Guyanese MADONNA GHANIE age 19 has been selected as GUYANA’S DELEGATE to the upcoming FACE OF SHABEAU 2010 competition in Barbados. She was selected from a large line up of hopefuls who auditioned two weeks ago at the Pegasus.her pageant experience includes being a delegate in the miss Guyana Talented teen pageant 2009 where she won the Miss Photogenic prize. Her hobbies include dancing, modeling,cooking, hanging at the Mall, camping and swimming.
The Collaborative OMG track hits airwaves today – KKR Boss man
As of today music lovers will get some more of Guyanese musical creativity when the OMG track is launched and word is that the track will be released on a new compilation that due out in stores in two weeks.
As Kross Kolor Records prepare to release the remix that features Adrian Dutchin, Jory and Peter Ram, KKR has acknowledged that the collaborative efforts ” Keys “and the Brutal Tracks recording production company for doing a fantastic job on producing the track.
The KKR boss man also acknowledges entertainer Kerwin Bollers of Hits and Jams for his input and making the talent of Jory available and Peter Ram for unhesitatingly agreeing to be part of the remix project and the production wizardry of Burchmore Simon, Adrian Dutchin and the KKR team for overall production of the song which was recorded and mixed at The Sound Garden Studios.
Simon states too that “This type of collaboration augers well for the music industry and will serve to strengthen the forward movement of the industry”.
Most of the international record companies have been doing this type of collaboration and have been reaping the benefits through popularity of the collaborators, performances for the artistes and sales; it also makes way for lesser known artistes to record on the rhythm and piggy back on the success of more established ones. And in this instance Simon says “collaborations benefit all participants and should be pursued and encouraged.” When this publication intervieweed Adrian Dutchin he was in high praises to Brutal Tracks and KKR for making the OMG possible and promises that Guyana Can look forward to a real party vibe on the track.
By Mondale Smith
Gospel Singer Sean Sobers ups his music game
Goes One-on-one
Those in the local music industry who like positive, inspirational vibes may recall Sean Sobers for the hit planted. Entertainer caught up with this positive vibes artiste and learnt that he has added yet another song to the local music repertoire and another will soon follow.
The names of the songs are ‘Born for More’ and ‘I’ve Called You.’ Sobers explaining the inspiration behind ‘born for more’ said “many people are living below their true call void of fulfilment and are being undervalued. “I just realised that there’s more and we need to come to a place where we begin to walk in our true nature and purpose.” He said the inspiration came while he was driving and the words’ “more…. there’s more…we were born for more kept hitting me. So Every day that we rise up there must be a consciousness that what we’re doing, saying and how we’re living is not all there is…there must be a sensing that there’s more.
The well travelled Guyanese artiste of his second song, I’ve Called You, said it is a reminder that “despite of what we’re faced with daily, it is not what people think or say…but it’s about what God has said about you before the foundation and what he has chosen you to do and be. Sobers added that many people feel that they were born into the wrong time and place and their circumstances are unfavorable. “But through this song I want to remind people that there is a call of God upon their lives,” Sobers said.
He added that he has penned many songs aimed at propelling people forward into destiny and purposeful living because it’s not about where we are or what we used to do but where we’re going to be.
The songs were recorded at a small studio, West Wesleyan Media Production through a team effort that included two fresh and upcoming faces to the gospel music scene to do these songs, Samuel Medas and Rochelle Maximus.
‘Born for more’ was released about two months ago and ‘I’ve called you’ will be released within upcoming weeks.
Thus far this professional barber has released one album titled ‘Process” which features 12 track including ‘planted’ and ‘Heal the Land’. Also there was a DVD release “Live in Suriname” that featured ‘Lord I came here’.
“I’m presently a pastor, and also doing some travelling while working along with a Canadian worship leader and producer.”
Offering his take on the local music industry Sobers expressed the view that “we have the ability to produce quality music, the resources are available and we have been doing much. However people need to see the bigger picture, beyond simply Guyana”. Elaborating further Sobers said he believes that once we adapt that mentality our music will take on a different form and make a greater impact on the international circuit. “We need to stop placing blame and just get up and do it. As has become the norm among the mutterings of Guyanese acts Sobers expressed disappointment with the lack of proper copyright laws for artistes as well.
Contacts: [email protected] Facebook: http://gibsonhillmusic.ning.com/profile/SeanSobers
pix: Sean sobers 1,2 Caption: Guyanese Psalmist Sean Sobers
By Mondale Smith
Jory Mixtape Rises Into The Digital World
Proclaimed by many as Guyana’s Best Dancehall Artiste and the new face of dancehall music lyrical-maestro Jory who has been scorching the charts with his newly released ‘Say what I want to say’ mixtape is now making his music available to the digital world by releasing his mixtape online.
Facebook users can find his page at facebook.com/Jory and become a member of his thriving fan page which has been receiving massive attention both locally and regionally. Fans can listen to singles from the ‘Say what I want to say’ mixtape directly from the page or they can follow the available link to download the entire album.
The mixtape can also be streamed and downloaded on most of the popular Guyanese social blog sites including inefx.com, guyanalive.com, gtvibes.com, gtshowbiz.com and the newly introduced gamborie.com.
The ‘say what I want to say’ compilation has been grabbing the attention of local music lovers are currently in heavy rotation on both the airwaves and in popular parties nationwide.
Jory Hector, Adrian Dutchin and Peter Ram – OMG Remix
These are the exact words that people will be uttering when they hear the recently recorded ‘O.M.G remix’ which features upcoming Dancehall Star Jory Hector, Barbadian Soca megastar Peter Ram and the song’s original singer Guyanese soca sensation Adrian Dutchin.
The original song which was produced by musical-genius, Keyes and recorded at Kross Kolor Studios has been blazing the airwaves however; this official remix is anticipated to be a definite chart-topper since these three amazing artistes have added their unique styles to this groovy dancehall mix.
Jory, who is vividly heard in the second verse articulating his appreciation for well-figured women effortlessly, complements the chorus with eight bars of cunning rhymes, innuendos and slangs that are sure to thrill music lovers everywhere including his budding fan base.
‘I chose Jory and Peter Ram to remix this song since they both have very unique styles and each artiste brings a different flavor to the table,’ said Dutchin, when asked of his reasons for choosing these specific artistes.
The song will be released next week and fans can tune into 98.1 FM or facebook users can log onto Jory’s and Kross Kolor’s individual pages to hear this track.
Guyana gets three new Queens and Princesses at 2010 Mothers and Daughters Pageant
There can be no complaints following the staging of the Supa Stylistic 19th annual Mother and Daughter Pageant on Saturday night at the National Cultural Centre, which produced three queens and three princesses.
Arguably one of the better family-oriented events, it got off to an exciting start with 23 pairs of mothers and daughters competing in Junior, Middle and Senior Categories under the theme ‘Love’s magic moment’, and it was a night of magic and love indeed.
All told, six pairs contested the Junior Category, while the Middle Category featured 10 pairs.
The most looked forward to segment, the Seniors, featured seven pairs competing for prizes of trips in and out of Guyana, jewellery, and dinners amongst other prizes.
The highlight of the evening brought out competitive examples of what the bond of mother and daughter can be to mold that fabric of strong womanhood and love for family.
In the end, the winning pairs were Sharon Singh and Lashauna, Shivonne Gill and Jenelle, and Renita Duncan and LeShae in the Senior, Middle and Junior Categories, respectively.
The seven pairs in the Senior Category were all resplendently dressed as queens and princesses in their own right but the winners of the night were the most deserving of the title, judging from the audience’s celebratory applause.
Sharon Singh and her daughter, Lashaunna were a most pleasing and relevant sight to behold in their attire. Though a bit on the chubby side, they looked like twins with their matching rust-coloured Georgette roman influenced gowns designed by Pat Coates, which softly flowed to the floor. From entrance to exit the audience celebrated their bond as they floated across the stage playfully. As the crowd favourite and winners of the judges’ nod, they will enjoy an all expenses paid trip to Barbados, jewellery, a night at Princess Hotel amongst other prizes.
First runners-up, Barbara Derrick and Tanisha wore teal (green and blue) gowns, accentuated by silver designed by Michael Chase. Their gowns were cut on the bias to create a shimmering effect as if they were at the Le Meridian Pegasus for a Presidential ball.
The second runners-up pair, Veronica Charles and Micheala wore outfits designed by Michelle Cole for a night at the Oscars. Ready for the red carpet, their elegant evening dresses were a combination of purple, turquoise and lilac with mild silver shimmering and a fish tail effect, complemented by trails.
With 10 pairs in the Middle Category, though some of the contestants went on picnics, the judges sure had their work cut out as competition was fierce for the trip to Trinidad and Tobago among other prizes. However, while some thought that Dr. Karen Boyle and Keziah could have won, the majority were in support of the judges’ choice of the winners, Shivonne Gill and Jenelle.
They wore almost matching linen dresses that sported strips of red and black, which were put together by Sonia Noel for a day of fun in the National Park. Mom complemented her attire with a large hat that differentiated her from her daughter and they bonded well with a sincere playful attitude which showed that their presentation was real as best friends would do. Hence, they won over the second place finishers Dr. Boyle and her daughter.
Karen Gorden-Boyle and Keziah were dressed for the annual Inner Wheel Club tea party in pastel colours and mild yellow, accessorised by peacock feathers. Mom’s outfit was off the shoulders and it was complemented by a sombrero-like hat.
The audience celebrated when the daughter’s skirt was transformed into a white apron for mom to serve patrons at the tea party, while the mother’s bottom was removed to change her outfit into a pants suit.
The third place finishers, Kellianne Daniels and her daughter Keziah also offered a true interpretation of love’s magic moment in Guyana’s forests as created by designer Donna Ramsammy-James. Their interchangeable outfits represented Guyana’s flora and fauna.
There were only six pairs in the Junior Category but the competition was most heart-warming to see lasses from as young as four-years-old bond with their moms.
Fun and frolic at a friend’s six-year-old party is what Renita Duncan and Leshae depicted in their mostly white dresses, sprinkled with red and other flowers. The daughter blew bubbles as her mother paraded across the stage in their Olympia Sonnaram created matching dresses. And in the end they won the competition without complain from the audience.
Shivonne Gill and Donelle, the second place finishers offered a depiction of fashion and fantasy in their several shades of pink with a splash of green outfits. The daughter wore slides and pranced around in green and pink creations by Sonia Noel. Their message was one for women and cancer, and also spoke of protecting the environment.
The other pairs that competed in this category were Natalie King and Niveal, who went to a birthday party wearing orange and gold dresses designed by Cole Facts. Alana Gravesande and Nianna, who were pretty in pink and white, went to a garden party. Kauandasha Scott and Tiamare went to a tea party at the Herdmanston Lodge, while Odette Myres and Natasia enjoyed the lasses birthday party.
The other pairs in the Middle Category were Shemane Short and Shemya who went to a youth club party and fashion show wearing blue balloon-like tube tops pants suits, which transformed into strapless orange dresses much to the audience’s liking.
Althea Bristol and Collithea honoured President Bharrat Jagdeo for being named champion of the earth at a special tea party at State House. They wore two shades of blue, accessorised with bamboo and lattice work created by designer Sonia Noel.
Oneika Adams and Shanaka wore blue and pink skirt suits created by Yvonne Smith, ideal for a picnic. Sharon Bailey and Grace attended an art exhibition at the Castellani House dressed in orange linen and khaki adorned with handmade roses accessorising the attire.
Beverly Junor and Joyann wore pink to a picnic but their bond was not the best on stage.
Indira Ramnauth and her daughter Amrita wore the essence of spring in pink, pastel and violet dresses created by Michelle Cole. The daughter’s skirt was removed to reveal a pants suit while the part removed was tied around her mother’s waist to complement the mother’s dress.
To conclude that segment, Michelle Clarke and Angelique were off to the Promenade Gardens wearing orange caprice suits with some lattice work and some hand paintings as well as handmade jewellery.
The other participants in the Senior Category were Natasha Persaud and Nikesha, who donned sky blue to green dresses that had bodices of layered petals on their flowing dresses. Mom’s dress was a single strap that converted to two around the neck while the daughter’ s dress was an off the shoulder with hugging short sleeves and silver accessories that were created by Sonia Noel.
Fraulette Shepherd and her daughter Kizzy wore pearl blue satin dresses designed by Ramesh Gobin accentuated by a black section. Mom’s gown bore spaghetti straps while the daughter’s was strapless accentuated by diamantes and silver.
Omefa Elgin and Junette were headed to a cotillion and sported gowns with colours of black, red, silver and white designed by Olympia Sonnaram. The daughter’s bustier effect gown, worn off the shoulder, had some hand paintings while the mother was a bit conservative, accessorised by silver.
They both sported oriental influenced fans.
Shevone Helligar and Andriana closed that segment by dressing for a ball in cream and brown organza and bridal satin dresses that were complemented by ruffles across one side of their shoulders.
By Mondale Smith
KKR school show a mega hit for Guyanese artistes
Event outgrows National Sports Hall
The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall is a spacious venue but judging from the turn out of the nation’s youth yesterday, it might not be the first choice next year for the KKR school show. It would seem that the event has outgrown the location.
From about 13:00hrs, children donning uniforms representing schools from as far as Linden, Essequibo and Berbice flocked in their thousands to the location to witness the fifth annual Kross Kolor School show which offered live performances from the crème de la crème of Guyanese entertainers.
With every appearance of the more than 15 local acts came rejuvenated, boisterous screams and celebratory waving, as proof that the youth population is very much in tune and in love with the local music offerings.
With his usual bubbly comedic personality, emcee Basil Bradshaw ensured that there was never a dull moment between performances. The lineup included acts from OC who did three quick covers and a taste of what is to come from his musical repertoire.
While the applauses and frenzied screams came with each act the most were heard from introduction to close of acts that followed; including Road march queen, Vanilla who encouraged the audience to raise their rags high as she pranced from one end of the basketball court to the other.
The youngest among the stars was 12-year-old Jovinschie who imitated the late Michael Jackson’s moon walk and other moves. He made it clear that contrary to what some producer told him in the past, he is definitely not too young and an artiste to watch for.
One of the more high energy performances came from Bones Man, the 2010 Soca Monarch, who dished out vibes including the winning patriotic song ‘Mashramani time is we own.’
He’s heading to Trinidad in due course to change the words to ‘Carnival time is we own’ in the international Soca monarch competition later this year.
The youthful audience totally celebrated that performance and those that followed.
The most celebrated screams came when Big Red hit the stage with her feisty gyrations which complemented her delivery of her popular songs with vocal clarity.
The entire audience was on its feet in both stands and in the immediate restroom environs when Shelly G was introduced and she sure was welcomed in fine style with uncontrollable screams and flag waiving.
Her signature was the seductive ‘Ow Daddy’ intro to her many songs. When she got close to the stands some students grabbed her and refused to let go. As she sang they screamed while others sang along proving that Shelly G is definitely on top of her game and one of the more loved Guyanese acts.
She announced too that she’s working on several songs that will be hitting the airwaves soon and encouraged all to ensure that they put God in everything that they do.
The most celebrated of all was the show stopping duo X2 (Adrian and Jumo) who claimed a stand each and interchanged as they dished real Guyanese vibes such as Impossible, Krazy, and Hands up among others from their repertoire.
Then the crowd “heard the introduction of ‘Ah de real thing’ and every one began screaming as if a superstar was coming on stage and it possibly may be true in due course.
He belted out signatures such as “Jory, all de gyal ah call fuh me, Jory, Chinese, Portuguese…,” “The rape man gone ah jail now…little girls could play now” and he created pandemonium with “I will say what I want to say no apology.”
Then he did several collaborations with X2 as well as the abortion song with budding artiste Jacquie Hanover.
Event organiser Burchmore Simon, amidst the screams of “We want Shelly G” said in his estimation “the show has definitely outgrown this venue and we might have to examine another location for this event next year.”
He also noted that the nation’s youth response to the event is proof that Guyanese music is alive and loved by the youth population.
Hip Hopster G Allianie who dished his new London Girl song which he recorded in the UK was a mild entertainer among the lot. Not to be out done, B52 and reigning Chutney Monarch Fiona Singh proved to be true entertainers too with full backing from the audience.
The event also featured an exhibition and distribution of educational materials on HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases through representatives from the Guyana Red Cross and the National AIDS Programme Secretariat.
By Mondale Smith
Sherwin Rose aka Ras I-san chases a musical dream
Sherwin Rose, aka RAs I-san, 29, of Jacksonville, and a mason by trade, has been singing for more than 15 years but has been following on his dream to become an international recording artiste.
Choosing the name Ras I-San he is, as he says, the natural one. The father of two girls released two singles in 2003 out of the Fyah Clann studios on the dreaded rhythm titled Mama Africa.
He released another titled ‘Need love’ earlier this year as a call for love and an end to violence as has been the case for several years past on the local shores. He recorded this song in Trinidad and Tobago at the Vengeance studios.
Now back in Guyana after three years of working in the twin-island republic he is focused on producing an album which is already completed and will be launched soon. “My album titled ‘Share your bread’ comprises 12 tracks recorded in Trinidad and Guyana. These are mostly reggae, soca and dancehall songs to uplift the people who listen to them”.
He says that he’s not just about Dancehall and prefers to be known as an edu-tainer who only focuses on Positive Vibes. At present, he has completed two videos-Mama Africa filmed in Guyana, and Need Love. He is hoping that local VJays will give him and other Guyanese artistes equal opportunities of airplay.
The album and the were paid for by him self out of pocket because he believes in himself and his abilities. but he say if all goes well he’s hoping that corporate Guyana will come on board to offset his expenses which so far have been more than $20,000 per song for studio time.
He aspires to go as far as the music takes him and like all other artistes he says, “The sky is the limit.”
He is also calling on the relevant authorities to do their part in ensuring that intellectual copyrights legislation is implemented so that “we all can live and…for too long local artistes have been treated like lesser mortals. We need to earn a living from our abilities.”
email [email protected]
By Mondale Smith
All set for Guyana Artistic Music Awards
On Sunday local and Diaspora-based Guyanese music and entertainers are set to gather at the National Cultural Centre for the Guyana Artistic Music Awards, GAMA.
All told more than 90 nominees will be in contention in 34 categories for a GAMA crystal that honours their work and contribution to the development of Guyanese music repertoire.
Contrary to popular belief singers will not be the only ones collecting crystals as actors and Comedians are among the nominees.
GAMA Chief Executive Officer, Sherlon Shepherd, amidst his call for Guyanese artistes to come out and show support for their own, reiterated that the event is aimed at showcasing Guyanese talent musically while saying thank you to the people that make life more worthwhile and stress free.
“Come out and support your own and experience a packed programme of quality entertainment from Guyanese at home and from countries such as Canada and the USA as well as from some Caribbean countries,” Shepherd said.
More importantly, the event is focussed on creating a network amongst Guyanese entertainers in the Diaspora and encourage local artiste to stick to the task of insuring that the Guyanese voice and creativity is kept alive.
The categories up for contention include Best Soul, RnB, Hip Hop, Dancehall Reggae, Culture Reggae, Soca, Chutney, Gospel and Calypso as well as folk. There are also awards for comedians, community workers, entrepreneurs, music producers and engineers as well as promoters and editors.
But there will also be lifetime achievement awards for Eddie Grant and Habeeb Khan, while Natural Black is this year’s international music ambassador. This publication hears that First Born will be among the entertainers up for awards.
The GAMA CEO said without bias based on the selection process, that most Guyanese artistes whose music moved from national to international airtime over the years, will be honoured.
The younger artistes such as Timeka Marshall and Shelly G, as well as Tennecia DeFreitas and Vanilla are also among the nominees, as is Alabama.
The winners will all take home customized GAMA crystals.
The other GAMA committee members include founder Randolph Waterman, CEO of “Randolph’s Building and Renovation Company”; Elton Joseph, CEO of “Nortel Upholstery”; and Andrew Francis, CEO of “Ark Plumbing Inc.”
The GAMA is a production of the Guyana Canadian Artistic Entertainment group GCAE and was created after the President and other members of GCAE realized that many “Guyanese artists living abroad had and are making strides in the entertainment industry without anyone saying thank you or honouring them and we created this event to honour Guyanese artists worldwide,” Shepherd said.
He added, “After presenting the first GAMA in Toronto, Canada, we realized that we were only connecting with Guyanese artists in Canada and the USA, when there are Guyanese artists in many different countries making their mark on the Entertainment scene and so we decided to include Guyanese artists from other countries too to make this a truly Guyanese event.”
The GCAE CEO said, too, that his committee decided that Guyana is the fittest place to stage the Awards 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 living in Guyana.
Having so far experienced the unwillingness of corporate Guyana to support this venture Shepherd refuses to conclude that “Guyanese don’t believe in their own because the artistes are all here as a sign of support for networking and honouring our own and it’s now up to the public to come out to the National Culture Centre on Sunday April 25 and show solidarity”.
Meanwhile several other Guyana-born artistes based in Canada and the USA have arrived and are optimistic that they will get the local support to build a “Guyanese music network”.
GT&T Kids Stage – Second Quarter Finals
Much hype is being created by the Cellink Kidstage contenders showcasing that Guyanese tots and teens are as equally talented as their senior counterparts. The result is that the organisers are poised to take the event a notch higher.
Quarterfinal competitions started on April 10. The second was tagged on April 17 and the other is carded for April 24.
On April 17, a most memorable quarter final was staged at the Theatre Guild and those who competed in the categories out of Essequibo and Georgetown were most competitive. These 15 contestants are currently awaiting public votes to determine who moves forward to the semi finals.
The judge’s scores make up 80 percent of the total, the studio audience and the public have 10 percent each to contribute to their favourite contestant. Members of the public have every Sunday after the programme is broadcast until Thursday night to vote for their favourite performer. To vote, members of the public can text the contestants’ number to 620-kids (5437).
However, patrons in attendance for the live show are required to write the names and contestant number at the back of their tickets and submit these after the show.
Cellink Kidstage, a talented programme for children between the ages of 4 and 14, is aired every Sunday evening at 20:00 h on NCN channel 11.
Performed in the 8 to10 category last Saturday were some exceptional pieces such as Prospective Beauty Queen done by Alliah Corlette, and African Drumming done by Osei Clarke among others.
In the 11 to14 category performances included patriotic presentations like Without the Essequibo, done by Kevon Lewis; Berbician Schemona Trinidad presented After God’s own heart and Essequibian Anuradha Frank presented her interpretation of an Indian song titled Heartbeat.
After the second quarterfinal competition, children from that segment are anxiously awaiting the results. Some have even commenced rehearsals with high hopes of entering the semi finals which starts on May 1, 2010.
The Cellink Kidstage preliminary winners are Teryka Mohabir, Shani Bellamy, Children of Paradise, Shaquille Boyd, The Cambridge Family, Tamara Smith, Alpha Harry, Naomi Alsopp and Carlissa Blair from Linden.
They will each receive $5, 000 and an on stage place for the third quarterfinals on Saturday at the Theatre Guild, Kingston, commencing at 13:00hrs