Posted on

Guyanese designer Andrew Harris – Best upcoming Designer at Caribbean fashion awards

Andrew Harris and ActressBarbados based Guyanese designer Andrew Harris is expressing a special ‘Thank You’ to all of his clients, well wishers and supporters since he started his fashion line.

Last Sunday night at the prestigious Caribbean Fashion Awards, Harris was awarded the Caribbean Upcoming Designer of the Year Award for his endeavors thus far.

Because of your belief in him, he was able to achieve it and according to his publicists Akeem Brach, you can expect bigger and better things from him and his fashion line in the future.

Just after winning the Caribbean Fashion Award for Caribbean Upcoming Designer of the year, Andrew Harris made the affirmative decision to show his collection in Guyana where it all began.

Harris said it was important to remember where you came from and with that, his 2010 collection ‘Masked’ will grace the catwalk of the Guyana fashion Weekend. Harris first became known to the Guyanese public during Carifesta X, 2008 when he won Desginer’s Portfolio, as Guyana’s Young Designer of the Year.

His collection – Masked – sends a message to everyone that no matter your color, black or white, red or pink we are all human and when our identity is not know we are exactly all the same. He looks forward to the day when equality among all races and social classes is achieved.

Harris said that persons can expect, his usual metro sexual look on the catwalk fused with his better understanding of textile construction.

As for his plans for the future, Harris is currently planning ‘Strut 2010’ (in Barbados) which will officially launch his 2011 Spring Summer Collection and ‘Lounge’ his resort collection. Strut 2010 will precede ‘Black Tie’ which is to be held in Guyana in May 2011.

By Mondale Smith

Posted on

Big names, promising newcomers enter Banks Groovy Soca Monarch

Head HuntersEntries close October 30

From the sounds on radio and the look of things the Banks Groovy Soca Monarch will be a most competitive music blast. According to word from the mash Secretariat officials, entries have been submitted thus far from hot popular acts as well as some very promising new comers all taking aim at the inaugural title.

As the conclusion date for submission of entries  to the Mash Secretariat draws closer Coordinator Sean Bhola has informed that the competition entries thus far has surpassed 20 and he is optimistic that even more entries will come in by the October 30th closing date.

Information thus far indicates that from the Kross Kolor Records Head Hunters Camp six artistes have submitted entries for a shot at the more than $2M in prizes. That list according to ace music Producer Burcmoore Simon includes three times Road March Queen Melissa Vanilla Roberts, Reigning Carib Soca Monarch Bonesman and the Fireman B52.

While Simon has held back on the other names coming from his camp we hear that the Headhunters Crew will also include three times Carib Soca Monarch Adrian Durchin and his X2 partner Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo as well as Michelle ‘Big RED’ King.

Some of the artistes are remaining silent on their involvement in the competition until after the shortlist is announced but the US based Dutchin has confirmed that he is ready to make a come back to the Mash Music competition circuit. Reigning six times Calypso Monarch Geoffery Phillips AKA the Mighty Rebel has also said that he has submitted his entry as did Young Bill Rogers. One of the new comers to the Mash music arena thus far hoping for a shot at the Banks Groovy Soca Monarch title also is the dreadlocks Rass Isan. Other names include Passion, and DelRoy Dash (half of 24K) as well as Gospel artiste Dallas Forte.

Entries are still being collected up until 17:00 hrs (5PM) on Saturday afternoon at the Mash Secretariat or the Groovy Soca Monarch Office in Durban Backlands at lot 211 Century Palm Gardens.

By Mondale Smith

Posted on

Adrian Dutchin: “taking it any how” for Groovy Soca Monarch

Adrian Dutchin“If you looking for me… with company or alone anyhow I taking it…” set to a groovy chipping soca flavor is the tool that three times Soca Monarch Adrian Dutchin plans to use to take aim at the inaugural Banks Soca Monarch. The father of one who  originates from Kitty but now resides in the USA says he’s  ready to get back in his competition mode as he heaped praises on the architects on the new event.

This statement comes even as Dutchin is working out plans to market his new heart rending “I’ll never sell out” single and Video. He is excited about the idea of a new Mashramani competition and commends Banks DIH for taking the initiative to sponsor a competition that promotes Mash music long before the Republic Anniversary.

He had absented himself from the Carib Soca Monarch competition for two years after  copping the title  for a third time and  while he has not ruled out  competing  in the 2011 competition, he told Entertainer that he’s coming home for Mash and Christmas in one. From his home in New York he affirmed that “Every time I record it’s a very exciting feeling for me and yes I am entering the Groovy Soca Monarch.”

When asked why he said his decision to enter is because “it’s something new and it’s a contest for us by us (Guyanese)”.  He said too that he also loves the camaraderie and that its good and will help the art form to develop even more on the local shores.

While we have not heard much from Dutchin said he’s always doing music the likes of his new release “I’ll never sell out” and plans to promote the song and video because he thinks “its lyrics are very true.”

He has already completed his recording for the Groovy Soca Monarch and will be getting ready for Mash his “favorite time of the year”.

When asked of his plan for the competition if he makes the shortlist he categorically stated that he plans “to do nothing different but be my self on stage.”

Reminded that if he makes the shortlist he may have to compete against members of his camp including Jumo he said “it does not matter how many people from the same label is in a contest we all have very different styles and approach to things. But what is very important is to acknowledge the label for having nurtured the artistes to the level they are at”.

By Mondale Smith

Posted on

Gyptian one on one Exclusive!

Gyptian
“You got to be strong, and fit mentally and spiritually… What we take unto us in spirit becomes flesh”

“You got to be strong and fit mentally, spiritually and physically and always ready cause if you are not you’re gonna pop down on the road but most of all you got to be focused.” Such was the advice from Jamaican artiste Gyptian to entertainers as he rides the waves of musical success internationally. Destiny is always inevitable no matter what your dreams are and Gyptian is living proof of it. On July 3 while on the local shores for his debut Guyana show he told fans during an interview on the Caribbean Music Box programme that his aspiration as a youth was to become “a soldier or police” but music was with in his blood. Standing on the lawns of Promoter Jonathan Beepat’s house back then at an exclusive daytime White Party he said “Music is a path and we as a people have feh set it…it was manifest in me and it became flesh so that ah what me adapt to.” That night dished an international serving to his Guyanese audience at the National Park. We are not sure how soon it will be before he returns to the local soil but based on his fans responses “he’s welcomed to return any day to thrill his Guyanese fans all over again.” Today, many can celebrate the ever growing success of this Caribbean son as he takes his talent to the world. A few hours ago Gyptian who
prides himself in being called a humble Caribbean artiste won his first MoBo award over other regional artistes the likes of Damian Marley, Mavado, Vybz Kartel and Gappy Ranks at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England. During his Guyana interview he had said “I’m aiming to go as a far as the eye can see” and as he continues his European Tour he is a nominee in the up coming Soul Train music awards as well as a scheduled performer for the event, a plus for Caribbean artistes.
Nominated recently for a Soul Train award in the ‘Best Reggae Artiste’ category where he is also billed to perform live on November 10 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. Other nominees in the category include Damian Marley, Mr Vegas, Jah Cure, Vybz Kartel and Gramps Morgan as part of his interview on the Caribbean Music Box programme aired on BTV2, the artiste said that his contagious ‘Hold yuh’ song is subject
to interpretation based on age range.

Education: So Important
He dubs education as “so important” in his business that because of education “artistes not getting rip off as much no more.” He noted that back in the days artistes suffered as a result of not knowing the business but credits education for changing that.  To youngsters getting into the business, as he pointed to his head Gyptian said “you
have to have education first so in case the music fail you, you have something you can rally back on naturally”.
Back in July he was number 71 on the Billboards Charts and dubbed being on it “an example that Caribbean music is here to stay and we (Caribbean artistes) have much more to give”. As an artiste he described himself as a young Jamaican who is always being original and humble but seeing him self going further than any other Caribbean artiste has been in mainstream music. Explaining the hold yuh…tightest hold me ever get in ah my life he said “me have fans
of all ages suh me just play on words … fuh the youths dem its is HOLD but fuh the bigger people is  what ever you want it to mean.” When asked about the part that speaks of putting things all around you he said: as a man you have to take care of your woman business properly cause if you don’t another man is gonna be  in your place… treat her right, make her comfortable and  everything is gonna be alright.” Speaking directly on the subject of domestic violence he said ” Ladies don’t make nuh man beat you and abuse unu cause ah you ah de creation of the earth… me don’t beat no woman me love and respect them. He is scheduled to join Mary J. Blige for a UK tour next month.

By Mondale Smith

Posted on

Miss Guyana Earth fundraiser concert on Tonight

Miss Earth 2010 - Soyini FraserSimpli Royal has announced that  Soyini Fraser, Miss Guyana Earth 2010 has been selected in the lineup of this year’s Miss Earth, slated to be held in Vietnam come

November 4 to December 6th, 2010.

As part of efforts to raise funds Simpli Royal has begun to prepare Miss Fraser for representation with a new wardrobe and competition outfit which include a National Dress, Swimsuits, Evening Gown and other accessories. She is also being treated to Dance practice with Choreographer; Clive Prowell She is also being offered a series of lectures and discussions to provide her with a working knowledge of the environmental issues and Guyana’s plans for the future.

 

Mr. Bonny Alves, along with his team, producer Charmaine Blackman, Queen Makeeba, Liesa Punch, Circle of Love, Marsha Taylor, Devon Denny, together with performing artist Granny Ivlaw and Classique Dance Company, together with Fashions from Sonia Noel, Olympia small, MeLeesa Payne and Lashanna Singh have lined up a spectacular show for Friday October 8, at the National Cultural Centre from 20:00 hours. The delegates from Miss Guyana Earth 2010, other models that have graced our catwalks with sparkle and the delegates for the 2010 Miss Guyana Talented Teens will put a fitting end to the evening. Persons interested in supporting this worthy cause could contact Pamela Dillon 665-4565 or Wasim Khan 624-2465

As part of the event nine  of  Guyana’s  most talented teens will be introduced when they launch the 10th staging of the Miss Guyana Talented Teen Pageant. The 9 beautiful, talented , intelligent delegates will all be vying for the crown and a chance to represent Guyana.  This show promises unique Guyanese culture expressed in song, dance and drama and will also feature The Works and Life of Eddie Grant.

Posted on

Ravi B, Karma etc for Guyana Chutney in the Park

Chutney Soca lovers are being advised to mark their calendar for two full days of entertainment in November. Over the years countries such as the USA Canada, Holland and Trinidad have had their experience of the Chutney in the Park show and now its Guyana’s turn says coordinator Mahendra Ramkellawan. The Karma band members    who have
performed for countless sold out shows are more than eager to return to Guyana and that they most certainly will be doing for this event.

On November 6 and 7 the Karma Band headed by Ravi B and Nisha B will be in Guyana along with a slew of other chutney acts to entertain at the Starlite  Drivin and  the Anna Regina  Community Centre Ground. According to Coordinator Ramkellawan the two nights will be most entertainingly explosive.

He explained that “this is a Caribbean Fire Fest production and we guaranteed that this will be done at the international level” He said too that the event will feature himself along with acts such as Bollywood Filmi singer Anil Singh, Daddy Chiney, Rakesh Yankarran of Dulahin Chalaa fame  along with,  Davanan Gatto of baby dance  let me
see  dam dam fame. They are set to arrive on December 6 and will be dishing all the favourites and some fresh songs too.

Ravi B the reigning Trinidad Chutney King will also be using the event to launch a new single while the ‘drunk man in the grave yard’ video story will unfold officially from Ramkellwan.  The  artistes will be backed by Shakti Strings Orchestra and the  Clarity  International band.
By Mondale Smith

Posted on

West Indies Captain Chris Gayle to host Birthday Bash in Guyana

Chris GayleWest Indies Team Captain Chris Gayle is about to celebrate his 31st Birthday and while he’s all out Jamaican and a true Caribbean man, he has chosen Guyana to party hard this year. “I always wanted to do something different for my special day plus my son is in Guyana and he always wanted me to come spend sometime with his family and because I believe that the GT people are also my people I will be there so get ready to party hard” were his uttering in an exclusive interview. Speaking from his hometown in Jamaica he says on Saturday September 25 all roads will lead to the Tower Hotel pool side for the Ultimate Caribbean Party his Birthday bash dubbed “lifestyle of the rich and famous.”
Promising patrons the experience of a Caribbean Lifestyle of the rich and famous night out the show’s organizer, hard hitting batsman Orin Forde through his Jam-yard Production team reiterated that “Chris is a born Jamaican and a Caribbean man at heart but to him Guyana is the ideal place to party at this time, Forde said. He also notes that he (Chris Gayle) has a large  Guyanese following that is always supportive so that’s why we are having this party for him and it is going to be a most memorable experience as cricketers  from various international teams will be here for the event to socialize at a different level.”

The event has the support of RRT Enterprise, HJtv, Digicel, Lifetime Realty and Linden Holding Inc. amongst others as sponsors and Forde also notes that “We will also see in attendance several West Indies cricketers such as Sulieman Benn, Kemar Roach and Fidel Edwards and a host of others”.

Forde assures that “Chris Gayle will definitely be here for this event and he’s expecting all of Guyana to come out and support.”  We will also see Chris in his entertainer’s mode not as a cricketer but as true Jamaican Dancehall artiste singing on the Microphones and he will also further be flexing his DJ muscles while spinning a few hits for
the crowd. Tickets are already on sale at the Tower Hotel for the all inclusive party where once you purchase a ticket you get all you can drink from the top of the line bar offers as well as finger foods.

Posted on

Musical arts festival workshops to train Berbice, Georgetown teachers/participants

Dr. James Rose, Director of Culture, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr. David Dewar, Chairman, Guyana Music Festival Committee, Meighan Duke, Committee Member, Marilyn Dewar, Musical Accompanist and Dr. Erv Jannsen, Coordinator, Music Education Program, Partners in Mission with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana examining the backdrop for the official launch of the 16th Guyana Musical Arts Festival 2011.The Guyana Musical Arts Festival is set for staging on April 26-30, 2011, at the National Cultural Centre where a multitude of local talent will be competing for recognition and a series of prizes. This festival has it origins from 1952 and will be held under the patronage of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, in collaboration with the Guyana Musical Arts Festival Inc, the Guyana Music Teachers Association, the Woodside Choirs International M.S. and the Partners Program of the Lutheran Church of Tulsa in Guyana.

The Festival was officially launched on August 13 at the Pegasus International Hotel. As a prelude the stage is being set for Music teachers and participants in the upcoming Guyana Musical Arts Festival to be granted the opportunity to receive training for the event at a series of workshops to be conducted during September.

Dr. James Rose, Director of Culture, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Erv Jannsen, Coordinator, Music Education Program, Partners in Mission with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana, Mr. David Dewar, Chairman, Guyana Music Festival Committee and Meighan Duke, Committee MemberThese ‘training for trainers’ workshops are organized by the Planning Committee of the Guyana Musical Arts Festival and will be staged on September 11 and 12 at the Bishops’ High School, Carmichael Street, Georgetown, and September 18 and 19 at St. Theresa’s Pastoral Centre, Pope Street, New Amsterdam, East Berbice. All workshops will begin at 09:00hrs and conclude at 18:00hrs.

Training will be provided for vocalists, choir directors, verse and choral speakers and poets (dramatic poetry). Persons interested in participating are asked to contact the Festival Office, Dewar’s Music School, 221 Charlotte Street, Bourda, Georgetown, telephone; 223-1069 or 226-3052.

By Mondale Smith

Posted on

CASUAL FUSE to take Soca swing in October

Hot on the heals  of the Just concluded FUSE party the stage is being
set for yet another   show and this time the focus is likely to be on
entertainment for soca lovers.

Speaking with Show coordinator DJ Casual he has   confirmed that plansare in train for an all soc showcase.  Entertainer has   heard from sources that the show may not be held at the Tower Hotel Poolside but at a popular sports ground in the Nation’s capital. The event from what entertainer has heard may feature one of the veteran soca singersthat could be Sparrow or Shadow as the headliner and a current soca band that might be Krossfyah.  While DJ Casual has neither denied or consented to the names he said that the Show will also feature Guyana’s three times soca monarch Adrian Dutchin and Jumo as well as three times road march Queen Melissa Vanilla  Roberts. We also heard that another Fuse show would be planned for Christmas that could see the live performance from an American international artiste. For the soca show Casual said he is still working on Logistics and contracts for the October event.

The Krosfyah band  is  no stranger to the local shores  but has not
beeen to Guyana for more than five years. it is reportedly the hottest band to have ever come out of Barbados. The unique blend of soca, reggae and calypso is thrilling fans all over the world and the music is characterized by a fresh, innovative sound and positive, conscious messages. Krosfyah is popular for songs such as the Ultimate Party, Pump Me Up, ‘On the Road Again’, ‘No Behavior’, and ‘Oil Pumping’.

By Mondale Smith

Posted on

Fuse Flashback

Christopher Martin, D Major ignite Tower Poolside, Guyana – Kudos to DJ Casual

Even as some are thinking that a Guyanese promoted party ‘ain’t popping’ locally unless it has Hits and Jams or Wildfire attached to it; here comes food for though. Praises are being heaped on Radio DJ turn promoter Casual this follows the successful staging of FUSE at the Tower Hotel pool Side two Saturdays ago. Fuse is s string of parties that feature live performances by the crème de la crème of Guyanese acts and International artistes. The first show that filled the Tower Hotel pool Side and lobby area to capacity featured performances from reigning Road March queen Vanilla, Guyanese star entertainer Jumo and Jamaican artistes Christopher Martin and D Major. This we understand
is the first of several Digicel sponsored entertainment offerings before 2010 concludes and from what we hear it promises to get even better and better with each promotion.
Talks of Second serving:  If all goes well Guyanese Christopher Martin fans might be treated to a second serving of the Jamaican artiste and his team member D Major before year end… the most recent information from sources close to the last promotion. Entertainer understands that the second serving idea is being discussed and that it might be on Old year’s night possibly at a bigger venue. This talk was heard as more than 2000 patrons were celebrating the Digicel sponsored FUSE show live hosted by radio DJ Casual at the Tower International Hotel poolside.

The very humble and focused Martin, came to prominence in 2005 after winning the Digicel Rising Star competition in Jamaica and is popular for hits such as Driver, Real Friends and Christopher Giving it. More than a  year ago Martin was advertised as   one of the  featured acts along Side  Sizzla but that show  never  came off and  he  was most
apologetic as he told Entertainer “that was not my fault but I will make up for it.” He certainly did make up by arriving in Guyana one day ahead of the show with team member D Major. They hit up several night spots as well as the Guinness Bar on the Plaisance Line Top as part of their pre-show schedule and were celebrated on every occasion making friends at every location. Then on show night as part of his first live Guyana stage show he dished songs from his ever growing musical repertoire and aside from gaffing up fans, he along with D Major dished some back in time covers that attracted screams mostly from the overwhelming majority of women folk in attendance.

Aside from the excited capacity crowd there were the over enthusiastic ladies who took every opportunity to paw and claw at the 23-year-old crooner’s crotch and legs. Of the lot two in attendance.lucky women join him on stage at separate intervals. (One was celebrating her birthday while the other represented for the Guyanese women as the envy of every woman Both had more than enough body mass but the petite yet sculpted artiste took them on in a most entertaining but sexually charged way. At one point the artiste got more than he bargained for and enlisted the assistance of Guyana’s Rubber waist Jumo to entreatingly offer a human game of tennis with a lustful lady patron at the center.  Martin is probably still getting over the spine tingling experience of the tongue that brushed his left ear which saw him blushing uncontrollably while clasping his face and looking to the heavens.  It was D major’s rendition of “girl you know I, I, I …” that started the segment of hot cover songs such as unchained melody etc… Setting the tone for what can best be described as an excellent promotions start event were Guyana’s own Vanilla who dished her regular vibes with songs such as High etc.

Jumo Primo who is promising to bring the Byron Lee’s Dragonaires Band to Guyana for Christmas was his usual self that included him teaching the crowd to wine Guyanese style in comparison to the citizens of other Caribbean Countries. At the show’s conclusion there was hardly a person with dry clothing and there was no murmuring from fans who did express their desire for more shows of such a nature. Up beat about Guyana/ Florida show Chris Martin told one of Urban Islandz website representatives in Jamaica that he is still on a high after his hugely successful show in Guyana and in Florida. The former digicel rising stars winner rocked a huge crowd in Guyana at the Fuse -Hotel Tower. The young reggae singer dished out his huge catalog of old and new hits to a screaming crowd at his feet. “It was truly a pleasure being in Guyana, myself and D-Major felt as if we were right at home and the response of the fans was truly overwhelming. The crowd was somewhere between 2000 and 2,500 but they made me feel like they where 70,000 the entire experience was pure love an I truly appreciated it,” Chris told Urban Islandz rep.

By Mondale Smith