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Competing in the Miss Princess of the World was a great experience – Miss Guyana

Miss GuyanaI felt very privileged to have represented Guyana this year, it was great experience said Christine Camacho Guyana’s representative to the just concluded Miss Princess of the World Pageant in the Czech Republic. Reflecting she said that she was given a lot of attention the minute she arrived and was introduced. According to her she was even rated most beautiful overall at the end of the contest given “my mixture of Indian, Amerindian & Portuguese appearance which made me  look much different from the European girls” As a result she  credits this to being the reason she probably got the most request for photos by guests and national directors.

In her opinion she did excellent in the PC discipline where she challenged the other girls in networking with the advantage of a good English background but in the end Miss Lithuania won the Princess title while Italy was second and Venezuela  placed  third.  For the pageant she took a taste of the Guyanese Amerindian Culture in  her costume which depicted Amerindian Heritage-our indigenous people. Her talent piece was an Indian classical dance which was also different from all the other dances presented. While in the Czech Republic included tours to the castles with golden walls where Kings & Queens used to live, palaces, chapels, city cruise, museums, caves, etc. as well as to places where ordinary visitors couldn’t access, shopping areas etc.

She recalls the challenge of having to adapt the cold weather, but managed to stay healthy and energetic unlike many others who had to visit hospitals.

Among all these pluses on her side when asked what caused her to not win or place even in the top nine she said “I did my best, sold Guyana as much as possible since those people didn’t know of Guyana, however had Guyanese supported more and voted online I would have had a better chance of reaching to the top 9.”

Christine Camacho also noted that had Guyanese supported her online “It would have surely built my popularity”. Nevertheless, she is happy that she has received proposals to enter another international pageant by other national directors including a proposal from the director of Lithuania.

Her trip was made possible by Ken Chung, Carwyn Holland, Ginesta David, Dimple Mendonca, Princess Hotel, Glamour, Sonia Noel, April’s Line, Industrial Safety Supplies, PCS Wireless, Ms. Ginnie Beauty.  What’s next following this first outing?

“I’m presently modeling part time for fashion shows including Guyana Fashion Weekend 2010 and has also been booked for appearances on television Commercials along a full time job as a consultant while pursuing studies at the University of Guyana for a Bsc Business Management.

Over all she said “I didn’t win any title but I did get the overall rating”.

By Mondale Smith

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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

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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

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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

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Ashanti and Jah Cure headed Guyana

Kashif Mohammed Christmas Night Super concert billed for National Stadium

Kashif Mohamed and Mondale SmithKashif Mohamed says his the dynamic duo, Kashif and Shanghai Organization has combined forces with the Hits and Jams crew to give
Guyana a mega  Super concert on Christmas night. During the interview to be aired Saturday 9tomorrow) on the BTV2 Caribbean Music Box show Shanghai officially announced that hot on the heals of the successful Jamzone super concert that featured Neyo on  Christmas night the national Stadium will come alive with performances from international RnB Superstar Ashanti and Caribbean Reggae star Jah Cure.  “Christmas night will be one to be remember, its difficult for HJ and KS to do two separate shows on one night so we have decided to hold on football for that  day and give the Guyanese people a real treat from, hence the concert.”
He noted that after  persons  would have enjoyed a day  at home eating and drinking in merriment they always look for somewhere to go when Christmas night falls and as such the concert is aimed at attracting local and international tourists who are enjoying a Guyanese Christmas.

“Jah Cure is one of the better reggae artiste right now with lovers rock and  we believe that he’s appropriate for Christmas day. after him  we will have the headline act of  Internationally renowned artistes Ashanti…” he said during the interview. He lets up that the “Everyone  will get a chance to come  and experience the vibes on Christmas day that will also possibly feature performances from Jory, Timeka Marshal and a slew of other local acts” Tune into BTV2, Caribbean Music Box for the full details on the Super concert.

AshantiAshanti Shequoiya Douglas, (born October 13, 1980) is an American recording artist, record producer, actress, dancer, and model who rose to fame in the early 2000s. She is i is most famous for her eponymous debut album Ashanti, which featured the hit song “Foolish”, and sold over 503,000 copies in its first week of release throughout the U.S.in April 2002. The album set a Soundscan record as the biggest opening week sales for a new female artistes. In the same week, she became the first female performer to simultaneously hold the top two places on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with “Foolish”, and “What’s Luv?” (with Fat Joe). Ashanti broke records again by having three top ten songs, “Foolish,” “What’s Luv?” and “Always on Time” on the Billboard
Hot 100 charts in the same week, being the first woman to accomplish this feat and being second only to the Beatles. In 2003, the self titled debut album won Ashanti her first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B album. In 2008, she sold more than 27 million records worldwide and  ended the decade (2000-09) as the third top new R&B artist behind Alicia Keys and Beyonce Knowles. As of 2010, Ashanti is listed in the 20 Best Selling Music Singles Since 1990 in History. She ranked #17, with Foolish selling more than 7.4 million copies in the U.S.

Praised as a gifted songwriter by her peers and critics alike, Ashanti has written/co-written the bulk of all her music and is currently working on her own publishing company entitled Written Entertainment. She released her fourth studio album entitled The Declaration on June 3, 2008 and is currently in the studio working on her fifth. She also performed the charity tune “Just Stand Up” alongside 14 other female singers for the “Stand Up to Cancer” live television special which helped raise $100 million dollars for cancer research.

By Mondale Smith

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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

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Candace Mercedes Fields is back! Launches new video

Candace MercedesA mother of three (twins included) Candace Fields holds a degree in Communication and has functioned as a media personality who reported on Presidential matters, the Diary   for several years. She’s also a former director at GCCI but above those things while she’s focused on academia she also has a first love to which she has returned… Music! Blessed with enviable vocals in 1993 she came to brief prominence as the little Saint Stanislaus girl with the dynamic voice that hit the highest octaves. She belted out covers from Celine Dion to Whitney Houston note for note and copped the Star Search best female title and the first place purse of $30,000. She still holds that title as there has not been another competition. That year Queens College student Osea Parris placed second while Mondale Smith copped the title of best Hip Hop singer in the same competition.

She has served as lead singer for bands such as the Original Sheriff Deputies and is at present the lead singer for the Majestics band thrilling private party crowds and sometimes those gathered at the Pegasus poolside. Now she is continuing to charter her future course musically with the recent launch of a new soulful ballad “”.  With assistance from song writer Raymon Ally she has also launched a music video to complement the single. To her credit she has also completed a video and audio song titled “Sleepless nights” At present she’s working on an album of about 12 songs that will not be just soul music when it is launched.

Speaking about the importance of education she said you need it to write, manage the business of music and it most important in dealing with the public. “When you have to do contracts its good to be educated so you would not be robbed or taken advantaged of in signing contracts.

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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.

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Its Gana Bhajana Time

Dance GroupGuyanese, especially those with a penchant for Indian theatre, will be enthralled with the latest addition to entertainment. The term, “Gana Bhajana” was fondly used in the past by Guyanese when trying to explain certain Indian shows that were forthcoming. Even some Indian movies, given their routine storyline, were in some way referred to as “Gana Bhajana”.

Given its association to Indian entertainment, the Dramatic Arts Academy, thought of presenting a variety show including songs, dances and drama aptly titled, “Gana Bhajana”. The hilarious entertainment package features a number of comedy skits including the one-act play, “Abu Hassan pays his debts”. The skits do not only present opportunities for laughter, but examine pertinent issues relating to Bollywood movies and some of its stars.

Bollywood’s influence on many fans here is well known making it easier for the audience to relate to the issues. The skits will be complimented by exhilarating dances by members of the popular Sitare and Shelita’s dance troupes. What would a Bollywood show be without dances? Not to be outdone, members of the cast will spoof some popular
songs in dance.

The one-act “Abu Hassan pays his debts” highlights the extremes someone will go to pay what he/she owes. A cunning husband convinces his loyal but sceptical wife to play along in a scheme to outwit his creditors. This plan evolves without his control creating circumstances he didn’t envisaged. The King, the Princess and other members of the royal household descended upon his home creating chaos beyond imagination. This chaos is what provides laughter for the audience.

The husband is played my Michael Ignatius, Rushella Edmondson plays the wife, Nazim Hussein the King, Kerry Phang the Princess, Keisha Narine, Yusuf Ali and Romel Edmondsom the servants and Rajan Tiwarie and Raymond Persaud the creditors. These actors, along with Sonia Yarde, Narda Mohamed and Jennifer Persaud, play multiple roles in the
many skits.

“Gana Bhajana” which is directed by Neaz Subhan, promises much laughter and entertainment for the entire family. It runs at the National Cultural Centre from Saturday, October 9 to Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. respectively. Tickets are available at the National Cultural Centre.

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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