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.

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.

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

Miss Bartica Regatta begins

Delegates to be sashed tomorrow

As the date fast approaches for the crowning of a Miss Bartica Regatta 2010 the event coordinators are pulling out all the stops to make the event even bigger and better. Regatta is one of the more talked about Easter weekend events in Guyana that encourages domestic and international tourism.

While the event climaxes on April 5 the excitement begins tomorrow with the official sashing ceremony tomorrow. There will be added entertainment such as a Dance fiesta; that should feature the Classique Dance Company and the Famous Pose dancers.

Outstanding Barticians will also be honoured, among them includes champion racers, footballers and athletes. But while the spotlight will be on the beauties vying for the Miss Regatta crown others who made the region proud will also be honoured with awards for their outstanding performances at the Grades Six and CXC scholarships from 2009 and the showcasing of video highlights from the 2009 pageant and races.

As we did last week we are continuing our feature of three more delegates vying from the crown. This week we introduce to you Nickesha Leanza Fraser, Tiffany Tomeka Wong and Abiola Natoya Allen.

Delegates #4

Nickesha Leanza FraserSPONSORED BY SEVENTH AVENUE WORKSHOP

Name: Nickesha Leanza Fraser

D.O.B: 16th September, 1992

Age: 18

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Career Goal: Teacher

Hobbies: Listening to Music, Watching Television, Reading.

Education: St. Anthony’s Primary School and the Bartica Secondary School – C.X.C (7 Subjects)

While many see her as the quiet girl next door Nickesha said her full potential will be unleashed in this her first pageant. Although her childhood dream was always to become a trained teacher Nickesha says she decided to test the pageant world because it will be her living one of her fantasies.

Like the average Barticians she too cherishes family and close friends and spend most of her time reading and site seeing.  She says I am an easy going person who enjoys being around friends. It may all seem ironic but this beauty also enjoys mass at Full Gospel Fellowship every Sunday and being in the company of her two younger siblings.

Delegate #5

Tiffany Tomeka WongSPONSORED BY JOUVERT

Name: Tiffany Tomeka Wong

D.O.B: 12th November, 1992

Age: 17

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Career Goal: Accountant

Hobbies: Dancing, swimming, communicating with others, reading and net surfing.

Education: St. John the Baptist Primary, Bartica Secondary School and Three Miles Secondary (7 Subjects)

The tantalizing Tiffany age 17 years-old is a Scorpio beauty who is planning to put a sting back into the Miss Regatta Pageant with her genuine sensuality. Tiffany’s role model is her mum from whom she draws all her inspiration.

Tiffany says she is up for the Miss Regatta challenge since she has some amount of pageant experience. Tiffany was once a third runner-up St. John the Baptist Primary Pageant. She entered this pageant with the aim of enhancing her public speaking skills.

Delegate #6

Abiola Natoya AllenSPONSORED BY PLATINUM INN HOTEL

Name: Abiola Natoya Allen

D.O.B.: 9th January, 1990

Age: 20

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Career Goal: Nurse

Hobbies: Travelling, Cooking, Dancing, Reading, Communicating, Modelling

Qualifications: Two Miles Primary and Bartica Secondary School (7 subjects)

Ambitious Abiola is seeking to bring a new twist to this year’s Miss Regatta Pageant as all she intends to do wow the crowd with nothing else but perfection.

This Capricorn beauty lives daily by her motto “Strive for perfection”. She spend her spare time keeping in contact with those dear to her by texting. Being her first time in pageantry Abiola said it was her boyfriend and mother who convinced her to go for the crown as she puts it. Abiola also feels strongly against child abuse in her community and plans to use this pageant as a stepping stone to highlight and most importantly informs persons of this growing issue.

By Mondale Smith

GFW spokesperson showcases new jewelry line in New York

Hollywood actress ANNA MARIA HORSFORD who is the Spokesperson for Guyana Fashion Weekend is a part of a special art exhibition in honour of Women’s History Month, currently housed at the Renaissance Fine Art Gallery in New York City.

Anna’s exotic jewelry collection is among the fashion accessories as art displayed along with seven other noted female artists.

The opening took place on March 12, and drew a wide cross section of luminaries who came out to see the exhibit which is entitled `Girl Talk: Narratives by eight women Artists.’

Anna is currently featured in a popular movie titled `Our Family Wedding’ with Forest Whittaker, America Ferreira, Regina King and Lance Gross. She is popularly known for her roles as Thelma in the legendary television sitcom `Amen’ and as Dee in `The Wynan’s Brothers Television Show.’

Anna was in Guyana where she showcased her jewellery in 2008 and is expected to be here again for this year’s Guyana Fashion Weekend in October. She is happy with the new jewellery installation and said creating jewellery is an extension of her talents.

For the `Girl Talk’ exhibition, Anna showcased pieces that were cleverly displayed as wearable art. She named each piece after a movie or television show that she has appeared in. One of her signature pieces entitled: `The Shield’ is an elaborate necklace fashioned from Pewter, Electroplated Gold leaves and crystal stones was lavishly displayed on a large square mirror.

`The Guiding Light’ a necklace created from Swarovski crystals on silver plated circles adorned a mannequin.

“I am an art collector and a jewellery lover,” said the actress during the opening reception. “It’s all a part of adorning oneself. Adorning yourself tells the world who you are. I create each piece so the wearer demands attention. My jewellery is not for someone who does not want to be seen or simple at heart.”

Anna, who was born in New York to Caribbean parents from Antigua and the Dominican Republic, explained: “My fascination with glamour started at a very early stage in my life. Dressing up was my permanent state of mind, I loved glamour and wanted to feel that way all the time.

“At 18 years old, I bought a muskrat coat and dyed it to look like mink. I put $25 down and gave the furrier $10 a week until the entire $250 was paid. I became what I know I was supposed to be: a Harlem glamour girl.

“I never stopped playing dress up and I didn’t need a special occasion to do it. I never had the fear of over-dressing. If I was the only one with layers of jewelry and furs at a house party, I pretended I had another stop to make before I went home and that party demanded I came `dressed-up’…..

“We all have stories to tell. My jewelry will get the conversation started.”

Miss Guyana off to BVI Pageant

Imarah RadixTomorrow the Grenada-born Miss Guyana World, Imarah Radix, is scheduled to wing out to compete at the Miss Caribbean World Pageant to compete for the coveted crown.

She will be competing against beauties from Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Margarita Island, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, USVI, Venezuela, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados and the British Virgin Islands.

Once in the British Virgin Islands, she will participate in several pageant related and community events.  Such as a Church service, trips to places such as the Virgin Gorda, Television Interviews, Swimming with the Dolphins, BVI High School Sports and a motorcade. The pageant is slated for March 27.

Guyana’s first representative was Janella Lewis in 2008 and according to the franchise holder, Ken Chung, she is now enjoying a modeling contract with a US Company. Meanwhile Mr. Guyana World, Max Chung, according to the franchise holder, is in Korea competing for the Mr World crown.

Speaking of funding the franchise Holder said it has always been a difficult issue “but I always manage in the end that is why I have the franchise for so many pageants, promoting Guyana through myself and sponsors that is the ultimate aim of pageant ambassadors.”