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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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Introducing: The inspirational Telescope to the world

TelescopeDellon Chichester. aka Telescope, is not yet popular on the local shores but if this Canada-based Guyanese continues on his quest he will soon be known for things positive, musically.

The former Canadian military man who hails from Cottage, Mahaicony, migrated from Guyana at age 17. Having gained knowledge and experiences that have made him a better person he believes that he has what it takes to be an inspiration musically and in the literary arts.

He took on the name Telescope after he started the Telescope Humanity Charity and because people believes that he has been blessed with an analytical mind that allows him to “see things from far”, as well as the righteous songs he sings.

Already to his credit, he has produced one album titled ‘LOOK AGAIN’ that features 13 tracks which are making rotations on radio stations in several countries including Canada. They include No Man’s Puppet, Thanks Mama, What is the Tension, Back Stabbers and amongst others.

At present he is working on a second album titled “SEE NOW”. Already some of the pre-released singles such as Believers, What a blessing, Trust is Hard and Inauguration have been making the rounds with favourable comments.

He fondly recalls that while he fooled around much with lyrics he actually started singing at age 16 at the Pelican Inn Disco, on Hadfield Street. Then when his family migrated he joined the Canadian Military in 1999. He took to singing again professionally in 2008.

But beyond his singing that seems laced with language that does not glorify violence or berate women in any way he’s also a budding writer on the verge of completing a book that he hopes to publish in Canada soon.

“After nine years in the Canadian Army where I used my spare time to write I’m still writing to this day to the point where I have a book coming out soon titled In This World But Not Of This world.”

Though not a major popular artiste just yet he has performed at several shows in Toronto He is set to visit some Caribbean countries before pursuing bookings for a European tour.

His most recent performance was at a Mama J Production in Toronto on Mother’s Day because of his song that celebrates and ‘Thanks Mama’.

“My life’s mission is to insert a love virus within the human race that can only be cured by extreme love”. And he explains that while some might view that as bordering on crazy he said his songs of redemption speak for themselves and can be heard at www.myspace.com/777telescope.

He gets his musical inspiration from day to day “human interaction that comes mainly from how we handle ourselves with the situations we face”.

A taste of his musical abilities will be forthcoming on April 17 at the inaugural Guyana Music Splash carded for the Thirst Park. While he is not among the nominees for the Guyana Artistic Music Awards on April 25 at the National Cultural Centre he will be in the audience cheering on the more than 25 Diaspora-based Guyanese entertainers coming from 14 countries and islands for the event.

He said, “I am coming to Guyana for the show on April 17 and no, I’m not receiving any awards as I’m still young in the game but I’m happy to know that I’ll be among the veterans of Guyanese Music”.
For those attending the April 17 show he says, “Look forward to having a blessed time with Telescope just make sure you come as a child because it’s hard to bend an old tree”.

By Mondale Smith

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Introducing: GT Boy Kapa Shanti

Kapa ShantiBorn 1976 in Georgetown, Guyana, as Jomo Proctor, he attended Craig Nursery School and also had some of his primary schooling at the Houston Community Primary School, East Bank Guyana.

In 1986, he migrated to the USA where he completed his formal education by graduating from Staten Island College, New York, with an Associate Degree in Business Management.

He is at present a licenced carpenter for the Motor Transport Authority in New York.

Also known as Kapa Shanti, through his grandmother who was an active churchgoer, he enjoyed hearing his grandmother singing her song-keys.

While walking home from school he would hear reggae music blasting from music boxes of some his favourite artistes such as Gregory Isaacs, Freddy Mc Greggor, Bob Marley, Yellow-man etc.

But what really inspired him to pick up the microphone and following his dreams as a singer and performer happened one day while he was looking at an underground tape hosted by David Levy from Barbados now a radio DJ on one of the international channels in America (WBLS).

He saw Ninja Man, Lieutenant Stitchie and others performing, but none of them stood out and took him with amazement like Shabba Ranks. To him Shabba was his true inspiration to music.

Kapa Shanti said that his first performance in front of a live crowd was in a five-man competition. He finished fifth place. He felt so cheated although he knew that he was nervous and his legs were shaking like Elvis Presley’s. However, all in all he did not allow that experience to sway his musical desire.

His next big show was at Syracuse University in the USA when he opened for Machel Montano. There he got the confidence booster from the favourable crowd response to his performance. That was followed up by calls from various promoters to open for more and more big name artistes.

That list included Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Pinchers, Sparrow, and many others among them Guyanese artistes Natural Black, Zebulun, First-Born, Yonnette Hooper, and Redemption.

Kapa Shanti has been recording continuously and recently he collaborated with Pinchers and Keisha Martin from Jamaica to produce a song to help raise funds for Haiti to help with the rebuilding process.

He has recorded several singles including the more popular songs such as Money and No Mata.
You can find Kapa Shanti at www.myspace.com/kapashantigt, and also on www.facebook.com/kapashanti. As he prepares to head Guyana’s way for the upcoming   Guyanese Music Splash on April 19 at Thirst Park and the Guyana Artistic Music awards on April 25 at the National Cultural Centre he is encouraging Guyanese to look out for his soon to be released album titled ‘Pressure DI Poor.’

By Mondale Smith

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Introducing: Ken Da Beat Maker

On the daily grind producing Guyanese music

Ken Da Beat MakerThose in the local music fraternity may have heard of Ken Andrew Taylor, a sound engineer who works out of the Brutal Recording Studios. This mad, sick, creative kid called Ken Da Beat Maker is quietly making his positive input to ensure that Guyanese music is kept in production motion.
He is a sound engineer like many others but somewhat quite different because he does his work in and out of studio.

Out of studio he ensures that artistes are heard with sound clarity but in studio his work is more technical as ‘da beat maker’ and a music producer combined.

His first love is Computer programming but about two years ago that took second place when he got into the swing of “in studio” music production, in a major way.
Exciting and refreshing are words he uses to describe his job where he always gets to try new things daily learning even more as he grows. He says “I hope to make a huge impact in the development of Guyanese music eventually”.
At age 25, his work has seen him involved in studio productions for quite a few Guyanese artistes such as Sophia star boy, Mystic, Star Guyana Queen Lisa Punch, International artiste Natural Black, the ‘Ah de real thing Jory and the now England-based Hip Hop artiste  Don Gialiani.

His magical fingers have touched many tracks that are heard on 98.1 FM for all these artistes including ILaman, Brains, Mr. Tcri$, Et Tu Brutus, Malo and Jomo among others on the local and international music circuit.

He’s extremely proud of having done live engineering on stage for countless international artistes when they come to Guyana for shows.

Priding himself in being a “real Guyanese, not a fake Guyanese,” he grew up in Roxanne Burnham Gardens, before moving to Kitty. His life’s Philosophy is: Try to make the best decision when you are given the option. He’s influenced by producers such as Timbaland, Dr. Dre and a few others.

Ken believes that the local music industry, despite many obstacles in its way, is making progress and trusts that his talent and the love for what he does continues to contribute greatly and makes a positive impact.

Taylor encourages artiste to be more “out-there” because it’s how people get to know you and know your work. Ken doesn’t plan on leaving the scene anytime soon so look out for great things ahead.

Entertainer: Is Sound engineering what you always wanted to do?

Ken: Music was never my first choice. Years ago I wanted to do Computer programming.

But I believe that Guyanese music can and will eventually hit main stream so here I am.  I wouldn’t be wasting my time behind it if I thought I couldn’t get there. The local music industry is struggling at present but I am certain we will make it we just have to keep focused and make every song better than the last.

Entertainment: What keeps you going and what do you use for inspiration?

KEN: International music gives me that kick to jump up and go build a track or aim to get a certain sound in the studio. Plus the less stressed I am the more creative I am so I try my best to be happy.

What would you like to see happening for sound engineers in Guyana?
KEN: I don’t have many complaints on my part. I like a challenge so I’m looking forward to the hurdles. I’ll jump them.

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Guyanese Song Bird Yonette Hooper

From GT to NY and back

Yonette HooperMusic lovers who know Guyanese history would reflect on the “good old” 1960’s when Eddie Hooper’s crooning abilities saw many relationships blooming way beyond ‘Passing Memories’ through his musical genes that have flowed to his children. One of them is the popular Cid Hooper of ‘We linking fame’ and her siblings.

The Hooper name has its place in history as proof that the Guyanese music industry, though a sleeping giant, will one day awaken.

One of the many Hooper children, Yonette, is keeping the family’s musical abilities current and Guyanese will get a chance to experience her in action on Saturday April 17, next, at Thirst Park, then again on April 25 at the National Cultural Centre for the Guyana Music awards.

At present headlining her own band MYSTIKAL VYBES out of NEW YORK, with her new album TUNE-UP soon to hit the streets, she says that she believes that the Guyanese music industry is on the precipice of rebirth.

Her achievements are many, including placing second in the Miami Soca Monarch 2006 and over all ‘winner’ of the female Category.

To many she is best described as a ‘Guyanese to the bone’ singer, song writer and above all a Dynamic Entertainer.

Also known as Mystique, her musical career began during her period of studying in Leeds, Yorkshire, United Kingdom where her Major was Health Science.

The former female lead singer for Cannon Balls band out of Guyana, De Untouchables and the G/T Ninja out of New York, was also the former Band Leader Of Triad Cross Over All Girls Front Band out of New York.

She is at present the female lead singer for “D”NuCFN Band based in Jamaica, Queens, New York and does her stuff accompanied by a very talented Piano Player called MIDAS. Together they are dubbed MYSTIQUE & MIDAS: a super combination.

She sees herself as a “singer with a difference,” having been in the arena for quite some time, performing with a number of well known groups in the Caribbean arena.

She also did her share of opening acts for well known Jamaican, Barbadian and Trinidadian artistes.   Still doing what she loves, she has and still tours Canada, England, Barbados, Trinidad, Suriname and the USA.

“I’m very serious with my music, and once I hit the stage I’ve been told that I have keep hearts pulsating,” she says.

Her new single is ‘Rudeness’ and she sure is promising Guyanese music lovers some of that when she touches down next month for the historical Guyana Musical splash followed by the Guyana Artistic Music awards.

Simply put, Mystique lives for music, and in some loving way she has created her own world which makes her happy to be who she is; an entertainer and a true lover of the art. Putting it mildly she says, “Sometimes it’s not all about how much money one can make from this business, but its how you threat it that makes you inspirationally rich and everything else follows”.

She just thanks God for blessing her with such a great gift.

Music flows through her veins from her father Eddie Hooper who is best known for some of Guyana’s most popular songs like Take Warning, Passing Memories, Where are Your Friends Now, Sweetest Black Man and LiL Gal among other hits.

He also played guitar with Tom Charles and the Syncopators back in the days and also served as a lead singer in the band.

He passed away in 1996 in the USA.

Yonnette and her older sister were introduced to the stage by their father as children headlining the children Broadcast to Schools programme on Guyanese radio back in the days. They also performed with him on his many cross country tours in their home land.

During her stay in England, she was involved with a group called The Mandelas.

Her music coach was Ms Geraldine Connor, who predicted that one day she (Yonnette) will be a very good singer, known to the world.

When asked about the group, ‘Mandelas’, her reply was, we toured the United Kingdom as a musical group entertaining every age, colour and race.

She also performed with the Kuffdem group that included actors from across the Caribbean.

On completion of her Btec Health Science at Thomas Danby College in the UK, she attended Leeds Metropolatan University to under take her BSc Honors in computer science, after leaving England in 1995, the road she took was Music: which is in her heart, body, soul and mind.

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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Guyana Artistic Music Awards

Zebulun De Counselor is coming home

ZebulanThe artiste Zebulun De Counselor might not be among the more popular names announced, following a selection on local radio but it certainly is a name getting recognition internationally in the reggae and culture music realm.

In fact, he is a 2010 New Jersey Reggae Music Awards winner and has confirmed that he will be among the Guyanese artistes in the diaspora heading home as a nominee at the upcoming Guyana Artistic Music Awards slated for April 25 at the National Cultural Centre.

Zebulun De Counselor has been writing and performing music for over 16 years. Born and raised in Guyana, he moved to the United States in 1989 where he spent a few years in the sound system business on Jah Legacy Sound.

Soon after, Zebulun returned to his first love; recording music. He joined up with Sharp Edge Studio, then RockStar Studio out of New Jersey and produced multiple singles.

The first was “Give Praises” which was featured on the Onward Riddim. Artists such as Capleton, Richie Spice and Les were also featured on the album. Zebulun’s “Give Praises” was added into rotation after about a month on the streets.

“When you cold girl” was the second single to hit the airwaves, this song gave him a sudden surge of popularity around the tri-state area (NYC, NJ, CT). Without the support of a major record label its hard to penetrate the Jamaican market. However, “Give Praise” is the single that is breaking international waters. Although it has taken more than a decade to reach this level, Zebulun never lost his faith that it would happen. “Righteous music is positive music, at the end of the day righteousness stands” he is quoted as saying.

With his love for Rastafari and life itself, Zebulun’s future looks bright. To date, Zebulun has about 25 singles and each one has found a place in the hearts of the people who love Zebulun’s music.

By Mondale Smith

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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