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Peter Ram, X2 for Bartica Regatta

While Guyana has had its fare share of  Barbados Soca sensation, Peter Ram and Guyana’s very own X2(Adrian Dutchin and Jumo), over the years those looking for  another live serving can head to Bartica over the Easter weekend.

The artistes are carded to perform as part of the Easter Regatta offerings in Bartica at the Stelling Square. They are also touted to be additions to the many hip happenings such as the regatta boat races and beach and street jams.

Last week, the delegates were sashed by their official sponsors in Bartica. This week we present the final three vying for the coveted Miss Bartica Regatta crown in the beach pageant competition.

Delegate # 7

Nikita HenrySPONSORED BY SHERLOCK DOUGLAS & ASSOCIATE

Name: Nikita Henry

D.O.B: April 8, 1992

Age: 18

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Career Goal: Nurse

Hobbies: Sports, Dancing, Meeting people of interest.

A graduate of the St. John the Baptist Primary and the Bartica Secondary School, this diva born under the zodiac sign of Taurus spends most of her time perfecting her dancing abilities.

Nikita also likes reading and gets lost easily in a good romance novel but sometimes finds time for socialising.

Like most of the contestants she is a first timer to pageantry. Her reason for entering is to showcase that she has the necessary qualities, including charm, intelligence and charisma to walk away which the crown.


Delegate # 8

Jessica Mc KenzieSPONSORED BY GUYTRAN MINING

Name: Jessica Mc Kenzie

D.O.B: 9th November, 1991

Age: 18

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Career Goal: Cosmetologist

Hobbies: Singing, Doing Household Chores

A graduate of St. Anthony’s Primary School and the Bartica Secondary School this beautiful, bubbly and saucy teen describes herself as a people person who enjoys socialising.

She draws her inspiration from her mother and her “ever encouraging friends”. When this Scorpio beauty believes in a healthy lifestyle and as such often goes jogging to keep fit. She also enjoys participating in sporting activities and has still not grown away from school events.

Despite not having any previous pageant experience she believes that her self confidence is just enough make her win the Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant and sees entering this pageant as a stepping stone for better opportunities to come. Jessica platform for the pageant is alcohol abuse amongst teenagers in her community.

Delegate #9

Annece Rose HicksSPONSORED BY ATKINSON’S TRADING

Name: Annece Rose Hicks

D.O.B: 2nd February, 1993

Age: 17

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Career Goal: Nurse

Hobbies: Singing and meeting people

This former Holy Name Primary, Bartica Secondary School and Three Miles Secondary student who graduated with five subjects at CXC sees herself as alluring.

She first came to prominence when she sang at the 2009 GT&T Jingle competition and placed among the top ten.  Annece describes herself as a ‘day to day’ person and says that family is her strength.

She appreciates life’s little things, is a nature lover who believes that God created everything for a reason and with a purpose. Annece enjoys singing and unlike the rest of delegates she is no stranger to pageantry.

She is the reigning Miss Amerindian Heritage Region Seven Queen and her platform is “Women in pageantry”.

This Aquarius born beauty is aspiring to be a nurse and believes that she has all the right qualities to be crowned the 2010 Bartica Beauty ambassador.

By Mondale Smith

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Miss Caribbean World Pageant

Miss Guyana “will put best foot forward” at Miss Caribbean World  Pageant

Imarah in BVIAs at Wednesday, of an original pool of 20 beauties, 14 have arrived in the British Virgin Islands ahead of tomorrow’s Miss Caribbean World Pageant. Guyana is represented in the bunch. In a Platinum News entertainment story Alecia Hamm, the show’s organiser is quoted as saying that “right now they are having some serious fun”.

She also described them as a lively bunch and reported that some of the six others are experiencing financial difficulties.

Last year, Miss Dominica’s Marah Walter copped the crown from a bevy of 18 beauties and this year Miss Dominica is among the 14 contestants enjoying their stay on the islands. The others are from Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, BVI, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St Kitts, St Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, USA and USVI. The BVI is represented by Miss Josefina Nunez.

Last Saturday Miss Guyana World 2010 Imarah Radix as well as the other contestants to the pageant arrived in the British Virgin Islands and was treated to a welcome reception by the Premier Hon. Ralph T. O´Neal Sunday evening at the Maria´s by the Sea.

They dined and savoured some of the delectable indigenous dishes of the BVI and rocked to music provided by the Lashing Dogs sounds.

Reports in the BVI Platinum News indicate that that some of the contestants, including host Miss BVI Josephina Nunez, dubbed the experience as providing opportunities to share and cross diverse cultures.

Miss Guyana who sparked the most comments on the Platinum News site for listing Scuba diving as a hobby is reportedly a stand out for her personality and her ability to think on her feet and is reportedly among the more eloquent of the bunch.

On Monday the delegates toured the Virgin Gorda and on Tuesday they were part of live television interviews.

On Wednesday they toured Tortola then participate in the Queen’s Baton Relay activity at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Yesterday the ladies attended the high school athletics meet, then they swim with the dolphins and visited the UP Cineplex. A Motorcade is carded for today followed by a reception to be held by the Governor and it is where the personal interviews will be done.

Tomorrow the beauties are scheduled to appear on ZBVI radio’s Teen Talk programme while the pageant is scheduled to take place at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex starting at 19:00hrs. However, in the event the complex is not ready the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall (Cultural Centre) will be the best alternative.

The sports complex has been without electricity for more than two weeks now. “As far as I was told they are rectifying the problem. It’s a government thing, there’s nothing I can do,” Hamm is reported as stating in a Platinum News report.

Besides that, Hamm said everything else is going smoothly for show, while thanking the individuals and businesses who chipped in despite the recession. “We had some persons who were willing to work with us.”

Contestants will compete in swimwear, costumes, talent, evening wear, and for the first time a question and answer segment.

Miss BVI according to the Platinum News report is confident that she will win the pageant as she has ” been preparing since in January, going to the gym, personal training and so on.” Miss St. Lucia Glenda Kimberlyn Abbott at the function who like the other delegates are already enjoying the BVI, urged persons to come out and support the delegates as they display talent, intelligence and beauty.

Miss USA Meagan Small is a US-born Jamaican who is representing the Caribbean diaspora in the USA.

Miss Guyana Radix said the BVI is great and expressed love for the sand and water. Responding to questions about her love for scuba diving, Radix said that she does not scuba dive in Guyana, but has travelled to many countries such as Egypt, Thailand and the Margarita Islands where she does scuba diving.

Imarah who has advanced in scuba diving said “I have done five specialties in scuba diving. I do it while on vacation, I don´t scuba dive in Guyana,” the Platinum news quotes her as saying.

She said that she is prepared to put her best foot forward on tomorrow nigh and is feeling right at home with her Guyanese chaperon. She said reported that Guyanese residing in the BVI are very supportive and they are promising to attend the pageant in their numbers with Guyana flags to root for her.

The contestants were part of a photo shoot in the Virgin Gorda which Imarah dubs as one of several wonderful experiences she has had since arriving in the BVI.

She assures that she intends to do her best to represent Guyana and describes the other contestants as very friendly. Her roommate is Ms Anguilla and according to her “we are getting along very well…it’s as if we have known each other for years”.

Of the trip thus far Imarah said she’s really enjoying the culture and sights of the BVI while discovering ‘nature’s little secret’ and sharing the beauty and culture of Guyana with the contestants.

By Mondale Smith

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It’s Miss Bootilicious night at Club Ice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Canadian soul singer Melanie Fiona travels in time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How did you get your record deal with Universal?

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

Why did you call the album “The Bridge”?

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

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

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

By Jim Farber

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Who is this guy? “Lamataa”

The father-in-Law and Mother-in-Law clashes

The hype is on for Mahendra Ramkellawan, the sensational local chutney star who will be launching Lamataa at the Everest Ground on Easter Sunday. A super rebuttal “Mi Father-in-Law” will also be officially launched the same day.

The battle will be between De Hunter “de punching” from Trinidad and our own Guyanese talent. The battle lines have been drawn.

According to Ramkellawan, the Fire-Fest production will be featuring another terrific show, with Andy Singh, De Hunter, Fire-Fest dancers, hotshot Caribbean band, Granny Ivlaw, Jumbee and others.

He added that he placed second in the National Chutney Competition and would be showing the entire public at Everest the whole performance that he thought was more than enough to earn him the crown.

He boasts that the show would be incredible and the adrenaline high. (Rabindra Rooplall)

By Mondale Smith

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Canada based Guyanese Cyborg coming home for GAMA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Mondale Smith

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Guyanalive x LookbookOutlet Store Textured Sweater Dress

Guyanalive x LookbookOutlet Store Textured Sweater Dress / Long Sleeves / Knubbed Fabric Details

This Guyanalive x http://www.lookbookoutlet.com comfortable yet updated textured sweater dress is sure to become a fall staple in your wardrobe. It will fit well in the office, or out to lunch with friends. First, choose from two colors: heather grey or sweet pink. The tight fitting long sleeves and simple neckline keep this look sophisticated. The high hemline leaves plenty of opportunity for fun and creative layering. And the unique and fun textured knubs all over this sweater dress add extra visual interest. Pair this sweater dress with leggings and brown or black boots to update this fall favorite. This dress is one size fits most.

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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.

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Jory releases three songs…Mix tape coming soon

After much talk, the Jory ‘Say what I want to say’ mix tape is finally here and will be available from March 23.

However, three of the freestyles have been released and are enjoying major air play on radio, especially among local Deejays on 98.1 FM.

The tracks released to date are ‘Nah, nah, nah’, ‘Take no chance and press it.

His manager, Kerwin Bollers, said these tracks will be among the 19 on the mixed tape when ‘Say what I want to say’ is released.  The songs were recorded at the Kross Kolor studios and at Vizion sounds.

“These songs are wild and entertaining with some really great mixed vibes that will make you think even while you rock to the real vibes,” Bollers assures.

This is the first mixed tape that will be released by the firefighter who is popular for the signature ‘Ah de real thing.’

The album promises to offer another side to the talented sing-jay lyrically.

He spends most of his days fighting fires but one can but imagine the imagery created that sees the Sophia kid who knows how to hype up any party scene in or out doors spitting lyrical fire. Jory recently joined forces with entertainer Kerwin Bollers of Hits and Jams and is already reaping the benefits having performed as one of the opening acts for Trinidad soca sensation Machel Montano as well as two shows for Jamaican artiste Konshens in Georgetown, Berbice and Linden.

Reports are arrangements are being made to have the artiste ship out to Jamaica before year end to entertain and possibly hit the studios there.

Jory’s mix tape will feature free-styling on some of the hottest dancehall, hip hop, reggae and pop tracks that showcase his singer/ entertainer abilities as he addresses life and reality.

The recordings were done with insight from entertainer Bollers who has to some degree taken on Jory’s management. Jory sees the new found collation as an arrangement that would better his chances of becoming a more marketable artiste while taking local entertainment to the next level.

The 26-year-old is a professional fireman and says he has already completed all of the songs for the free style tape and is again reiterating the need for persons to buy the original versions.

He has performed at almost every major venue in Guyana to rave reviews and several years ago as part of Natural Black’s birthday celebrations, he also sang in Jamaica as a member of the Brutal Jammers band to celebratory applauses.
Some of Jory’s past hits include Jory, last bad boy, Rape and of recent Mr. Limpy followed by the contagious ‘Limpy Dip’ that introduces a new dance style.

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Scandalous out of the Box

Classique Dance Company turns 10

The fluidity of movements, the effortless grace with confidence and physical assertive gait sets a dancer apart from the crowd and it seems that Classique Dance Company has all the right moves to deliver three on stage full length Dance productions annually.

‘Colour of La dance’ is set for April, ‘Dance like you do’ is set for September and ‘A Classique Christmas’ crown off the works of the company  each December.

The women took on the men in a ‘battle of the sexes’ in 2009 and now all roads lead to the National Cultural Centre on April 16 and 17 when Classique Dance company will again offer much high energy, emotional and sometimes comical technique filled dance pieces for Scandalous.

The dance company headed by Director, Choreographer and CEO Clive Prowel is celebrating its 10th anniversary with “Color of La Dance” under the theme ‘Scandalous’.

“Guyanese are accustomed to experiencing dance concerts but that’s what we aim to change as we continue to strive for excellence in our productions”.

He said that Scandalous will see more than 62 dancers walking the edge this time around,” Prowel assures. He said those who have seen Colour of La Dance productions over the years can attest that we always up our production a notch hence our ever growing audience. Last year the group staged battle of the sexes

He said this time around the production can easily be placed in a Broadway like status where the dancers offer their version of ‘Lion King’ full of Disney characters. “We will be staging a matinee show on the 16 where that part will be showcased for primary school children through sponsorship from companies but on the 17 the show will feature two parts”.

The latter half of the show will bring out the full scandal where one can expect anything in dance bordering on erotic but tasteful sensuality Prowell promised. The Lion King version of the show will feature dancers from the  Classique preliminary classes age 4½ to 7, intermediate A and B and the advance classes as well as the dance company.

The latter half of the show will feature advanced dancers and doing presentations that will ensure that tongues will wag long after the show.

The Classique Dance Company is one of Guyana’s most successful and popular contemporary dance companies. Founded in 2000 by dancer and choreographer Clive Prowell, the company’s mission has been to empower young people through dance and creative collaboration in the performing arts, building self-esteem and inspiring self-expression.

Well travelled nationally, Classique Dance Company has performed for many sold out audiences and has built a loyal audience base receiving many accolades its kinetic, high-energy performances, technical acuity, and generous personality.

Classique’s continued success can be directly attributed to the calibre of training the dancers undergo which consists of intensive routines in various distinct dance techniques by nationally renowned teachers.

Its members participate regularly in dance experiences through which the instructors promote self confidence, poise; personal achievement and pure love for dance and artistic expression.

Since its inception, the Classique Dance Company has received much acclamation and its CEO assures that he remains committed to building a reputable dance company by steadily developing works that can be easily recognized as Classique Productions.

Classique is striving to become Guyana’s premier dance company and develop an audience that will recognize, appreciate, and support contemporary dance.

It is also seeking to remain artistically subtle by working with noted choreographers, attending dance festivals, forging collaborations with other artists, and teaching classes.

In addition to its own artistic endeavours, Classique is committed to ensuring that future generations of students have the opportunity to experience the arts as an essential part of their education.

Prowell on dance said dancers stand out even while simply walking.

For more information Te1:625-06991666-8666 Email: cliveprowellavahoo.

By Mondale Smith