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Who is this guy? “Lamataa”

The father-in-Law and Mother-in-Law clashes

The hype is on for Mahendra Ramkellawan, the sensational local chutney star who will be launching Lamataa at the Everest Ground on Easter Sunday. A super rebuttal “Mi Father-in-Law” will also be officially launched the same day.

The battle will be between De Hunter “de punching” from Trinidad and our own Guyanese talent. The battle lines have been drawn.

According to Ramkellawan, the Fire-Fest production will be featuring another terrific show, with Andy Singh, De Hunter, Fire-Fest dancers, hotshot Caribbean band, Granny Ivlaw, Jumbee and others.

He added that he placed second in the National Chutney Competition and would be showing the entire public at Everest the whole performance that he thought was more than enough to earn him the crown.

He boasts that the show would be incredible and the adrenaline high. (Rabindra Rooplall)

By Mondale Smith

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Canada based Guyanese Cyborg coming home for GAMA

CyborgIn an industry of many talents dominated by few comes a musical storm – Cyborg. Born and raised in the rough and tumble ghettos of Albouystown – Georgetown, Guyana, Keith Sandiford quickly earned the name Cyborg from his gifted ability to quickly create lyrics on the spot.

He is among more than 29 Guyanese artistes residing in the Diaspora who should be heading home for the Guyana Artistic Music Awards, GAMA carded for April 25. He will also be among the performers at the upcoming Guyana Musical Splash billed for Thirst Park on April 17.

Son of local reggae artist, Sangie, it was a natural fit that Cyborg would one day find himself at the centre of a group of youths, singing and deejaying at his school.

Realizing the artistic gift he possessed to thrill audiences, Cyborg made it his mission to nurture his talents and bring them to the stage for the world.

Upon migrating to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Cyborg began performing songs by his favourite reggae artist with local sound system – Baseline Sound- (1998). Cyborg then was steadily working in the studio writing and producing his original music. In 2001 Cyborg release his first recorded single -“Plan to Make Millions”- marking the start of his vinyl career.

The great response to his work would soon lead to the first of many professional showcases and appearances on national and international stages. In March 2001 Cyborg was granted his first major performance at – The Canada Explosion Show- where he performed alongside dancehall greats such as Barrington Levy, Everton Blender and the Explorer family which signalled a change in Cyborg’s career marking a change in status from armature to professional.

Since then, he has performed alongside reggae artists such as Brigadier Jerry, Singing Melody and countless others. As part of the first ever Reggae Festivals in both Montreal and Toronto, Cyborg has proven himself to be a trendsetter and an asset in Canada’s Reggae music Industry.

Inspired by the hardships he faced growing up, and by musical greats like Jimmy Cliff and Gregory Isaacs, Cyborg finds his solace in the one drop of reggae music. His commitment to the upliftment of the youths has earned him certificates from Toronto Community Housing for giving his time to perform for young people at their annual Black History Month Celebration (2004), as well as Jamaica Canadian Center, and Unity is strength community group in 2008.

Truly an international talent, Cyborg performed on the “St Mary Mi Come From” show on his 2007 tour to the Home of Reggae Music, Jamaica. It was on this tour that he graced the stage with the likes of Jah Cure, Sizzla, Ninja Man, Chuck Fender and many more of Jamaica’s finest musical exports. In 2008 Cyborg Travelled to Jamaica and recorded a track with Computer Paul and the Uprising Band.

Coining the term “Mad@Work” Cyborg is doing just that. He is currently working on a series of mix tapes that will feature his original works and that was followed up with a Cd release in 2009.

For More Information and all the latest info and work from Cyborg check him out at: www.myspace.com/cyborgmadatwork

By Mondale Smith

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Guyanalive x LookbookOutlet Store Textured Sweater Dress

Guyanalive x LookbookOutlet Store Textured Sweater Dress / Long Sleeves / Knubbed Fabric Details

This Guyanalive x http://www.lookbookoutlet.com comfortable yet updated textured sweater dress is sure to become a fall staple in your wardrobe. It will fit well in the office, or out to lunch with friends. First, choose from two colors: heather grey or sweet pink. The tight fitting long sleeves and simple neckline keep this look sophisticated. The high hemline leaves plenty of opportunity for fun and creative layering. And the unique and fun textured knubs all over this sweater dress add extra visual interest. Pair this sweater dress with leggings and brown or black boots to update this fall favorite. This dress is one size fits most.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.”

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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.”

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Solid as a Rock!!!

Solid Youth drops 12-track album fresh out of Jamaica studio

Solid Youth“Yah know that I’m back, pun de attack, they try to make me drop, but I’m solid as a rock…as a matter of fact Satan get drop”

The words of one of the very infectious hooks set to dancehall vibes on a new 12-track gospel laced dance hall/ reggae album from Bartician David Yasin aka Solid Youth.

The third such album to date in his musical career, this album new one produced in Jamaica is now available at Gift Land office Max with plans for expansion to other record stores and judging from rave reviews and sales in Florida it must be really and  inspirational on  another front.

“I launched it in Florida with a concert and people really liked the songs so much so that the bought a whole lot of the original CD.”

The produced and released recently that features songs such as ‘UR Gonna Make it’, ‘Love is the Key’, ‘Krazy,’ ‘Rise up’, ‘Saints’, ‘lively up yah self’, ‘I’m not ashamed’ and ‘I’m back’.

The married youth first tried out the songs on an album launch tour in parts of the USA he will be among the performers at the Youth Explosion carded for March 27 at the National Cultural Centre where persons can pick up an original copy too.

The album also has combination songs with Jamaican artistes Zeela Mac and St. Matthew such as ‘Come unto me’, ‘I worship U’ and ‘Christ Representa.’

Among the inspirational tracks is one that serves to uplift the down trodden stating that “You are gonna make it…you are gonna live and not die…all you gotta do is pray and Jah will make a way.”

Addressing world issues the album also features the universal anthem that ‘Love is the key, we are one family’, but closer to home the artiste amidst his gospel centred up bringing in Bartica he too recalls the dreaded morning that is forever etched in the minds of Guyanese when death stalked First Avenue Bartica and the other unfolding of slaughter in Lusignan.

He sings “Rise up this morning and turn my TV on, only to find out 11 more gone…this is not the time to argue and fight lets all unite… we’ve got our indifferences but we can sit down and talk about this…love is the key open up your eyes and see.’

The Guyanese artiste who is resolute in his praises to God and his unwavering love for Jesus Christ for his talent recently returned from the USA and is aiming to take Guyanese music positively to the highest dancehall level.

Proof that dancehall has no face or ethnic bias, Solid Youth of East Indian ancestry says he aims to prove that young men are not all negative and hopes that his music will inspire those who have stumbled to come up higher in Christ for positive and productive living.

Singing since age 15, Solid Youth became popular for his take on teen sex when he sang “Get it in yah head abstinence…stop talk ignorance, no wed no bed,” a message that sharply contrasted all talk of condom use and early sexual activity as opposed to marriage.”

His parents are pastors and as such he played drums in his home church but had his fair share of lashes and suspension for grabbing more attention due to his chanting of popular dance hall lyrics during school hours.

Then as he said,  “I realised that I was always embarrassing my parents and decided to make a change. Now I have no regrets and the sky is the limit to what I can have.”

His first album was recorded at Kingdom Friends in Guyana and launched in 2004 with a theme of Spiritual warfare. Then came ‘Judgement day’ produced in Trinidad with Sherwin Gardner at Flow-master records.

His memorable songs from those include: we nah believe in safer sex and ‘abstinence’ which was followed by a video.

How did this artiste end up in Jamaica? He said he met and established a communications network with St Mathew an international gospel artiste and he eventually winged out to Jamaica.

The recordings were completed in just about two weeks and he also completed a music video for the song ‘I’m back’ which he is also releasing to all television stations locally.
Prior to this album launch, he has performed in several states in the USA at various Christian functions as well as in the Caribbean. Of this new album the artiste said he believes that this is the best thus far in his career.

By Mondale Smith