The Hits and Jams Entertainment Group regrets to inform the public that the ‘Unforgettable II’Concert which was slated for December 26 has been postponed until next year due to time constraints after headlining act, Chris Brown, withdrew his performance.
Plans for the concert, which was to be hosted at the Guyana National Stadium on Boxing Day, were pending after the R&B Superstar’s management team notified the promoters that Brown will no longer be performing in Guyana.
As a result, the HJ team was dashed into negotiations with other international acts since a substandard replacement was not wanted. However, due to inadequate time to lay out agreements and contracts, the body was forced to postpone the concert.
With a year to organize ‘Unforgettable II’, now slated for December 26, 2013, Hits and Jams promises its supporters to make the event a grand one.
The Hits and Jams Entertainment Group regrets to inform the public that the Management of International Artiste Chris Brown has decided to pull the artiste from his performance in Guyana which was scheduled for Boxing Day, December 26, 2012 at the Guyana National Stadium.
Chris Brown’s Management team expressed concerns over recent media reports about protests over the artiste’s intended visit to Guyana and his performance here. The management team in a correspondence to HJ Entertainment said they do not feel comfortable at this stage allowing the
multi award winning singer to come to Guyana as they have been following reports in the local and international press about the protests over his Guyana appearance.
Over the weekend, the singer’s performance in Europe was smeared with widespread protests. His team appears to be making efforts to avoid similar protests. His management team has indicated that they remain interested in having the singer perform in Guyana but just not at this time under the current circumstances.
Hits and Jams Entertainment intends to still host the “Unforgettable II” show on December 26 but with a different headline act. Already negotiations have started with a number of leading American R&B artistes and we will keep the media and the public up-to-date with the developments.
In the past years we’ve seen and heard Timeka Marshall alone and with other regional acts and then a brief silence followed but at present she’s teamed up with Jamaican sensation Konshens and the combination is electrifying.
Fans can look out for the new projects such as the Under Cover lady Video with a prequel to follow. It tells the all too familiar reality story for some women who have played the secret role of mistresses… The songs tells the story of a woman being tired f being the best kept secret while the video contradicts the message where an exotic dancer is heartbroken…the rest is to be seen in the prequel coming soon.
But that’s just the tip of the ice berg in the world of Timeka as she’s also got a few new songs such as the dancehall Caribbean up tempo Si (see) How MI Hot on the Love Bug rhythm by producers Washroom entertainment out of Jamaica. That song is already tearing up the hot 97 airwaves in New York. Then she has a song titled ‘I’ll be there for you’ on the focus rhythm, Kisses softly on the 9.58 rhythm, Steeling feeling on the Sweet ride rhythm and the new single titled ‘Come over’ produced by the subkonshus label. The later has been doing great on various charts and the video shoot is set for Timeka’s return to Jamaica. The director for that video is Gareth Cobran whose work with Timeka in the past include Feel fah and Secretes/ Hush with Timeka and Peeth Morgan.
As the year draws to a close and the New Year dawns Timeka is working to release several videos that will certainly leave tongues wagging with requests for more.
What started out as a by chance entry into the GTT Jingle competition in 2006 and a follow up release of the separate song has come full circle for Timeka Marhall. This Guyanese eye candy with countless releases to her name is not just in the music for singing but also is a writer who has co-wrote hits not just for herself. Her collaborative sojourns have seen her pairing up with Busy signal, Peetah Morgan and Skinny Fabulous. And word is she’s already done recording collaborations with Romain Virgo, Laza Morgan of ‘one by one’ fame, D’Major and Konshens.
The six years ride thus far in the industry has been good for me and I know for a fact that its definitely been about growth… I’ve grown and the name as well as the accomplishments has been many as I’ve been able to take kind the council the years from producers and artistes alike that I’ve encountered. She has worked in Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua, Canada, the USA and Trinidad.
Ultimately Timeka is based in Jamaica these days and as she progresses she says ‘Sky is the limit not just for me but for the work I do.
Last Friday night, Everest Ground quaked beneath eight thousand dancing feet at Hits and Jams’ fourth ‘All Black’ mega-party. It would be an understatement to say the event was successful. The most outrageous, creative and eye-catching black outfits were on display that night. People arrived in cliques. Some even came by the busloads from every corner of the country to experience this truly remarkable event.
The DJs were probably the most popular people of the night. They controlled the party and the crowd with the precision of a classical music conductor directing an orchestra of thousands. No matter what they played, the crowd danced. It was an amazing thing to see.
There were no known incidents. Everyone went to have fun and they did just that.
Hits and Jams would like to thank all those who attended the ‘Black in Imax’ party. Your support has inspired the team to make the next ‘Black’ party an even greater event. If you missed this one, there’s always next year.
On Saturday, October 26, everything in Guyana will fade to black. It’s season four of the Hits and Jams ‘All Black’ mega-party and this year we’re giving you the ‘Imax’ experience!
The event will be held once again at the Everest cricket club ground which boasts great space and convenient facilities for your ultimate pleasure. Upon entry, patrons will receive one of our free, limited edition, custom-made ‘Black in Imax’ party favors which includes our line of exotic ‘Black’ masks and many other exciting items. No stone will be left unturned in our quest to make this the most amazing ‘All Black’ we have ever hosted.
The Hits and Jams ‘All Black’ party is indisputably the most-attended concept party held every year in Guyana. Each year thousands don black apparel and swarm our venues to enjoy a party that only Hits and Jams can host!
Mark the dates, get your black outfits ready and prepare for an unforgettable party experience!
Don Gialiani performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
Scores of hip-hop and rap lovers converged at the Guyana National Stadium for Jamzone’s International Night Super Concert featuring Macka Diamond, Spice, Elephant Man and the big Maybach Music Boss himself, Rick Ross.
Jay Anderson performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
Though, the concert was dubbed “International Night” the only international performer there was Rick Ross. (And maybe I can include the Guyanese artistes who live and record music overseas for good measure). The concert started with our very own emerging local rappers. The winners of the HJ Rick Ross competition – Blaze Antonio and Adijay – got their five minutes of fame and an opportunity to show Guyanese why they won the competition in the first place. Other rappers, Jay Anderson, Gialiani and a young man going by the name of “Black Cotton” also did their bit, showcasing their artistic styles and colourful lyrics. No doubt, Guyana has an excellent cluster of very talented and impressive young rappers.
Macka Diamond performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
On the road to the climax, we shifted from rap to dancehall and welcomed our Jamaican neighbours to the stage. First up was Miss Money O, Macka Diamond. She might seem a little aged and she might have looked like a hot mess with that outfit but she definitely knows how to hold a crowd. She belted out hits such as “Bun Him”, “Money O”, “Lexus and Benz”, “Hula Hoop” and “Robbery”. She jumped off of the stage onto the platform below and invited a young lady to join her. Miss Pink hair took over the microphone and started to sing “Bun Him” in full Macka Diamond style, movements and all. We have our very own Macka Diamond in Guyana, who knew?!
Spice performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
Macka make way for Spice. Spice is name and nature, she brought with her the pizzazz and vulgarity that she is most commonly known for. Her black cat suit did not restrict her from gyrating her body. She sang for the patrons “Jim Screechie”, “Hot Patty Wine”, ‘Fight Over Man” and Not My Fault”. She paid homage to her fellow Jamaican artistes currently behind bars, namely Vybz Kartel, Busy Signal and Buju Banton”. The highlight of her performance came when she was tamed by the young man she invited on stage; she asked him to ‘give it to her’ like she’s never gotten it before and … ‘he didn’t spoil her, she got it good.
Elephant Man performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
‘The Energy Man, Elephant Man was the final performer to grace the stage before the main act of the evening. Energy! Energy! Energy! And more energy! Between jumping on the speaker box, dissing one of his entourage members and dancing with his youngest child, Elephant man dished out his very famous hits such as “Pon De River”, “Nuh Linga”, “Bun Bad Mind”, Over Di Wall” and “Willie Bounce”.
Rick Rozay Ross performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
These performances all created the hype needed for the climax of the concert. The main reason many persons were at the Stadium in the first place was introduced. He came on stage to shouts and screams from fans –both men and women – who were all very happy to finally see him in Guyana. Mr. Huh didn’t disappoint. Rick Rozay’s performance was everything. Many have been singing these songs for months but to finally hear them from the Boss himself was beyond epic. He belted out tracks such as “Aston Martin Music”, “Hustlin”, “MMG Untouchable”, “Stay Schemin’”, “Yella Diamonds”, “Holy Ghost” and “Im A Boss” to name a few. The Maybach Music Boss even said “this is my first time here but I’m certain it won’t be the last time Guyana”. Should we look out for him again, sometime soon?! I know many persons would like that. Rick Ross was definitely the “Boss” of the show. A class act!
Kudos to Hits & Jams for putting this together and praise Jesus, Rick Ross didn’t get sick again this time.
The Guyana National Stadium was definitely the place to be last evening as thousands attended the Jamzone Regional Night Super Concert featuring Jamaican artistes Cham, Konshens and Bounty Killer. (Mavado was slated to perform as well, but due to a “travel document” issue he was unable to make it to Guyana).
The concert was truly an entertaining one. The show started after 12 with Guyanese Jory Hector opening the performances. Mr. Ah De Real Thing did an amazing job in hyping the crowd as he belted out his hottest songs such as “Down Deh”, “Blackberry”, “Let It Guh Suh” and his very famous “Mr Limpy J”.
Baby Cham performing at Jamzone REgional Night 2012
Jory made way for Cham who took us from classics such as “Ghetto Story”, “Many Many”, “Strange Things” (to name a few) to hits such as “Wine”, “Backway”, “Drop it” and “Tun Up”. Cham mentioned that he had a special surprise for everyone; that surprise came in the form of the very pretty, Ophelia, commonly known as O, his wife who accompanied him on stage and together they sang “Tun Up”. Cham was full of energy and he enjoyed showing off his expert dance moves throughout his performance.
The next performer to grace the stage with his presence, cute smile and signature red head was Konshens. He had the Guyana National Stadium in a frenzy as he had everyone dancing to songs such as “Realest Song”, “Do Sumn”, “Good Girl Gone Bad”, “A So Mi Tan”, “Hot Patty” and the girls anthem “Gal A Bubble” to name a few. Of course, he invited a young woman on stage to dance with him and of course he took off his shirt and of course the ladies loved it . Utterly lively and full of excitement are just two ways to describe his performance.
Konshens performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2012
The Warlord also known as the Five Star General most commonly known as Bounty Killer headlined the concert and though he took the dancehall merriment down a notch, his fans truly enjoyed his performance. The Ghetto Gladiator satisfied his fans by belting out hits such as “Bullet Proof Skin”, “Benz and Bimmer”, “Get Gyal Everyday”, “Dangerously” and “Want War”, to name a couple.
Bounty Killer was also honoured by the Hits & Jams Entertainment Group and received the third Jamzone Lifetime Achievement Award. This award was presented to The Warlord by Jory Hector on behalf of the group.
Bounty Killa performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2012
Jamzone Regional Night 2012 exceeded all expectations. Though, Mavado was missed by some persons, they were greatly compensated for his no-show by the excellent performances of these very gifted Jamaican dancehall artistes and Guyana’s very own dancehall sensation, Jory.
Let’s see if Jamzone’s International Night Super Concert , slated for tonight, featuring Elephant Man, Spice, Macka Diamond and the ‘illest’ hip hop boss in the game, Rick Ross can top this.
Miss Jamzone International 2012: Kerrie Baylis of Jamaica
Miss Jamaica, Kerri Baylis has won the title of Miss Jamzone International 2012 in a very cultural ceremony held last evening at the National Cultural Centre.
Baylis came out victorious over eight other beauties to cop the first prize of US$10, 000 and “bragging rights” for a year. Miss St. Lucia, Louise Victor secured the first runner-up position, while Miss St. Kitts & Nevis, Trevicia Adams, copped the second runner up spot. The other girls in the top five were Miss Guyana, Ayana Harris, third runner up and Miss Trinidad & Tobago, Renee Bhagwandeen, fourth runner up.
The Miss Jamzone International Pageant offered a refreshing insight into the sounds and cultures of our Caribbean neighbours. The delegates took us on an extremely fascinating voyage to each of the countries represented through their cultural wear presentations, their country presentations, some through their fantasy swimwear and others through facets of their evening gowns. We got to listen to the delegates in an off the cuff question and answer interview and then of course, the final question.
Miss Jamaica doing her Cultural Presentation
Baylis was a crowd favourite from her very first appearance on stage. In the cultural wear segment the delegates showcased elements of their countries; they did this by modeling to songs from their countries. When Miss Jamaica came onstage to Konshens’ “Gal A Bubble” the National Cultural Centre went crazy. All eyes were on her from this moment on!
The country presentations allowed the delegates to emphasize the most amazing aspects of their countries. Miss Guyana, Miss British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Miss Jamaica were the favourites in this category. The delegates were fluent, theatrical, confident and interacted well with the audience. Feisty Miss Jamaica highlighted Jamaica through dance taking us all the way back to the ‘boggle’ and ending with her favourite “Gal A Bubble”. Miss Suriname stumbled miserably because of taunts from the crowd and Miss Venezuela REALLY needed a translator.
The fantasy swimwear segment of the competition gave the delegates an opportunity for them to create a swimwear that represented them, a fantasy or their country. Miss Guyana’s was the absolute best and made completely out of seashells.
Miss Jamaica: Kerrie Baylis in her Fantasy Wear
The delegates also modeled in customary swimwear designed by Guyanese, Pat Coates. The evening gown competition posed another chance for the girls to highlight their country, or themselves!
The third Jamzone Lifetime Achievement Award was given last night and the recipient of that award was legendary cricketer, Mr. Clive Lloyd. He was presented with his award by Hits and Jams representative, Rawle Ferguson.
There were a number of special prizes for the delegates; these included prizes for: Miss Congeniality, awarded to Miss Guyana; Miss Body Beautiful, Miss Jamaica; Miss Fantasy Swimwear, Miss Guyana; Best Evening Gown, Miss Jamaica; Best Country Presentation, Miss Jamaica and Best Country Dress, Miss Jamaica.
From left: Miss Jamzone International 2011 Davia Chambers, Miss Jamzone International 2012 Kerrie Baylis, Miss United Nations Soyini Fraser
After the top five delegates were selected they were all asked one final question: “At the end of life what would you want to be most happy about?” Miss Trinidad and Tobago stated that what she would be most happy about is – “living life to the fullest, no regrets, and loving who loves her the most”. Miss Guyana said the fact that she would have completed her degree, follow her dreams as a marketing consultant, with a husband and maybe three children – would make her most happy at the end of life. Miss St. Lucia alluded to the fact that she is very family oriented, and that she would be most happy to know that they (her family) were there for her through her struggles and successes (credit holly). Miss St. Kitts & Nevis thought that making her mother and father proud and following her career goals would make her most happy at the end of life. And finally, Miss Jamaica, she believed that making a difference in the world … making an impact would make her most happy. She also went on to say that we are here on earth to touch lives and being able to do that would make her most happy.
And the results were tabulated and without a doubt and by a landslide … Miss Jamaica won! The National Culture Centre was pleased.
The judges for the evening were television personality, Joel Ghansham; founder of Aspara, Chandini Rambalak Ramnarain; Miss Jamzone 2007 and Miss Guyana World 2008, Christa Simmons; Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steve Ninvalle; Runner up in the Miss Guyana Universe 2002 and Miss Guyana World 2005, Ulex Fung and Ms Guyana Renaissance 2007, Simone Beckles.
The Pageant was hosted by Miss Jamzone 2005, Shonette Moore.
Entertainment was also provided by local singers Lisa Punch, Jackie Hanover, Calvin Burnett, Brandon Harding, George Anthony Abrams and dances by Mr. Cheeks & group and an emerging dancehall trio.
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
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
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!
Life’s ambition: I wish to one day become a child psychologist and own a children’s shelter. I love kids and will dedicate my life towards helping them.
Miss St Kitts and Nevis: Trevicia Adams
Name: Trevicia Adams
Age: 21
Country: St Kitts and Nevis
Occupation: Bank Teller
Hobbies: Dancing and listening to music
Life’s ambition: I’m currently pursuing a degree in marketing, which I hope will be the first step towards my dream of one day owning a prestigious Marketing Consulting Firm.
