Chow Pow Comedy Jam Face Off Inevitable

Comedians

KERWIN “SIR MARS and MR. CHOW POW will finally FACE OFF at the garage bar and grill tomorrow night in what is anticipated as the biggest comedy showdown ever to be staged. The Local comedy scene was transformed into a “war zone “of jokes when the two first performed at the second staging of the now popular “uncensored two” show. It started when CHOW POW, in his routine stated that he will never send his son to SIR MARS class. Mars responded by saying he don’t teach HIMS he teaches HERS. And the audience loved every minute of their respective performances.

While Chow Pow can boast that he is the most popular actor/comedian In Guyana, Sir Mars has quite a huge following of his own. He first tried his hand at stand up comedy back in November last when he entered the” Uncensored” comedy competition. His super performance won him the title of best uncensored comedian and since then his stand up comedy career is one that he is proud of. He however states that he is in no competition with chow pow and is looking forward to the event and doing what he loves
best, making people laugh.

The COMEDY JAM will also feature, MIRANDA AUSTIN, LEZA SINGH, CHUBBY and, for the first time out of the theatre guild, actors TASHANDRA INNIS, KIJANA LEWIS, SEAN THOMPSON AND MARK LUKE EDWARDS with support from GRANNY IVELAW and special host MONDALE SMITH.

Party fans that are coming out for the “after party” will also be enthused to know that the fusion DJ’s will be in attendance. The show gets underway at 20;00hrs and the “GARAGE” management and staff is ensuring fans that tight security will be in place. The actors are set, the stage is set and all is in place for CHOW POW’S COMEDY JAM. Ya’ll will need treatment when this one done.

Conscious Minds Entertainment: Night of the Diva’s cast gets bigger

Spice, Tanya Stephens, Pamputtee join cast 

The Conscious Minds Promotions has released several more mega caribbean dancehall and reggae queen names to add to the ‘November to Remember 2’ cast for the true experience of ‘The Night of the Divas’ mega concert. The event is billed for November 17 at the National Stadium, Providence.
The promotions group that is continuing its drive to add to the development of the entertainment industry has announced that in addition to Dance Hall self styled Grammy Award Winner Misses Lady Saw the other names carded for the Jamaican segment of the show now includes Spice who has hits such as ‘Ramping Shop,’ ‘Slim vs. Fluffy’ and ‘Jim Screechie, the fluffy and sexy diva-luscious Pampute of fluffy gyal fame, and Gaza Kim. As if that line up is not enough all conscious vibes, truth seeking ladies and men who want to dig into the women’s secret bag of emotions and tricks the very conscious vibes lyricist Tanya Stephens. A mega soca line up out of Trinidad is likely to be named shortly as’ the night of the divas’ event is said to be one to celebrate and showcase the different sides of women in the face of all the hurts, disappointments and successes she is still as a rose.

Lady Saw
Lady Saw

Lady Saw
Since bursting on to the music scene in 1994 Marian ‘Lady Saw’ Hall has produced eight and counting albums to her name such as ‘Lover Girl’, ‘Give me a reason,’ ‘walk out,’ ‘my way’ and 99 ways etc. Lady Saw received a gold certification from the R.I.A.A. for “Smile” with Vitamin C, a triple-platinum certification from the R.I.A.A. for “Underneath It All”, her 2003 collaboration with No Doubt, and a Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Duo or Group for her featured performance on No Doubt’s single “Underneath It All”. She recorded such songs as “Freedom of Speech” and enjoyed a big hit in Jamaica with “Hardcore” in 1985, which was followed up with “Welding Torch.” She also recorded “Condom,” warning girls of the dangers of unprotected heterosexual sex. Lady Saw recorded duets with major stars, including Beenie Man, Luciano, Dennis Brown, Bounty Killer and Beres Hammond.

By the mid-1990s she moved away from slackness towards “conscious” lyrics. In 1999 she had a major hit in the United States with “Smile”, recorded with Vitamin C, which peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, also a major hit in New Zealand and Canada, and certified gold with over 500,000 sales. In 2002, her collaboration with No Doubt, “Underneath It All”, which reached number three in the US and sold more than three million copies, reaching triple platinum certification. The track won a Grammy Award for’Best Performance by a Duo or Group’. Lady Saw is the first female deejay to win a Grammy Award and to be certified as a triple-platinum artist and is also touted as the first woman to headline dancehall shows outside her native Jamaica. She launched her own record label, Divas Records, in January 2010 and has since released a single ‘no less than a woman,’ a song that addresses the issue of women who have not been able to birth a child of their own. The Lyrics that encourages women to understand “ not having a child don’t make you any less than a woman, I got so much love to give to so much unwanted kids” as message that mirrors he life experience.

Spice
Spice

Spice returns yet again
The ‘Jim Screechie queen’, Spice, is billed to return after two high-energy performances in Guyana and is promising an even more exciting return. Guyana knows her capabilities on stage as while she was originally contracted for one Guyanese performance, Spice made such an impression on her Guyanese fans, that she was immediately booked by yet another promoter for another event the following day. She is quoted as stating “I love my Guyanese fans. It was such great energy and the vibe was really crazy for both events. The turnout, even for the last-minute event was phenomenal, but it just shows what can happen when you hit the stage with a great set and give the fans their money’s worth.” The mother of two, made the radical decision to hit the stage one week after the birth of her daughter, NichoLatoya and stated back then that “… I’m a naturally assertive person and I go after anything I want. I was in a position where I was physically fit to hit the stage again, so why hold back?”
The deejay is known for her’spicy’ tracks, Fight Ova Man, Ramping Shop (featuring the equally controversial, Vybz Kartel), Back Broad, Slim vs. Fluffy (featuring Pamputtae), Jim Screechie and others.

“Tony is a fabulous producer and his stuff has always been mainly cross-over material. With the two tracks, fans can definitely expect the unexpected. In the same way that Jim Screechie caught persons off-guard because they didn’t expect that kind of flow from me, the two songs are gonna do that,” she says. Her other songs include ‘I Wanna Know’ and Keep It All as well as ‘Me Good’.

Tanya Stephens ready to give conscious diva vibes.
Be it the National Park or a club Tanya Stephens has proven that she’s all about lyrics and message to empower women and to dish the dirt on reality for men to wake up and celebrate their women despite. She’s been to Guyana on several occasions and somehow fans can never get enough of her no matter what and she’s ready to dish the unadulterated truth be it a little white lie, a good ride, on these streets. This mother of a teenage daughter is not afraid to dish it to the man (the powers that be) or the KKK and she’ bold enough to tell a married man lustfully that ‘it’s a pity’ or ‘you nuh ready feh this yet. ‘ Her Repertoire is endless and she’s ready to serve it all up to her Guyanese fans.

The ‘Night of the Divas’, set for November 17

Lady Saw
Lady Saw

Entertainment lovers are advised to mark their calendars to experience a night of mega Caribbean entertainment. On November 17 Conscious Minds Promotions is set to serve up an all female cast for a ‘November to Remember 2’ mega concert.

Dubbed “The night of the DIVAS” the stadium is already booked and artistes have begun to sign their contracts for the mega inter-regional entertainment event.

On November 17 the event’s lineup brings together acts from Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica, and Guyana at the National Stadium, Providence. The lineup includes Queen of the Dance Hall ‘Lady Saw’ and at least five other Caribbean divas spanning the Soca and Dance Hall genres. Event Promoter Iana Lewis says “the idea is to unite the Caribbean women for a night of mega entertainment while celebrating, liberating and empowering women in the face of all the domestic violence that has caused many women to be dead or badly injured.”

Mondale Smith, Public Relations officer said, “This is one of two mega shows that we have got planned for the year as part of efforts to add to the national entertainment product and while it’s a divas concert, it’s for the men to come out with and celebrate their women.”

The last mega event staged stage by Conscious Minds promotions was the ‘I’m ok’ concert headlined by Bennieman and Destra along with Ritchie Loops. That show was sponsored by Banks DIH and Digicel Guyana and was attended by in excess of 10,000 satisfied patrons.

New music from FOJO

Fojo: She's A Good Woman Poster
Fojo: She's A Good Woman Poster

Artist/Producer/Writer are just some of the words to describe veteran singer Ian “Fojo” Corbin.

Born in Guyana, and residing in Trinidad, Fojo is known for his breakout music including 2007’s hit “Love You Till The End” and
“High” Ft. Shelly G. Other noteworthy singles from Fojo include “GT Rudeboi”, “If You Had No Choice” and “Imagination”. Fojo is
also know for his production and writing work with Soca/Reggae artist such as the 2009 Soca Queen, Shelly G (Shelon Garraway),
Tamisha Nichols, and Soca veteran Ajala.

Now Fojo is releasing his new hit song “She’s A Good Woman” produced by Spice and executive producer Charles Ward. Taken from the
reggae compilation album “Love Supreme” due for release in early 2013 via Black Mountain Records. “She’s A Good Woman” brings back
that feel good music with real content and emotion. Fojo is a veteran artist that is on the verge of his just due stardom and
elevation in the world of Soca/Reggae music.

Listen at GuyanaLive Spotlight

Jumo on a roll: set to release mix tape one week after bad mind video launched

Jumo Primo
Jumo Primo

Hot on the heals of releasing his contagious “badmind” video single Jumo Primo is set to release his mix tape on Monday September 17. The 13 tracks release is a combinition of Jumo’s new music such as Badmind, Dying days, OK, Hold Yah and Own Clothes are just some of the new songs on the CD while he has also included some of his already popular singles such as “dip and Go down’, One people (the Carib Soca Monrch winning song) Chipping and Bumper (the banks Groovy soca monrch winning song) amongst others. However, this mix tape is not like the regular ones: ‘ I also selected some of my favourite fellow artistes’ tracks from Jamaica such as Kartel, Movado, Pop Caan and I-Octaine as well as Kiprich to be part of the mixtape to show the level to which my songs are and in some cases even better in lyrical and arrangement context’ he said. The artiste just before boarding an aeroplane to Miami for a show with ‘Byron Lees Dragonaires’ said he’s also hearing good reviews from his’ badmind’ release as it is getting rotations in Suriname and other caribben countries. “Suriname look out for me soon as i’m coming there for a launch to meet my fans over there too” he said. Meanwhile Jumo says he has almost completed putting together another video for release soon titled ‘no more love’ done in the Reggae genres. Soon after that another mix tape dubbed Jumo Volume 2 will be released… ” I have already completed volume 2 but I want to take this in strides so that people can know that Guyana has got real vibes at the international level” he said. His volume 2 will be a Guyanese Invasion. This will feature a fully local cast from all the best in Guyana such as Tameka Marshall, Jory, shelly G, Big Red and others.The Bad-Mind DVD is now available at record bars such as Matts Record Bar and also at Full Range Record shop. The mix tape will be available at the same locations as well as Gumdac promotions/productions, most carts on the road and also CD shops nation wide.

Badmind experience becomes hit single
What started out as a disappointing phone call while in the american exchange barbershop has become a fast growing dancehall hit for soca king Jumo Primo. Speaking on the Mondale Smith hosted Caribbean Music Box show in Guyana Primo on saturday as the infectious hit BAD-MIND was launched live also on www.brutalradio.com the father of three said he was about to have his hair cut when his cell phone rang and a woman rubbed him the wrong way. “I was so hurt and upset at what I heard that I ask me barber friend to pass a piece of paper and a pen and in under five minutes I was done putting together the words of the song.” With raw emotions in the song he then recorded with various experiences under his belt. Launching the video after a week of teasers Primo sang the very catchy : “they will never see me fall, no not at all, like crab in a barrel dem a hunt you down you smile in yah face and tell you ah dem friend but watch out feh dem…look out feh bad mind people…dem a study bare evil. Dem bad mind you when jah bless you …but me sorry fuh dem, dem can’t see me end cause bad mind. Could never be me friend…”. Ultimately he’s working on a mix tape but decided to launch the single that is blazing with rotations on radio and television stations nation wide. Its an obvious hit judging from the more than 100 text messages that came in during the launch on Btv ch2. “I’m hoping that this song will become the anthem because every single human being has had the experience of being hated for progressing and from some of the people who suppose to be their friends and family” Jumo said. The video was filmed and produced in Brooklyn with cameo appearances by US based Guyanese artistes Gaddi G and little J. What’s next for Jumo?: as one of X2 he says there will soon be an area code patriotic launch modern style launch of a clothing line with the 592 Guyana flag area code Jerseys and vests for women coming soon.The video can be down loaded from youtube and he’s encouraging fans to share the video on facebook and other social media to take Guyanese music to the next level. The video will be available for sale at Matts Record bar and other locations that don’t pirate. Jumo Primo is famous for soca hits such as ‘krazy’ and has toured the caribbean extensively as a singer/entertainer with several bands such as the Byron Lee and the dragonaires and says with little to no sponsorship from corporate citizens he has had to foot the bill to the tune of almost US$3000 and as such is encouraging fans to buy the original video at a cost of US $5 (G$1000)

By Mondale Smith

Rick Ross fascinated by Guyana and its rich culture

-Creates a special mini-documentary about Guyana for his millions of fan worldwide

Rick Ross in Guyana
Rick Ross in Guyana

Thousands flocked the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday August 25th, to witness a long-anticipated performance from one of the most prestigious international rappers to ever visit Guyana. While most of the attendees were avid Rick Ross fans, many others stated that there were there for the experience. They were not going to miss a performance from one of the world’s most sought-after rappers, when he was right in our own backyard. However, it seems as if the multi gold and platinum artiste was just as enchanted by us, as we were by him.

Last week, Ross’ team uploaded a seven-minute mini documentary to his website, rozayraw.com, entitled ‘Rick Ross in Guyana’. The video which has over 73, 000 views on YouTube, shows various clips of Ross’ activities from the moment he arrived in Guyana to his departure. The video begins with Rick Ross in the VIP lounge of the CJIA, repeatedly shouting the words ‘M M Guyana’ and ‘M M Global’ to the camera. Next, a full-screen image of the Guyana flag appears behind the artiste’s name. The journey then takes you over to the streets of Guyana. From their vehicle, the crew captures various shots of local scenery and people. They then head over to the NCN studios where Ross took photos with fans, signed autographs and participated in the widely aired ‘Jamzone 2012’ press conference. If you’re one of the thousands of Guyanese who saw that picture of Rick Ross sharing a warm hug with several Timehri residents, then you can look forward to a brief clip of that visit in the documentary.

Rick Ross enjoys a moment with fans at Timehri
Rick Ross enjoys a moment with fans at Timehri

Any Guyanese who watches this video would beam with pride. Throughout the entire film, Ross seems overwhelmed by our culture, people and everything he experienced while he was here. At the concert, he told the crowd, “This is my first time here, but it would definitely not be my last. You are the reason I do what I do”. This is the third time Hits and Jams Entertainment has made it possible for Guyanese to experience performances from the biggest names in the music industry.

Jamzone Summer Break 2012: A Wonderful Evening of Jazz, Fashion and Food

Bandstand at Promenade Gardens
Bandstand at Promenade Gardens

The décor, the ambience and the unique concept were just some of the ingredients that made the Jamzone Summer Break 2012 event themed “A Night of Jazz, Fashion and Food“ a resounding success.

Held at the Promenade Gardens, A Night of Jazz, Fashion and Food got off to a late start but exceeded expectations.  The bandstand in the centre of the Garden doubled as a stage and chairs and tables were decorated around it. The evening started with a lovely jazz rendition by the Parkside Jazz Sextet. Parkside is usually known for its amazing steel pan performances, so you can very much imagine how beautifully and harmoniously they executed their jazz performance.

Timing the Beat
Timing the Beat

The “Jazz“ aspect of the show did not only focus on instruments and groups but we were also entertained by the melodious voices of some of our very gifted local singers. The first to perform was Lisa Punch. In my opinion she is severely underrated. Lisa in her presentation took us on a journey through a breakup, the heartache that comes with it, witnessing her loved one being married to someone else and then in the end finding love again. She did all this through a number of jazz songs, ending with the famous Etta James number, ‘At Last’.

When we talk fashion, we imply pieces being displayed by talented local designers modeled by the beautiful Miss Jamzone International 2012 delegates. The first set of designs were those of Maxi Williams, who recently competed in the Designer’s Portfolio Competition and will be very soon showcasing his designs in Paris. (Yay him!!!)The line he displayed was called “Black and White: A Night in Paris.“ Truly astonishing runway pieces!

Guitarist feeling the vibes
Guitarist feeling the vibes

The next jazz group to perform was the Excellence Jazz Group. The group and their two vocalists belted out a series of celebrated jazz hits including “One In A Million You“, “New York, New York“ and “At Last“ among others.

After their performance, the Miss Jamzone International 2012 delegates were invited on stage to present their pieces to be auctioned to the gathering and to say which charity the proceeds from their sale would go to. I guess you’re probably wondering, what auction? One of the components of the evening was a Dutch auction, however the items were just presented and bidders will get a chance to bid on their item of choice on Thursday at an event that will be held at the Sidewall Café and Jazz Club.

Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Renee Bhagwandeen presented her item which was a necklace made by her grandfather, who also told her that when you give someone a necklace it means that they’ll remain close to your heart; her charity is the Ice Truck Sweethearts. Next was Miss British Virgin Island (BVI), Jasmine Perez, her contribution is a Queen Cockleshell, which was painted to represent various sights of the BVI, her charity is the Ladies of SASS (Strong, Ambitious, Smart and Successful). Miss Guyana, Ayana Harris, presented an item made by the Amerindians for an Amerindian Chief, her charity is the Beacon of Hope. Miss St. Lucia, Louise Victor, presented an antique painting of St. Lucia and her charity is the Red Foundation, arm of one of the country’s Carnival bands. (Revelry and Feting are not what they’re all about.)  Miss Venezuela, Ivany Guzman, showcased a painting for her country but she was unable to tell us about her charity because she is not very fluent in English. (HINT! HINT! An interpreter is needed please). Miss St. Kitts and Nevis, Trevicia Adams, presented a painting done by one of the island’s local painters; the painting depicted the island’s capital city, her charity is Generation Change (credit holly). Next up was Miss Jamaica, Kerrie Baylis, whose contribution was a hand craved wood carving, her charity is one founded by her best friend, Yendi Phillip’s (Miss Jamaica World 2010). Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Shemon Baptiste, presented an item made solely from Banana leaves, her charity is the Helping Hands Centre, a centre that works solely with children with cerebral palsy. And finally Miss Suriname, Elisa Tolud, showcased an Indian hammer wood carving, her charity is the Pink Ribbon, a charity working to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Miss Jamzone International 2011: Davia Chambers

We were treated to some more fashion, this time from brilliant designer Mwanza Glenn, runner-up in the Designer’s Portfolio Competition. His designs were very afrocentric and were all linked to domestic violence.

Hits and Jams Entertainment honoured their second individual last evening. This time, Mr. Eze Rockcliffe, founder of the Yoruba Singers, was the special honouree for his contribution towards music in Guyana. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Hits and James representative, Simeon Francis. He also received an airline ticket from LIAT to any destination of his choice.

The final jazz band of the evening was the six member, GT Jazz Project. Accompanying the sextet were two of the country’s very exceptional singers. First to perform was Celeste David and then Jackie Hanover; both doing beautiful jazz renditions maintaining the blissful mood that was set from the very beginning. Pamela Gittens, the band’s lone female and lead singer joined the group to close off the evening’s proceedings.

FOOD! I didn’t mention much about the food in ‘A Night of Jazz, Fashion and FOOD’, my apologies. Assortments of local cuisine were available to all to consume and enjoy. I didn’t indulge too much in the latter because I was totally engrossed in the jazz and fashion aspect of things.

The evening was truthfully an evening of sheer delight. The uniqueness and the fact that you got to enjoy all this pleasure whilst sitting under the stars was justly romantic. Too romantic, at one time I thought to myself, but why I am here alone? But something beautiful happened elsewhere, either through music or fashion, and that thought quickly vanished. J

Kudos to Hits and Jams Entertainment for a lovely evening!

By Slimchick

Jamzone Chutney Night Super Concert 2012

Jamzone Chutney Summer Concert Poster 2012
Jamzone Chutney Summer Concert Poster 2012

Over twenty artistes and bands for Jamzone Chutney Summa Super Concert
Early bird tickets go on sale this weekend

Over twenty of the world’s hottest Chutney/Bollywood and Film artistes and bands will be in Guyana next Saturday to perform at the Jamzone ‘Chutney Summa’ Super Concert! It’s expected to be one of the biggest shows of the year! Ashnee Singh and the 2Famous Band are coming all the way from Holland for the occasion along with Caribbean’s best crossover band Karma, Rakesh Yankarran, Chris Garcia, Videsh Sokhoo, Rick Ramoutar, De Hitman and Hunter among many others.

Early bird tickets for this mega event will be on sale this Saturday only at Ashmins Trading for just $1000. Ensure to head down to Ashmins on Saturday because it will be the only day the early bird tickets will be available for Chutney Summer. Regular general admission tickets are $1,500 at Ashmins Trading with tickets being sold for $2000 at the gate while VIP passes can be purchased from Glamour Designer Brands for USD$50. These tickets will be in stores until next week.

Get your tickets as soon as possible to secure your spot in the hottest Chutney mela of 2012.

Elephant Man, Macka Diamond, Spice, Rick Ross for Jamzone International Night 2012

Jamaican Dancehall Artist: Elephant Man
Jamaican Dancehall Artist: Elephant Man

Elephant Man, Ashnie Singh and 2 Famous Band of Holland ready for Jamzone Summer Break 12!

We’re just two weeks away from the staging of Guyana’s greatest entertainment festival! The artistes and entertainers are doing final rehearsals, stages and venues are being prepared and the organizers are working assiduously to ensure Jamzone celebrates it twelfth birth anniversary in grand style!

This week, the Jamzone updates are hot! One of Jamaica and Dancehall’s brightest stars, Elephant Man will be joining Rick Ross, Spice and Macka Diamond on stage at the 2012 Jamzone International Night concert! This artiste, also known to fans as the ‘Energy God’ is the responsible mastermind behind the idea of making Dancehall music fun. His energy-infused, free-spirited, catchy songs coupled with unforgettable stage presence makes him one of the most loved and respected Dancehall artistes in the industry. His most popular hits include ‘Wille Bounce’, ‘Nuh Linga’, ‘Signal di Plane’ and ‘Pon di River, Pon di Bank’ which snagged him a Source Award for Dancehall/ Reggae Artist of the Year along with a MTV Music Award nomination. Elephant man has also enjoyed several chart-topping collaborations with Lil’ Jon on the “Get Low Remix,” R. Kelly on “Reggae Bump Bump,” Pitbull and Daddy Yankee, Kat DeLuna and Janet Jackson on ‘All Nite (Don’t Stop)’ which was performed on stage at the 2004 BET Awards.

Also, two of Holland’s top Chutney entertainers, Ashnie Singh and the electrifying ‘2 Famous’ band have joined the huge cast of the Jamzone ‘Chutney Summa’ concert which includes top acts such as the incredible Karma Band, De Hunter, Terry Gadraj, Soca Elvis, De Hitman and Rakesh Yankaran among many others! This event is billed for August 18th at the Guyana National Stadium!
Twelve years of success is certainly a monumental achievement that deserves an unforgettable commemoration. This year, we are sparing no efforts to ensure that Jamzone Summer Break 2012 goes down in history! In addition to an incredible musical experience, one will definitely enjoy all the attractions only Jamzone can offer.

Guyana Fashion Weekend 2011

 Dester Jennings of Trinidad and Tobago
Designed By: Dester Jennings of Trinidad and Tobago

Guyana Fashion Weekend commemorates five (5) years. The second longest running fashion festival in the region features thirty (30) Guyanese Designers with guest designers from Janelle Oosterling (Janoos Collection) of Suriname, Sharlene Lagon (Jhaylene Designs) of St. Lucia, Donna Weekes (Ethel Fashions) St. Vincent and the Grenadines/ USA , and Karl Brown (Khalil’s Hattitude) of Jamaica and Robert Young (The Cloth), Dexter Jennings (Concept Studio),Anthony Reid for Meiling, Dominic La Roche (DLR Designs), Omzad Khan/Nigel Eastman (Zadd and Eastman) all of Trinidad and Tobago . Set on a two hundred (200) foot pentagon runway tented at the GCC Ground.

Come 23rd – 25th September, the Guyana’s own ‘Bryant Park’ will be ablaze with designing and performing talent celebrating the local creative energy confirming our regional fashion identity. The Caribbean brand is coming of age with the existence of fashion initiatives like GFW. The show will pay tribute to ‘The Cloth’ of Trinidad and Tobago acknowledging the designer Robert Young’s the Cloth; 25 years in the business. ‘The Cloth’ will present two (2) collections and host an interactive workshop with the up and coming designers.

 

Designed By: Janelle Oosterling of Suriname
Designed By: Janelle Oosterling of Suriname

Sonia Noel gives accolade to Bob Marley as one of our pioneers of style by carrying our style to the world with his idiosyncratic lyrical reggae music. It is now time to bring the world to us, through our compelling style. One of her two collections for GFW 5 is aptly titled ‘Natural Mystic.’

Another feature this year is the incorporation of the crochet designs from the prison rehabilative initiative. Urban, ready to wear and crochet designs in the most modern silhouette surpass expectations.

Designers from far afield – Linden, Berbice, Essiquibo, Bartica- join Georgetown designers, stylists, make up artists and models in exalting Guyanese style. Designs showcasing vegetation and leather, appliqué, tie dye, batik, crochet and collage art – apparel designers including milliners, accessories’ designers, footwear and bag craftsmen have pitched in to shout style. It’s more than garment manufacture and clothing design; it’s about creating a look – a Guyanese look evidently but moreover a Caribbean look ultimately.

Designed By: Karl Brown of Jamaica
Designed By: Karl Brown of Jamaica

GFW 5 pays tribute to the UN declarations – international year of the forests, celebrating forests for people as well as acknowledging people of African decent.
It has become traditional and also imperative that we utilise the utilitarian platform of fashion to engage global campaigns and prompt critical and current awareness drives. Indeed we are consistently committed to youth empowerment; we are consumed by our environmental eco-balance concerns; we are engaged in holistic living practices and above all we pledge to sustainable development action. All in all, we promote Guyana not only through event tourism for destination marketing purposes, but to encourage pride in nation building.

 

 

Designed By: Donna Weeks of St. Vincent and Grenadines/USA
Designed By: Donna Weeks of St. Vincent and Grenadines/USA

Sonia Noel, CEO of Guyana Fashion Weekend is passionate about building the Fashion Industry in Guyana. Her convictions has carried her throughout the region and the Diaspora proclaiming a Caribbean fashion perspective for which she is being honoured at the U.S Virgin Islands Fashion Week with an award for ambassadorial service by the Governor J.P De Joung.

Her partner in passion is the production designer Richard Young who is the distinguished purveyor of a concept of the Caribbean aesthetic . Being creative director of GFW as well as Fashion Week Trinidad and Tobago and soon to be a more regional brand in the upcoming Caribbean’s Next Top Model. Richard Young continues to spread the word that Caribbean style is the alternative ‘new-world brand.’