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Accolade Nomination Panel targets diverse music styles

Artiste to be nominated in 35-categories

Music lovers are buzzing with excitement as Accolade- the music awards of Guyana intensifies preparations to celebrate music excellence and achievement by local artiste who have made their mark.

The Nomination Panel comprising Burchmore Simon, Music Producer, Kerwyn Bollers, Entertainer, Sean Bhola, Song Writer/Producer, Jaya Manickchand, Attorney-at Law and Malcolm Ferreira, Radio Announcer/DJ is aiming to capture a diverse range of musical styles with a line up of 35 categories for which artiste will be shortlist for Awards on November 30th. The period under consideration for these awards is January 1, 2004 to December 30, 2006.

Local Disc Jockeys, Radio Announcers, Recording Studios, Record Bars and the public participation at large will feature prominently in determining who the winners will since they all play an important role in the music industry.

An eligible artiste for the purpose of these nominations is defined as:

1. A person who was either born in Guyana; or attain naturalization status and or;
2. A person who has lived in Guyana for the full eligibility period (January 1, 2004 to December 30, 2007)

The Nominations Panel comprises individuals with good standing, demonstrated expertise and knowledge of the overall industry or individual categories. The panel will forward their top five (5) suggestions in each category to the Executive Committee which will then select the top three (3) in every category to present to the public.

Artiste may be eligible for any number of general categories. Where there are fewer than the minimum required amount of eligible entries the panel may use deliberate judgement, including making the entry automatically eligible in the same category for the following year.

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.

Indeed, the 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.

(Email: [email protected] )

Here is the complete list of categories for Accolade Awards 2008

1. Chutney artiste of the year (Male)

2. Chutney artiste of the year (Female)

3. Best Chutney Band of the year

4. Best Chutney Album of the year

5. Best groovy soca single (Male)

6. Best groovy soca single (Female)

7. Soca single of the year

8. Best soca album solo duo or group

9. Best reggae single

10. Best soca compilation

11. Best non soca compilation

12. Reggae artiste of the year

13. Best rock alternative artiste or band

14. Best jazz album

15. Gospel artiste of the year (Male)

16. Gospel artiste of the year (Female)

17. Gospel single of the year

18. Best RnB artiste of the year

19. Best Calypso artiste of the year (Male)

20. Best Calypso Artiste of the year (Female)

21. Best Hip Hop/Rap artiste of the year

22. Living legends award

23. Cornerstone award

24. Band of the year

25. Producer of the year

26. Media award print/internet

27. Media Award- radio/television

28. Best new artiste

29. Best music video

30. Song of the year

31. Studio of the year

32. Album of the year

33. Entertainer of the year

34. Lifetime achievement award

35. Best Dancehall artiste of the year

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Sonia Noel & Sanola Forte Represent at St. Vincent Show

Fashion lovers in St. Vincent were surely able to whet their appetites and then full their stomachs with as much fashion as they wanted when Mije Modeling & Advertising Agency held its 3rd Annual Carnival Catwalk last Sunday evening. Set in the historic Pirate’s Cave in Lowman’s Bay, the show got off to an exciting start with the Mije models paying tribute to the veterans in the Caribbean Fashion Industry.

Shonta Noel, an 11 year old designer from Barbados started the collections rolling with her label La Cyanne and presented a line of chic, sexy silk and chiffon dresses that with body flattering cuts. Mije Models themselves put together a line of clothing which was cleverly constructed and dominated with organic accessories like coconut leaves and shells and was a major hit with the patrons. Many persons from the sold out audience enjoyed the collection of newcomer Jeremy Payne who dabbled in many fabrics and styles to come up with his offering.

And then there was the revolution, 3rd Revolt of Barbados presented a t-shirt line which ranged from dresses to sleeveless vests to long sleeved dressy T’s. A designer to watch in the future is Lisa Cordice, she offered a well coordinated line of clothing made mostly of satins accessorized with lace. Her collection featured casual, elegantly casual and formal pieces that seemed to be very well constructed. The heat then rose to another level as Fetish Swimwear by Cassandra Mottley of Barbados hit the stage. Models strut their stuff in sexy one piece swimsuits, tankinis and bikinis studded and accessorised with colorful wraps.

With Fetish Swimwear leaving the end of the first half of the show so heated, celebrated Designer Debbie Barbour presented her 2008 Wedding Collection. She showcased elegant wedding ensembles fused with Caribbean colors and the cool, calm nature of the islands. The female patrons then had a treat as Sharon Tanner of EC Harbour showcased her collection. The St. Lucian label featured sexy men shirts made of linens and cottons to outfit the metro-sexual man who was sure of his masculinity. Tanner also presented a female line of clothing ranging from casual pieces to evening gowns.

Guyanese Designer Sanola Forte made a definite splash on the runway with her Bumble Bee Collection. Glitzy pieces dominated her line and sexy cuts were the highlight of her line. Fetish Boutique and J& E Boutique also took to the Carnival Catwalk stage and both of them showcased clothing that was available in their respective stores.

Veteran Designer Sonia Noel closed the show with her 2009 Spring/ Summer Collection. Entitled “Animal Unleashed,” Noel brought the house down from beginning to end. The well styled collection started with guest model from Barbados Raymond Ward wearing a leopard-skin swim trunk and carrying a duffle bag and ended with Mije Senior Model Karlene wearing a close fitting evening dress. Noel convinced that 12 years in the business was well worth it.

Guest Acts were by Bomani who was thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish and by the Arabesque Dancers who danced to a medley of Carnival Hits.

Executive Producer Jean Johhny-Findlay and Production Director Kofi Branch (The Design Factor) of Barbados were both pleased with the event and expressed their excitement for Carnival Catwalk 4 to be held in 2009.