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Carifesta X Closing Ceremony

The Cooperative Republic of Guyana has successfully hosted CARIFESTA X. At the closing ceremony gratitude was extended to the people of Guyana for their unmatched hospitality towards the visiting delegations and others who were here to enjoy the festival. The 10th Caribbean Festival of Arts held across Guyana had been a resounding success and as Guyanese we should all be proud to have hosted such a prestigious event once again. As the festival once again leaves these shores we have, in the words of the President of Guyana, “breathe new life” into the festival. The spectacular closing ceremony was filled with only a sample o the cultural richness of the Caribbean region which has been on show for the past 10 days.

The well planned and skillfully executed program was a tribute to the dedication of those responsible. Even down to the finest detail, much care was taken to ensure those present at the closing ceremony would have an evening to remember. The event was planned in such a way to ensure there was not a single moment of boredom. Every item from beginning to end was designed to capture and maintain the collective attention of those gathered. All persons entering the stadium were given flags of Guyana in an effort to ensure that throughout the proceedings flags would be waving, and to this end they were successful. I would be hard-pressed to describe the extravagant program at length, but from the landing of paratroopers on the field to the breadth taking fireworks display, the closing ceremony of CARIFESTA X was probably the most memorable event throughout the entire festival.

The closing ceremony sought to encapsulate portions of the various art forms which were on display throughout the festival over the past ten days as well as an attempt by the next hosts, the Bahamas, to give a taste as to what to expect at CARIFESTA XI in 2010. Over the past 10 days Guyana played host to the Caribbean’s premier festival after only 10 months of planning. Bearing in mind this mega event usually takes 2 years to plan and execute, we as Guyanese have shown our excellence by accomplishing this fete. Imagine what we can do if we put our heads together in the promotion of Guyanese arts and entertainment internationally. I join with the President and all of the visiting delegations in saying congratulations to Guyana on hosting a successful Carifesta X.

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Carifesta X Mega Concert

Amid rumors that the main performing artiste would not be able to make an appearance, the much anticipated Polar Carifesta X Mega Concert got underway. This concert was promoted in the media, even prior to the start of CARIFESTA, as being the biggest concert to hit Guyana. There were also assurances made that an international artiste would be performing live. Though the concert was not as big as the promoters may have wanted it to be they were still able to live up to their promise and bring an international artiste. The length of time it took for the artiste to arrive however caused patrons to become frustrated and even angry.

 

The evening started out with some smooth juggling from the fusion family to get the crowd going. This was happening while the crowd was now building up. The rumors started when admission to the venue no longer required tickets. This caused may persons to wonder if Akon was still slated to perform or whether the promoters had duped them into buying large quantities of beer.

 

The live performances were kicked off by the Brutal Jammers band followed by the man with the Sophia story Ilaman. Gialiani was to follow with his hip hop styled performance. The Polar Ladies were to grace the stage with their presence, showcasing their polar outfits to the appreciative men in attendance.

 

The next string of performances was well received and consisted the likes of Jory and Celeste David. Giants of the Guyanese music industry First Born took to the stage and hyped the crowd with their 45 min performance. Every song selected by the group to perform was well received. This was not hard to imagine with hits such as “irits”, “headlines” and a much loved classic First Born track “how are we gonna survive”.

 

It was at this point in time the frustration stepped in and delay tactics were employed by the promoters. DJ green dongs of fusion audio did some more juggling, at this point it was already 01:30 hrs and there was no sign of the main guest artiste. Brutal jammers band took to the stage once again but this time frustration had turned to anger and bottles and cans of beer were sent flying from the crowd onto the stage. This prompted DJ Kerwin of Hits and Jams to come on stage in an effort to ease the tension building up in the crowd. He gave the crowd assurance that the artiste was in the country and would be making an appearance. He also stated that the president had given the promoters of the event an extension on the permit so as to allow the party to go until sunrise.

 

At approximately 03:05 hrs international recording artiste Akon took to the stage at the National Stadium Providence much to the delight of his loyal fans who stayed through the night to witness his performance. The 3am crowd that greeted the artiste was a fraction of the crowd that had gathered earlier in the evening, but he performed as if the place was packed to capacity. Those who persevered to witness his performance were not disappointed. He even went the extra mile of requesting the crowd to build a “unity bridge” for him to get from the main stage to a platform about 15 feet away. The aim was for the crowd to carry him across and take him back. This he did successfully despite some instances where he had to urge some members of the crowd not to pull him. Notwithstanding his previous experience in Guyana it was a courageous act on his part but much appreciated by his fans.

 

Despite the long wait and rumors fans were rewarded with a full hour’s performance by the artiste. Though there were dramatic segments during the event it would be fair to say the event was a success.

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Carifesta X Gospel Mega Concert

It is widely speculated in some sections of society that Christians are not fun loving people; some even go to the extreme as to even say boring. But if one were to be present at the super concert held on Thursday August 28th at the National Stadium Providence those perceptions about the Christian community would have been shattered.

This historic concert was a spectacular display of talent which can be found within the Christian community. This concert was historic in the sense that this was the first time since the inaugural Carifesta held here in Guyana 36 years ago that the religious community has been invited to play a critical role in the festival. It was also the biggest gospel concert in Guyana to date as well as the biggest super concert to date that has been held at the National Stadium. The composition of those in attendance was also a sight to behold since it brought out the ethnic diversity in our Guyanese society as represented through the Christian community. Though there were persons of various ages present the majority present, at least for the evening segment, were young people.

The organizers sought to provide a spot in their program for various age groups. As a result of this persons with young children were encouraged to come out during the afternoon hours. The event started at 4pm with booths displaying fashionable yet modest pieces of clothing for the entire family. There were also booths set up by the various artiest slated to perform in the evening with their cd’s and dvd’s on sale. For the children there were rides erected outside the ground to keep them busy and having a fun time.

In the evening the program was packed with items from both local and regional gospel artiest. The MC of the event was shared by Pastor Marlon Hestic and Michella Adraham-Ali. The first of the evening’s performances included songs by persons representing the mining town of Linden and the nationally acclaimed Dominion dancers. The Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony addressed the crowd and expressed satisfaction at the large gathering and declared the event a landmark event in the history of Carifesta and as “the largest gospel concert in the history of Guyana”.

Following the address by the Minister the large crowd was presented with steel pan music from a combined church steel orchestra. Despite their best efforts, the sweet music of the steel pan could only be herd by those in the very front of the venue or on stage.

H.E. President Bharrat Jagdeo addressed the over 20,000 strong gathering and expressed delight at the energy emanating from the venue even jokingly stating “we have enough energy in this place to power Guyana for two years without GPL”. The president even quoted a passage of scripture from Psalm 133, much to the delight of the massive gathering.

After the president’s address it was time for the singers to take to the stage and get the crowd going. Local favorites such as Cherlyn Maloney and Sean Sobers from Linden started things off with songs that got the crowd going wild with excitement. There was also an interesting dramatic piece from the members of the Tuckville Assemblies of God Church. The aim of the skit was non discrimination despite the outward appearance of a individual.

The man from Jamaica took to the stage to the loud cheers of his fans. Yes Prodigal Son sang some of his best known reggae styled gospel music which the young people responded to with energetic flag waving and even jumping and screaming throughout his performance.

The energy remained with the crowd throughout the rest of the performances. An energized Eddie Neblette took to the stage to bring the curtains down on the performances for the evening with hits such as “wrong decision” and “love and unity”. Despite the fact that other local acts scheduled for the event did not get to perform because of time constraints, this concert will dwell in the minds of Guyanese as one of the biggest ever super concerts of this Carifesta.

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XM Carifesta Cocktail Mix-Off

The place to be after the extravagant opening ceremony for CARIFESTA X was Banks DIH Thirst Park. This was to be the venue for the XM CARIFESTA cocktail mix-off. The event was to see the coming together of the best known cocktail mixers around the country to compete for prizes, a trophy and bragging rights for being the best mixer in Guyana.

There were six competitors in the competition. Each was to mix their own special blend of three drinks; the margarita, the shooter and the cocktail. Two bars were set up so as to minimize time. Each competitor had 3 minutes to mix and pour their special blends using products provided by Banks DIH and other specified ingredients. After mixing their blends each competitor had to present their finished products to the panel of jusdes for the taste test.

Between the changes in drinks to be mixed persons attending the event had the opportunity to listen to the winner of the recently concluded Banks Premium Beer Karaoke competition. He serenaded the crowd with classics from yesteryear, causing some persons to even take to the dancefloor and waltz. Persons were also afforded the opportunity to acquire cocktails, using their chits from the barso as to get a sense of what the competitors were mixing.

Following the sampling of the numerous mixes the judges had the difficult task of selecting the winners for each category and the overall winner of the competition. After much deliberation it was decided that the winner of the mix-off was Vishnu Singh.

Despite the soggy state of the ground due to heavy rainfall earlier in the day the event was well supported.

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The Carifesta X Opening Ceremony

The thirty-six year wait is over! Guyana hosts CARIFESTA again and after many doubts and glitches the opening ceremony is nothing short of magnificent. This massive event held on August 22nd, 2008 at the Guyana National Stadium brought entertaining cultural displays to life from the member of states, associate members and non-members respectively (Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Monsterrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts/Nevis, Suriname, Turks and Caicos and Trinidad and Tobago; Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands; Austria, Brazil, Cuba, Indonesia, Netherland Antilles and Venezuela.) Hosted under the theme “One Caribbean, One Purpose, Our Life, Our Culture” CARIFESTA’s tenth staging is slated for August 22 – 31 2008 and promises to bring opening and closing ceremonies, culinary, visual, literary and performing arts, community festivals, grand cultural market, child/youth fora, symposia and workshops, as well as signal events and super concerts.

Despite efforts by heavy rain to thwart the commencement of the opening ceremony things eventually started around 18:00hrs with a grand parade of the nations. Each country showed their colours and cultural pieces as they marched around the ground and the audience cheered and showed their support for the home nation. Guyana had the largest contingent with spectacles showcasing each race and cultural aspect. After the parade was finished MC’s Ron Robinson and Bobby Veira asked all in attendance to stand for Guyana’s National Anthem. Minister within the Ministry of Education Desrey Fox along with a Queh Queh group initiated a welcome piece labelled “Arise Mighty Spirit and Bless Us”. There were musical interludes by choirs, solo and group artistes and bands, and dance segements also. One thousand school dancers presented a well choreographed performance to various songs, followed by a combined school choir and the popular Woodside Choir doing great local folk songs and some Caribbean tunes. As the performances stretched on for hours the grand audience experienced talent from a combined Indian Dance Troupe, the Yoruba Singers, Young Bill Rogers, the Ala Kondre Drummers, Keith Waite and the Shakti Combined Chutney Group. The supporters in attendance cheered continuosly as they were well entertained.

The following segment was opened with a speech by Minister of Tourism Dr. Frank Anthony emphasising on the theme “Celegacy”. Celegacy is a combination of celebration and legacy which Dr. Anthony stated should be instilled and maintained for this year’s CARIFESTA. Edwin Carrington, Secretary General of CARICOM, gave a brief talk on CARIFESTA’s schedule dating back to 1972 and posited that he was impressed with Guyana’s ability to complete such a huge task so elegantly when such a short notice was given. The President of Suriname, Runaldo Ventiaan, agreed with Mr. Carrington and added that CARIFESTA X’s opening ceremony is as grand as Beijing’s Olympic Opening. He said further that even though everything didnt go as planned we should still be grateful that so much has come from this.

First Born and the X Factor dance group entered the next segment with a bang showcasing world renowned musical and dance talent that rose the crowd to it’s feet. And just when we thought that was as far as they could go a huge man-made jaguar emerged from the south-western end of the ground an unleashed 36 dancers from it’s mouth who danced us into excitement for a few moments and then made way for Guyana’s very own President, His Excellency Bharat Jagdeo.

President Jagdeo’s job was to declare CARIFESTA X open and ready for the world. He made tribute to the last president Forbes Burnham and commended him for hosting the very first CARIFESTA in 1972. He also stated that there was no other festival of this size and cultural richness in the world and encouraged everyone to become extremely involved. CARIFESTA X was declared open and fireworks then filled the sky while the sensual Tamika Marshal sang the theme song and the contingents paraded once more. There was much anticipation of the remaining eight days and chatter of fun as guests at the National Stadium left under the bright lights in the sky.

By Patrice Wishart

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Banks Super Concert

On August 23rd 2008 Banks DIH held a Super Concert at the National Stadium as part of the CARIFESTA X celebrations. Crowds poured in from all parts of Guyana and other parts of the Caribbean to witness performances by local and world famous artistes.

Our very own Illaman started the live performances with some of his upcoming hits. Then one of Brutal Tracks’ greater performers, Alabama, stunned the audience with his well appreciated song “Dem don’t care” and others that the persons in attendance weren’t so familiar with. The crowd then rocked to the sweet sounds of World Famous First Born with their tracks such as “Irits”, “Got we own style”, and “How are we going to survive”, just to name a few. After enjoying a few minutes of First Born’s talent the multitude was then laughing to the comical lyrics of Dave Martin and the Trade Winds. After more than thirty minutes of amusing entertainment the highly anticipated soca singer from Barbados, Biggie Irie came on stage to get the crowd moving their waists. Biggie Irie is best known for his smash single “We nah goin home” and he thrilled the masses with his voice and musical antics. He also gave tribute to fellow Barbadian Peter Ram and Jamaican Taurus Riley for their influence on the music industry by singing their current hits. Eventually, Barbadian super star Rupee, teased the mob with excerpts from his hits before making his way to the stage in front of thousands of screaming fans. Rupee enticed persons in attendance with a great list of songs that filled the air with peace, love, harmony and fun. The ladies were going crazy at several intervals and some even managed to get on stage despite attempts by security to control them. The soca super start however soaked up every minute of it and encouraged fans to be safe and enjoy life to its fullest. After a short intermission the level of excitement peaked as the MC announced the next artiste, Mr. Vegas. The noises from the crowds were so loud those at the back could hardly hear Mr. Vegas voice as he performed songs like “Daggerin” and “Hot wuk”. He even got the fans involved by having a small dancing competition on stage between a few ladies. The masses gave their approvals as the ladies showed what they have and Mr. Vegas was enjoying every moment of it.

The event came to halt around 3:00am and as fans left they expressed their views on the evening’s activities. The number of persons in attendance was estimated at 10,000 but some sources say much more. Rupee had visited Guyana before and was asked to return soon to entertain us again. Biggie Irie made his first appearance here but Mr. Vegas has graced us with his presence once before. Rumors have it that the Banks Super Concert is the biggest and best of all for the CARIFESTA X period.

By Patrice Wishart

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Jamzone Summer Break 2K8: A Review

The highly publicized, most anticipated and most talked about event of the summer was undoubtedly Jamzone Summer break 2k8. Well Jamzone has come and gone and for those of us who attended can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that the event lived up to the hype that was created over the past few weeks. The event was held at Splashmins Fun Park and Resort on Linden Soesdyke Highway on Sunday August 17, 2008.

Judging from the turnout and the views expressed by persons attending the event, the promoters and sponsors lived up to expectations and delivered an unforgettable, incident free event.

During the daylight hours the event was filled with activities and games namely; beach games, water sports, swimming,  jet ski rides and canoeing. Finding persons to take part in the activities was no hard task considering the large crowd at the location, in addition to the incentives being offered to the winners. The winners of each event were given five thousand dollars and free credit compliments of GT&T. In an effort to ensure maximum participation the only stipulation was persons were only allowed to participate in one event.

The were several games organized for persons to win prizes. One of which was “basody”. The object of this game was simple;

Two teams of three, each person had to put their head on a short pole and go around it 10 times then run fifteen metres to tag the other partner without getting “basody” and falling to the ground. I must admit this was hilarious to watch. Another activity that attracted a lot of attention was the ugly man contest. I doubt there’s any explanation required for this contest. To see who won feel free to check out our gallery. The crowd was given a treat when three couples were put on stage with whipped cream. The girls were decorated with whipped cream and the guys had to lick them as clean as possible. The most bizarre game was the fear factor segment where several food items were blended for consumption by participants. In order to give you an idea of what was in blend, these were some of ingredients: salt beef, salt fish, eggs, corned beef, mushrooms, sardines, mustard, milk and ham, just to name a few. Hopefully the mixture did not cause more than a momentary discomfort to the persons consuming them. Though the events were fun filled for those watching and participating there was a slight hiccup. In a drinking game organized by a sponsor, the instructions were to drink the shots off using a straw faster than the other team. One person, however choose not to follow this instruction and suffered a minor burn on his face, causing the game to discontinued. This did not throw a damper on the proceedings since it was recognized that the rules were not followed by that individual.

The evening part of the event saw the staging of the Miss Jamzone Pageant. The evening was colorful and saw an outstanding display of local beauty, talent and potention as portrayed by the contestants as well as performances by some of Guyana’s best music artiste.

Bearing in mind the coming home of Carifesta to Guyana, the designers sought to incorporate the national colors of various Caribbean countries into the costumes worn by the contestants.

The likes of Fojo, Celeste David, Lilman, Platinum Mobbs, Ballys, First Born, Allabama and overseas based Guyanese Monica Greene were apart of the musical entertainment of the evening. The main live performance of the evening was that of First Born. Fresh from a tour out of Europe and the US, First Born provided those in attendance with some of their most popular selections much to the delight of the large crowd gathered.

The pageant was a display of some of Guyana’s most beautiful young ladies. Though beauty and talent were essential to the outcome of the pageant, intelligence played a critical role in the selection of the winner. In the end only one could be crowned Miss Jamzone 2k8. In the end it was Lavonia Springer was crowned Miss Jamzone 2k8.

Taking everything into consideration the event should be hailed as a success and based on the support received, it would be fair to assume that the Guyanese public was in full support of the event. Check out our gallery for all the great pictures from the event.

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When you think Christians can’t P.A.R.T.Y. think again?

The Guyanese Gospel popular Trio Kester D, Eddie Neblett and Solid Youth is set to be part of the 3rd event from dancehallgospel.com and Turning Point Promotions. The promoters have had great success in their last two events at the Main Big Lime last Boxing Day and on the Sea wall band stand Easter Monday. Both events thus far has included international Gospel sound systems and artiste such as L-egant ( New York) DJ Evangelist ( Canada) Baby C ( Trinidad ).

The Third installment titled the Holy Ghost P.A.R.T.Y which will be kept at the new improved Ocean View Poolside promises to be a great night filled with clean entertainment, games, music and much more. When asked why such an event, the promoters responded by saying “Christians have no where much to go and fellowship where the atmosphere can be glorifying to Jesus.” He elaborated by saying “if you go to a regular eatery to fellowship the music and conduct of many is out of order and we cannot afford to compromise our walk with the Lord.”

As many would know the word “party” is associated with things contrary to the lifestyle of a Christian, it was made very clear that it’s not the same at the Holy Ghost P.A.R.T.Y. The promoters highlighted that P.A.R.T.Y is an acronym for Praise And Reverence To Yahweh.

At the Holy Ghost party there is no alcoholic beverages being served and a dress code of fashionable and modest attire is in effect. The event which seems to attract many also includes DJ Evangelist from Toronto Canada and Craig C from Kingston Jamaica. There will be live video taping by Guyana’s popular gospel T.V. show Things Gospel.

When you think the entry fee for an event such as this would cost over a thousand dollars think again, The Holy Ghost P.A.R.T.Y tickets is only 500 dollars and is available at Swansea and Everything Music outlets.

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Michelle Cole-Rose Gets Official Designer of The Music Awards of Guyana

Arrowhead Promotions, Press Release, Thursday, July 31, 2008. – As Accolade aims for one of the most classy and picturesque productions in modern Guyana, local designer of Facts ‘n’ Roses, Michelle Cole-Rose has won the coveted title of Official Designer of the Music Awards of Guyana.

Accolade Executive Committee unanimously voted in favour of Cole- Rose, convinced that her experience, ability and commitment to the fashion world would add to the radiant elegance and dramatic statement intended for the Music Awards of Guyana.

Cole-Rose was formally notified of this nomination which she has since accepted. She will now be appointed an Ex-officio member of the Executive Committee of the Accolade.

The decision to name her the Official Designer represents a symbol of accomplishment and aspiration in the career of this young dynamic Guyanese woman with great potential.

The Executive Committee is anxious to have her on board, confident that her artistic skills and ability will definitely contribute to the overall success of the music awards.

A true representation of success, since the day, in her eleventh year, when she had gotten her first sewing machine, Michelle’s innovation grew; making uniforms for school friends by the age of twelve, then onwards to making a living from her creations by fifteen. Many years after, Michelle Cole still strikes the iron as hot as she had then, for now her clothes are carried in some of the best boutiques in the Caribbean and in the United States.

Michelle is a nature and fun-loving gal, this can be evident in her designs, with natural fibers, earth tones, stones, wooden beads, shells, paintings and raffia; for her goal as a fashion designer is to ‘Recreate nature through celebration, as nature itself is a celebration of life’. Indeed this is true for her clothes expresses nothing short of comfort, vibrancy and beauty.

Her first stage performance was at Michelle’s high school fashion show. Thereafter came her ‘big break’ in 1999 when she won the best gown award at the Miss Guyana Universe, which gave way to her being the designer of the queen’s wardrobe. She then also designed for the queens of the Miss Guyana Talented Teen, Miss Guyana World, Miss Guyana Mashramani, Miss Queen of the Caribbean, Miss Carnival and Miss Model International Pageants. Her designs were also presented at the Folk Festival celebration in Brooklyn, New York, the Fashion Caribbean Showcase in St. Vincent, the Barbados Fashion Week, Caribbean Gift and Craft Show in Barbados, the Fashion Showcase in St. Lucia, MODA in New York, Caribbean Fashion Week and the Fashion Week of the Americas in Miami among others.

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Accolade Executive Members Interacts with Local Music Producers

Arrowhead Promotions, Tuesday, July 29, 2008, – Executive Members of Accolade today met with local music producers as preparations intensify for Guyana’s first-ever Music Awards on November 30. The meeting which was held at Vizion Sounds, Anira Street Queenstown was designed to raise awareness and strengthen support for the Awards.

Executive Director of Accolade, Kwame Mc Coy described the engagement as fruitful, noting that the producers unanimously share the vision of the music awards as an excellent avenue for further growth of the industry. Ms. Teesha Mohabeer and Mr. Burchmore Simon were also present.

Mc Coy said ‘’the local music industry has exciting growth potential, but there must be greater unity among musicians if we are to excel and compete at the international level.’’

The accolade will significantly boost the music industry’s confidence in initiating steps towards achieving and sustaining quality, he assured.

He believes there is growing respect and support for the local industry which stands to benefit Guyana by creating new and exciting jobs, expanding our economy and encouraging the growth of our local culture.

Accolade coincides with the strategic efforts to ‘’promote Guyana’’, by showcasing its rich and diverse arts and cultures. The unique exhibition of our local talent (at another level) is the continuation of the unleashing of our vast potentials in the music industry.

Once again Guyana will be making its mark in the international arena by rewarding artistic excellence in the music industry through a premier event comparable to international Award shows such as the Grammy’s and the one produced by BET.

There is a line up of fantastic performances will represent a climax for the local entertainment diehards and at the same time promote and represent a hype for the local music industry. Guyanese are asked to prepare themselves for an event which can only be billed as an excellent experience – from red carpet entrances to outstanding local and regional performances from a mind blowing awards ceremony to international celebrity endorsements.

The music industry is at a critical crossroad and deserves every effort to highlight its achievements, motivate its artistes, elevate standards, encourage artistic excellence and utilize talents that may be inclined to engage in negative endeavours.

This celebration of achievements in the music industry will be Guyana’s most prestigious gala event.