Guyanese soca artiste and three time road march Queen Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts has been awarded a scholarship to the University of The West Indies Barbados to pursue studies in Motion Picture Arts. The five month course commenced on February 1, 2011 and will conclude in June. At the end of the course she would have covered several areas including: The entire film making process from pre-production to production and post production; acquired knowledge that prepares her to engage in the practice of film as an art form and technical discipline. She will also acquire skills to professionally work as a member of a film crew and be able to create a short film from initial idea to finished work. Additionally Vanilla will acquired knowledge of entrepreneurial and business skills that can be applied to a career as a film technician
The programme is a full time study one and will culminate in the production of a full length film.
Vanillas scholarship is a result of the continued effort by Kross Kolor Records to ensure that its artistes continue to develop in various areas of the entertainment industry and to pursue excellence wherever possible.
Vanillas Scholarship comes on the heels of the President’s Endorsement to the arts for the development of five short films and one animated short film, her skills gained would serve to enhance this project. Kross Kolor Records is expressing gratitude to The Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Digicel and Banks DIH for their kind assistance in our company’s quest for Vanilla to participate in the scholarship programme.
In related news two performers from Kross Kolor Records, Tennicia Defreitas and Ossie O have just concluded an animation workshop at the University of Guyana. The course which was made possible through the Communications Department of the University was conducted by personnel from Canadian Company Toon Boon, whose software was featured in making animated movies such as the princess and the frog and the Prince of Persia.
As if Guyana has not had its fair share of live performances from Jamaican artiste Mavado, on Christmas Night thousands flocked to the Vege Village super concert for another serving. Just as he promised he ‘shut down the west side.’ But there is more to this often controversial artiste whose name often lands in the news. During an entertainment exclusive interview on the fast becoming popular Caribbean music Box Programme he reveled that he prefers to let his performance and lyrical shots speak for him be cause as he puts it ” me nah inn a dem bragging thing”
Recently Guyana has experienced an upsurge of local acts with international potential but as they work out their game plan Jamaica based Guyanese artiste Natural Black is already on a role. Ultimately he aspires to take his music to the four corners of the earth and with it the Golden Arrowhead. Recently he sat down for a one-on-one candid conversation on Caribbean Music Box where Mondale Smith got up in his Business.
Do you know Miss Guyana Universe 2010?
Stay true to your self because if you are in the industry and you are not doing what you like you are not going to be happy and your fans will notice it. Additionally know that ‘You are never too old to learn so continue to perfect your craft.’ Such are the utterances of RnB artiste Mario during his first visit to the local shores this past December.
Born in Georgetown on May 20, Raymond Hamilton (Young D.O.C) grew up in Gordon Street Kitty then he migrated to the US in April of 1998 and has made the USA his home. There he started pursuing music in 2000 and has since been writing, recording and appearing on shows around the DMV (DC, Maryland, and VA). Like most artistes he has always dreamed of making it in the music big leagues because according to him “it inspires me to do positive things with life”. Even as he earns a living on the daily grind at one of the Foot Locker Stores in the USA he often thinks of life back home in ‘good old Guyana.’ “I would like to do a lot for my home country, because I know the younger generation listen and look up to musician in the music industry today and that in itself is motivation for my music”. Boasting more than ten years of officially being a singer/ song writer he is one to watch as a budding artiste. His inspiration he gets from the now dead 2pac Shakur and his grandparents. With his eyes on the prize to become a mainstream international artiste he started recording and writing because he knew it was something that he always loved and to him he’s at that point were he’s ready to drop a few albums.
Through sponsorship from Banks DIH hardcore Dancehall lovers can head to the Mackenzie Sports club ground for an all out high energy concert on November 27th 2010.
‘You want me’ is the message that Roger ‘Brains’ Hassle a former lead singer with the Brutal Jammers Band is taking to the inaugural Banks Groovy Soca Monarch competition aimed at copping the coveted title.
In the history Groovy Soca singing on the local shores there has not been many gospel based songs entering competitions but through Dallas Forte this is about to change. One of 28 singers who made the shortlist to compete in the inaugural event he believes that he’s got the right arrangement and message to win the inaugural Banks Groovy Soca Monarch. The 26-year-old says “My song (Unspeakable Joy) is actually my personal testimony of where I used to be and where I am now through God’s grace”. He opines that many people can identify with his storyline and added that “the hook will certainly have people grooving in a positive direction.” Dallas who has been singing since age 9 in the West Ruimveldt Boys Choir is known in some circles as the guy with some suave pipes who can dish almost any RnB or soulful tune with little effort. However, he’s since become a ‘church boy’ who serves as a worship leader in his local church and is pinning his public votes on and support on his fellow Christian brethren as well as those who like positive vibes. Todate the PC Graduate he has written and recorded several songs such as “Serve, Trust, Love” a pop worship song making circulation in Barbados, the USA and Trinidad.