivism in dance hall/ reggae Gospel style and has  completed a six track album to prove this.

A graduate of the Dora Secondary School he is currently  a student Global technology  Studying Network Plus and A+ with the ultimate goal to become an entrepreneur  who  has the business know how but can also sing of the unsearchable riches of God in Christ Jesus. “I got started singing six years ago in churches and at various entertainment events and thus far I’ve completed a six track album aptly titled ‘RADIKAL ONE,” he said.

Standing at  the height of 6ft 6ins, like every youth he says he has had his fare share of hanging with the crowd and wanting to fit in no matter the cost, and often was  a problem child in secondary school. As he puts it “my parents are Christian missionaries and I was the embarrassment.” Then came the wake up call through a friend.  “He asked me, how could you be the child of pastors and be living the life of a rebellious kid… no example at all,” Radika recalled.

Though he had heard words to that effect before that statement finally made sense and his womanizing days grounded to a halt.  Now the rest is His-story.

I’m now focused on  my educational development seriously; and also on  my music … I love Dancehall and I know what  it can do  to  youths so I’m  gonna  sing dance hall  laced with the  word of God to create positive influences in the lives of  partying youths.  To me Youths are not all bad we just sometimes do things to fit in and also to be part of the in crowd to get attention but I am proof to say things can turn around with God for a better living.

The six tracks album comprises five songs created in the Brutal tracks Studios with assistance from Ken da Beat Maker and another done in Trinidad.

They include ‘Na compromise’  which declares that  no matter what the cost we need to  decide that we stand for God always and though the road may get tough God will see us through at any age and stage.

‘Come mek them fight meh’ is another hot song that encourages you to hold fast to your dreams despite the nay Sayers.

The artistes who is  aiming to go global with his message  also  has completed a song titled ‘give Jesus everything’ and that features artistes from Canada and Trinidad such as DJ evangelist, Baby C, Kester D and Tandika as well as himself.

On the album too there is one song that speaks of war in which many youth dies, but this version tell of what one has to do  to ensure that one  stands  with God  against spiritual and emotional issues and unfolding with principalities and powers and  rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places.

Another must hear for Dancehall lovers seeking positive vibes is the “God the  Greatest” song which tells of  the undying and unwavering love of God  for man kind despite their wicked ways.

Last but not least is the one that was done for a Bahamas based deejay ‘God Son’  titled ‘ Search feh them soul’ and it tells encourages Christians to  get out of their bench warming ways  and going into the world and to preach and teach as alight to those in the dark.

“I patter myself off of my brother-in-law Solid Youth who is the motivator that keeps me going musically.  Radikal One is signed to the ReadyBack Records label out of Jamaica headed by Saint Matthews. He can be contacted on 646-2716email [email protected] you can also find him on face book and myspace social networks.

As he trod on to fulfill his calling in God as a Christian he say the music is laced with the word of God but is not just for  Christians  it’s for any  person who want to  enjoy  and learn of God’s goodness at the youth dancehall level.

Ultimately he’s aiming to hit the international music main stream where he says he will be able to ad to the voices that speak of positive vibes and hope for youths.

By Mondale Smith

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Solid Youth drops new music video

Solid YouthAfter months of listening to the audio version, of the inspirational Solid as a Rock album David Yasin aka Solid Youth has dropped yet another inspirational reggae influenced music video for dancehall music lover.

Dubbed ‘You’re Gonna make it’ the song was recorded in Jamaica several months ago and is one of twelve on the album available at Gift Land Officemax.

When the album was launched the video ‘I’m back’ was also released to rave reviews for its on location in Jamaica scenes and message. Now this new video filmed in Guyana at locations such as Albouystown offers much hope to the stressed out, the lost, the lonely and the helpless.

The artistes says “It uses the gospel of the Holy bible craftily to tell listeners  that with God you will live and not die…you’re gonna make it no matter hard them a try…”

Explaining further he said “this song is for everyone to be motivated and its not religious just the truth that we know all so well but it makes perfect sense musically.

“You can and will be encouraged and up lifted by the message no matter your age, race class or creed the artistes assures of the song that  has all the making of an international hit.

Solid youth is also working on a few more videos with plans to do a national and an international tour before year end.

The 25-year-old said the song’s inspiration was fueled by his father Apostle Mohammed Yasin who had several heart attacks and almost died on each occasion.

“I thought that he was gonna die but through faith and prayers he is still alive and well, thank God….”    He said too that the word of God speaks about life and death in the tongue and so as a prophesy the song speaks into the life of those who have lost all hope and want out… the reason why you are still alive despite your difficulty is because God has purpose and a plan for your life and its not limited to sickness or disease. No matter the situation you are gonna make it no matter what” the Bartician said.

The video filmed and directed by Reverent Colin Edghill and the artistes  and was edited by Darrel Pugsley.

By Mondale Smith

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Little Miss Moniques Cotillion programme launched

Cotillian PrincessesThe Annual Little Ms. Monique’s Cotillion was Launched on June 4th 2010, at 14:00hrs at the Ocean View Hotel.
The Little Ms. Monique’s Cotillion Program not only excels in traditional cotillion instruction of dancing and etiquette, but also provides excellent lessons in hands-on dining and goal setting. This new program offers convenience to parents and young girls, while allowing them time to do various activities along with fund-raising causes and special events.
The six-month program concludes with a Cotillion Ball and Awards Program.
Monique’s Caring Hands Support Center, Little Ms. Monique’s Cotillion offers etiquette classes within Georgetown, and currently has eleven participants in the program. By working with schools at their location, the program will be more accessible to students as well as no cost to parents. The program is currently geared toward young girls from ages 8 to fourteen years old.

This etiquette and social skills program teaches children all the important skills for everyday life and beyond. They will learn to shake hands, make correct introductions, write thank you letters, respond to RSVP’s, be a host, be a guest, dress for the occasion, set the table, dine with manners, and learn what it means to have nice social skills.
CEO, Dawn Stewart said “our world is fast paced and busy, sometimes making it hard for parents to find the time to teach their children etiquette; most of the time they are just trying to make it through the day. Unfortunately, TV and movies don’t show enough examples of proper behavior, so simple lessons like these help the child to know what correct behavior is and that it is expected of them. These lessons, along with reinforcements from home and school, will help guide children to becoming well-behaved young adults!”

Monique’s Caring Hands Support Center believes that having good social skills and being able to properly present one’s self, is a necessity in today’s increasingly competitive society. It empowers individuals to feel comfortable with themselves and others, to communicate more effectively, and to set a leadership example in school, business, or in any social situation; promoting personal growth, confidence and character. In a progressive world where definitions are often lost, words such as courtesy, sensitivity, and respect often overlooked – Monique’s Cotillions will stands as a model in educating the young to enjoy, appreciate and respect their role in society.

In addition, persons who have made a contribution to the children of Guyana and supported Monique’s in their ventures will receive awards in their honor. The event will conclude with the Cotillion ball an evening packed with entertainment to include cocktails and dinner.
Cost for event is $5000 dollars and we are asking the public to purchase tickets. Fifty percent (50%) of the funds raised by the cotillions will be used by Monique’s Helping Hands Support Center to assist in our annual charity programs for children only, 10% will be used to provide gifts for the winners of the cotillion, 40% will be used for the various skills training, outings, events, and the cotillion ball for the Cotillion participants.

Founded in 2003, CPIC Monique’s Caring Hands Support Centre is a non-governmental volunteer organization with a primary mission to promote the quality of life for all Guyanese people with an emphasis on health, education and family registered as a friendly society in Guyana, S.A.
To contact CPIC Monique’s Caring Hands Support Centre. Email: [email protected] Phone: 227-0996

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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