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Accolade- The Music Awards Of Guyana

SALUTATION

It is an absolute honour and privilege to stand before you wonderful people this evening to share the vision of Accolade- the music awards of Guyana.

But first I would particularly like to welcome all those gathered here to celebrate with us the achievements in the music industry, especially those partners who have demonstrated their confidence in us by coming on board with resources that are necessary to make this event successful. The achievement I refer to represents a continuous journey by dozens of artiste, music producers, and DJ’s whose talent, immense hard work and absolute passion has driven us to this point.

Bringing people to a love of music and encouraging them to participate in and enjoy musical experiences is a special gift given to mankind unfortunately not to all of us in this room. It is the legacy of great sons of music of Guyana that dedicated their time, talent and enthusiasm to this new generation of musicians who in turn are expected to emulate the generosity to encourage the musicians of tomorrow.

I am personally delighted that this effort to host the music awards of Guyana is most timely as it coincides with a period of an upsurge in recorded music by industry veterans to the latest surge in fresh and new unsigned talent on the local music scene.

The vision of the Accolade is to create a product of excellence to showcase our rich and diverse art and cultures. It is the unleashing of vast potentials in the music industry.

These awards gives Guyana another opportunity to make 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.

In November at the actual awards there will be a line up of fantastic performances which 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.

I would like to urge all stakeholders of the music industry to come together to collectively shape the industry. There are still challenges which we have to work collectively to confront, such as modern copyright legislation and improving the quality of our production to compete at the international standard. We are aware this is a huge task ahead of us but not one impossible to achieve with the cooperation and support of Guyanese including those in the business sector.

Importantly there is rising expectation by Guyanese and musicians themselves which is inevitable in an emerging competitive environment of increase quality and standard. The Accolade seeks to unleash the potential of musicians by first of all recognizing, appreciating and rewarding them for their contributions to the striving music industry in Guyana. We aim also to extend motivation and provide exposure for local artistes, all relevant to the growth and development of the industry and to provide them an opportunity to market and highlight their talent as a product.

We believe these objectives will encourage and promote quality as well as increase meaningful involvement in an effort to ensure the overall development of the music industry in Guyana.

The Accolade will live up to the expectation of all Guyanese. We thank you all for coming out this evening as an endorsement of Accolade- the music awards of Guyana. We look forward to seeing you November 30.

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Grow More Food Festival

The new Guyana Marketing Cooperation in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry held the Grow More Food Festival at the National Stadium Providence. The event was widely perceived as a success based on the attendance and the response acquired by those who attended the event. This event was in keeping with the recent drive by the Ministry of Agriculture to encourage large, small and medium scale businesses attached to the agriculture industry to grow more food. But this initiative is not aimed solely at the business sector and this event was an opportunity to also encourage families to engage in the planting of kitchen gardens and other small scale agricultural activities to help to offset the effects of raising food prices locally and internationally. Though this initiative is not a new one it is a timely endeavor considering the state of the global raise in oil and food prices.

The event served as a platform for businesses in the agri-industry as well as those businesses who utilize agricultural products to showcase their various products and/or services. The showcasing of these entities would serve to broaden their customer base by giving them publicity and exposure, cause improvements to be brought into the agriculture industry by showing businesses there are others in their field thus forcing them to improve their standards to compete more effectively in the marketplace and by extension benefiting the consumers because competition forces businesses to improve on the quality of their products and services, and it will also serve to improve the agriculture industry as a whole and by extension the economic condition of the country.

The booths on display were an attempt to showcase the various aspects of the agricultural industry. There were displays ranging from the raw products all the way to the finished products and products made from the by products of agricultural materials. There were farmers displaying vegetables and fruits which can be grown on a medium to large scale basis. There were livestock present to show the potential of that aspect of the agricultural industry for development and expansion. Companies that supply farmers with the vital equipment and chemicals that are necessary to the successful production of the produce and livestock were also present to show their products. The skilled craftsmen who utilize the by products of agricultural production were also present to showcase their talent and products. There were even representatives from the fisheries sector there to show the fruitfulness of the land of many waters through the aquaculture industry. Items used in the preparation of food were also on display that can be found locally made by Guyanese companies. As compulsory at any Guyanese event there were numerous food and drinks bars for patrons to enjoy wholesome Guyanese food and drinks all day and night. Not to be outdone were the persons who source and sell plants of various kinds, from seeds of decorative plants to those of agricultural significance like tomatoes and peppers to assist those persons desirous of starting or enhancing their own kitchen gardens, as well as persons selling seedlings and small plants of various kinds.

Even though the primary purpose of the event was to showcase the agricultural potential of the Guyanese people there was also an entertainment aspect of the evening which was appreciated by those in attendance. This part of the evening was to showcase Guyanese and regional musical and creative talent.

There was a fashion display that showcased the creativity of our very talented designers while at the same time showing off some of the best models we have locally. The works of various designers were on display depicting both male and female clothing as well as apparel for various events, indicating the versatility of the designers. It must be stated that the models did an excellent job showcasing the pieces chosen much to the satisfaction the large gathering.

Musical performances were given by local and Trinidadian artiste to entertain the large crowd and to bring the curtains down on a day filled with information and fun in a wholesome family setting. For more on the musical performances be sure to check out the gallery.

By – Andrew Ross

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Carifesta Designer Profile – Alexis Ryan [Anguilla]

Mr. Alexis S. Ryan made a start in the world of fashion as teen, covertly sketching portraits with various styles of clothing and accessories. He was discovered by his textile teacher who encouraged him to share his talent with others

His first sketch came to life at age sixteen, when he designed a prom dress for his twin sister. In 2002 he was commissioned to design two dresses for the Miss Anguilla pageant; the dresses were subsequently awarded second and third place in the evening wear segment.

To date his designs have been featured at Essence of Style, Taste of the Caribbean, Virgin Islands Fashion Week as well as in Shabeau Magazine, Caribelle, and ITZ Caribbean.com among others

Alexis has started his own clothing line, TheoChris Designs with his mother Marilyn Ryan as a partner and co-designer. The motto for the line says it all, ‘ TheoChris – Dare to be noticed – Clothing for individuals who like to stand out in the crowd.’

Alexis’ believes that that the clothes you wear have a lot to do with how you feel as a person, TheoChirs he says is about you being able to express yourself how you want to.

Designs By Alexis Ryan

TheoChris1TheoChris2

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Carifesta Designer Profile – Janay Reymond [Anguilla]

JanayFrom a very young age nineteen year old Janay Reymond was imbued with a flair for the art; she designed her first dress at age twelve for a cousin who was participating in the Miss Anguilla Pageant. She has always aspired to own a clothing line and that dream became a reality with the launch of the independent label Feelo’Je.

Janay chose the name as both a dedication to everyone who inspired and encouraged her to follow her dream and to capture how much designing is a part of her life. Feelo’Je means Feel-of-Jay: the feel being her passion for the art of fashion and her love of designing, the Jay being what she is affectionately called by her family and friends.

Since the official launch of her swim line on July 1st, 2007, entitled, ‘Feelo’Je’s Traffik Jam’, Janay has created waves. She has showcased her pieces at: WMM’s ‘Show Me Your Body in St. Kitts, the Nevis Fashion Weekend, Virgin Islands Fashion Week and many fashion events in Anguilla and St. Maarten. Her designs have placed in the top 5 at the 2007 Miss Earth Pageant courtesy of Miss Je T’aime Cerge; won best swimsuit at the 2007 Miss Venus Model Pageant, and won third runner up Miss Caribbean Culture courtesy of Miss Latoya Hughes.

Its Janay’s belief that a woman has the ability to be whomsoever she wants; a woman is strong, sensual, stylish, beautiful and ultimately powerful and throughout her designs she brings to life that factor.

Designs By Janay Raymond

Janay2 Janay1 Janay3

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Renaissance Entertainment launches Musical Inferno at Sidewalk Cafe

Rennaissance PictureIt will be all glitz and glimmer next Friday when Mario Amrez’s ‘Inner Power Band’ teams up with saucy singer Syd Hooper and keyboard player Prockta to unleash one of the most scorching ‘Musical Invasion’ at the Sidewalk Café.

Forum will be used as official launch for Mario’s original song, ‘Messenjah’ which he says will stir the souls of those listening.

Popular soul and gospel singer, Mark Hall will also for the first time perform the original ‘Meant to Be’ live for the audience. While this song was written by Mario himself, the musical arrangement was put together by Mark.

This gala event will take different entertainment flavours on the last Friday of every month and will showcase some of Guyana’s most rated singers, musicians, poets and other entertainers.

Rennaissance Picture
In an interview with Mario yesterday, the talented singer disclosed that this time around the band is readying itself with musical selection aimed at taking patrons to an hypnotic peak where there is no return from ‘the rush of enthrall’ that will be created at the venue.

Mario and his top notch team of vocalists and musicians every last Friday successfully take their supporters down a memory lane filled with sweet notions as they unleash their customary ‘Rock Fantasia’ which is gaining countrywide popularity.

The Renaissance Entertainment group presents “Friday Night Live” at the Sidewalk Café on the last Friday of every month.

This feature is a musical variety concert that will feature some of Guyana’s best artistes and musicians.

Renaissance Entertainment would also like to invite other Guyanese artistes’ to participate in this show.

Interested persons can contact Mario on phone number 233-5640 or email him at [email protected]

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Guyanese Music Producer Tops at RMAA in Canada

Guyanese Music Producer Ernie Trelfall took away the Top Producer category at the 2nd Annual Canadian Reggae Music Achievement Awards last Sunday. The purpose of the Reggae Music Achievement Awards is to publicly recognize and highlight the outstanding contributors to the reggae music industry in Canada. This was long time coming since its existence Ernie’s Reflex Studio has been a main studio for top Toronto artistes like Shadrock, Steele, Blessed, Avetha, Micheal Thompson, Smallman, Trinity Chris, Spex of Flow 93.5, Cyborg, Bro G, Kim Davis, Patrick Blair, Nana Mclean. As a musician Ernie holds a Grade 8 Music Theory Certificate from The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music London England and he perfected his engineering skills at Harris Institute for the Arts in Toronto. “It was nice to see a Producer category at this awards because usually its the artiste that takes all the glory” he said. “Lots of work is done with the artiste in the booth and at the console to get that polished sound we strive for”. Ernie produced/engineered and build riddims for 3 time winner Steele’s Album Love Of Jah for whom he thinks can stand alongside any Reggae artiste worldwide. Ernie , who visits Guyana quite regularly has produced top hits for Guyanese artistes including CBU contest winner Ian Fraser, Compton Hodge’s “Umbrella Party” and “Balloon” Timeka Marshall’s “We Should Separate” , Mingles Band, Pamela Maynard, Mighty Rebel, Young Bill Rogers, Big Red “Taking De Road” “The Cricket Dance Riddim” “The Airbourne Riddim” and numerous other singles. His latest Guyanese work was his engineering on the 2008 Carifesta’s theme song which was recorded at his hometown Studio “Kingdom Friends” by his close friend Danley Major who also produces top songs in Guyana. Ernie has also worked with international artistes , the Crusha Riddim which he build features Junior Ried, Vybz Kartel, Elephant Man, Kiprich, Alozade Zumjay and Einstein and he has also worked closely with George Nooks, Glen Washington , Spice, Brigadere Jerry and Norris Man whom he has on his All About Love Riddim. Besides Digital Multi-Track Recording ,Mixing and Mastering, Reflex Studio also offers services like , Dubplates, Remixes, Movie Music Rendering, Voice Over w/ EFX, Keyboard Synthesis and Drum Machine Programing, the 14′ x 11′ soundbooth is equiped with tested soundproof. All popular software programs are supported. For more info on the studio email Ernie at [email protected] or visit www.myspace.com/reflexstudio www.reggaemusicachievementawards.com

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Bachelors’ and Bachelorettes’ Auction

The final year law students of the University of Guyana with some help from the West Indies and Sri Lanka cricket teams held a bachelor and bachelorette auction in the Savannah Suite of the Le Meridian Pegasus Hotel. The event was held with the aim of acquiring funds to compile a Journal and Yearbook for the final year law students. The highest bidders of the evening would have the opportunity to have lunch with their respective bachelor/bachelorette at the Buddy’s International Hotel.

The bachelors presented to be auctioned brought much delight and excitement to the large female gathering. Considering the fact that there were a greater number of females in attendance as compared to men the response received from the crowd was considerably high. There were a significant requests for the bachelors to ‘take it off’ by excited females in attendance. They were successful as it relates to two of the bachelors one of which took off both his shirt and vest much to the delight of the ladies in attendance. Despite the fact there were more males than females in attendance the bachelors received considerably lower bids than the bachelorettes. This fact may or may not have been attributed to one of the stipulations stated on the ticket. The stipulation was “Heterosexual bidding only”. The bachelor that eventually acquired the highest bid was Mr. Steven Rogers.

The bachelorettes presented were all beautiful and immensely attractive young women. The reception they received by the gathering was very encouraging to the young women and even had the females in attendance cheering. Some of the males in attendance even acquired permission from their female companions to bid on the young women. The highlights of the evening however were the bidding for Melissa Alfred and Samantha Matute. Bidding for Ms. Alfred was intense and fierce by virtue of her beauty and appeal. The attention acquired by Ms. Alfred was much to the delight and satisfaction of those in attendance. The bidding was spirited and fierce as the prospect of having lunch with such a beauty was incentive enough for the men in attendance to keep bidding higher. The bidding was so intense that the final bid was $40,000. The bidding session for Ms. Matute was as energetic and as spirited as that of Ms. Alfred. This fact can be attributed the fact that she happens to be a law student and also to the fact that she is from Belize, which is interesting to know. Her beauty in addition to the prospect of having lunch with such a beautiful woman was enough to motivate the men to bid generously. At the end of the bidding the opportunity to have lunch with Ms. Matute went to the young man that bid $45000.

In addition to the bachelors and bachelorettes up for auction there were also two autographed bats up for auction. The bats were autographed by the players of the West Indies and Sri Lankan cricket teams. This welcome addition to the evening was well received by those in attendance who wished to have these collectibles in their possession.
There was an entertainment segment to the evening which featured fashion and music. The fashion aspect of the evening was an opportunity to display Tie Die and Hand Painted creations of Ms. Jacobs. The males confidently showcased their pieces while the females elegantly displayed cocktail dresses. The designs were colorful and comfortable clothing that can be worn to various events. Mr. Sheldon Walcott entertained the gathering with musical selections done by the group 24K of which he’s a member. Performing the single “Turning me on” was much to the pleasure of the large female contingent in attendance. This musical interlude was much to the pleasure and satisfaction of those in attendance more so the women.

This event was well organized and executed which was evident in the success acquired. It would be fair to say this event was a success and the patrons had their money’s worth. The special effort made to promote local talent through fashion and music was also noted and a tribute to the thoughtfulness of the organizers.

By Andrew Ross

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Mashramani 2008

For some Mashramani is the celebration after hard work, for others it’s the coming together of the six races to celebrate as one people, and still for others it’s a time of reflecting, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

Mashramani is an Amerindian word which means ‘celebration after hard work’. This year it took on a different meaning, Mashramani meant coming together and carrying on in euphoria despite the recent tragedies affecting Guyana and its people. These tragedies threatened the success of this year’s activity but Guyanese pressed on and came together to make this years celebration as enjoyable as past years.
Though not as big as previous years and lacking the participation of some big bands, the revellers took to the streets, gyrating to both local and international soca songs, in their creative and colourful costumes they showed the true spirit of Guyanese, a kind people, a hospitable people, a people that would stand together no matter what. The bands were few but the hype and excitement that came with the revellers spoke volumes.

The bands and revellers weren’t the only ones contributing to the Mash spirit, the spectators both young and old, from all backgrounds and ethnicities added to the festivities. Either dressed in their traditional colours, carrying their flags high, picnicking with family and friends, or simply gyrating to the music, Guyanese were out in their numbers and enjoying every minute of it.
Mashramani is considered one of the most colourful festivals on the Guyanese calendar, this year proved no different. The Church, Digicel’s ‘Odyssey’, Concept Entertainment’s ‘Nature’s Way’, the Ministries of Health, Education, Culture Youth and Sport, among other organizations all helped in creating colour and excitement and celebrating togetherness.
The beauty of Guyana was highlighted by many of these bands through the festive costumes wore by revellers, the ease in which they came together and celebrated despite the hiccups in the country; this signals the strength evident in all Guyanese and the hope that things will return to normalcy. GT&T did not participate but remained patriotic by sponsoring a section of the Body of Christ’s Band. Other local businesses and organizations pitched in and assisted in one way or the other in making Mash 2008 the success it was.
Guyanese did not fail to showcase the beauty of their country and their personality as a people, despite the mayhem in the country; they celebrated together as a people and as a country willing to move forward.

The event was pure Guyanese, according to Adrian Dutchin “100% Guyanese from my head straight down to my toes”. Adrian Dutchin and many of our Guyanese artistes, as they prefer to be called, were out and about with the bands and revelers. Shelly G, Vanilla, Jumo, Malo and others were there to support and to add to the festivities. The artistes were not only present but their songs were played throughout the mash procession.

The celebrations ended earlier this year than past years, owning to the situation in the country many persons were afraid to stay out of their homes too late and added to that Guyana was playing in the semi- final position in the Stanford 20/20 competition so persons were eager to go home early. Cricket a Guyanese thing!
Not the youngsters though, the usual after mash lime which is usually from Texaco Service Station to Popeye’s on Vlissengen Road was in full swing. Persons were still in the mash spirit gyrating and carrying on to the music being played. For Guyanese a party is a party regardless of the negativities surrounding certain issues. The number of persons out was not as much as previous years but persons were out nonetheless. Those who weren’t chatting with friends or ‘wining’ to the music being played were glowed to the portable television in a car in front of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) showing the 20/20 match between Guyana and Jamaica.

The night wasn’t done there. The club going ‘passe’ was having a ball in either Blue Iguana who had Caribbean artistes Denise Belfon and Peter Ram or the Tunnel who simply had a soca party. Guyanese needed an avenue to collect themselves and reconnect with society and Mash did this for them. It allowed them to have a good time without thinking about the situation in the country; to go out with family and friends and to enjoy our culture as one people.

Mashramani was not only a celebration after hard work but it was a celebration of unity and togetherness for the Guyanese people in a time when they needed it most. The day set aside to honour our Republic and our culture was well received and supported. And it was indeed 100% a Guyanese thing.
By – Schemel Patrick

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Concept Entertainment

Concept Entertainment is indeed providing an alternative this Mashramani. The promotional team boasts of their intention to offer Guyanese people diverse ways of experiencing entertainment opportunities.

Their first venture, Nature’s Way is a mash band designed to celebrate the natural beauty of Guyana backed by noteworthy names in the Caribbean design fraternity; Sonia Noel; celebrated Guyanese fashion designer, Betty West, outstanding Barbadian fashion and costume designer and Richard Young, renowned regional fashion consultant and production designer. The team is off to a great start.

The management team headed by Ghalee Khan, Denise Thompson and Capucine Phillips, with creative consultancy from Clive Prowell proves to be a formidable force for this year’s Mashramani.

The is comprised of seven sections; three exclusively female and four where both male and female can mash exuberantly come February 23RD. Intent on maintaining the challenge “The Alternative”, the band is causing individuals for the section “Spirits of Nature”. All persons wishing to experience this evolution for Mash Day can visit the office at the corner of Camp and Middle Streets or call 664-8580 to register. All it cost is your enthusiasm and Spiritedness, creativity and willingness to celebrate Guyanese beauty.

Costumes Description

Jungle Water

Depicts the verdant forest inter-spliced by the many waterways of the Kaieteur Falls.

Mashramani Sunset

Reminds us of the spectacular view of the sun setting on the Demerara.

Prized Possession

Pays homage to the preciousgold found in one’s journey to the interior up Essequibo.

Rainbow Wings

Is a testament to the plethora of birds which nest in the forest of the Rupununi.

Tribal Crawl

Its a tribute to the feline specie exalting the superior cat, the Jaguar.

Reptile Fantasy

Represents the mystery and fascination with the expansive fauna exemplified in the snake.

Freedom Flight

Bespeaks the complete beauty and consummate freedom of the butterfly which abound among the flora. And whose survival is carefree and simply natural.

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Guinness Christmas Fest

Guyana came alive in anticipation of Beenie Man, the “Dr. Moses” himself, at the National park on December 29th, 2007. A massive crowed, coupled with hype characteristic of the “King” assured all of this: Guyana was about to enjoy classics like “Romie” and “Dancehall Queen,” and would rock to new hits like “Swing it Away.”

The Guinness- sponsored event has audio provided by the Lion Heart Sound System, which showcased some of the best DJ-ing of the hottest tracks of 2007. This set the stage for the local artistes who came on at 11 p.m. Fojo was first. He was followed by Adrian Dutchin and Jomo of X2, who delivered a very exciting performance for the ladies. Shelly G then made her appearance and performed hit songs “Touch Meh” and “Freaky Freaky.” The show also featured some new local talents; Silver Cat was the last of the local performers for the evening.

Fambo was next in line and performed a few of his hits, including “Drunken Dance.” It was then time for the King to take over. He made a spectacular entrance and proved his impeccable stage presence. He held the crowd in high anticipation as his band started up, and successfully held momentum throughout a truly sensational performance. His band must be acknowledged for its absolutely amazing accompaniment.

Due to the large gathering, transportation proved to be a hassle as it began to rain. This, however, did not quell the enjoyment of the evening’s proceedings. The night was basically a combination of pure hype, a great crowd and sheer enjoyment for all.

By Ayana Constance