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EZEJET West Indian Music Awards for Guyana Sept 22

Some of the Awards
Some of the Awards

Some have dubbed Guyana’s entertainment industry as a sleeping giant on the cusps of awakening even as the issue the introduction of copyrights legislation remains the main call form stakeholders. However that does not mean that those that make it happen should not be recognized and duly rewarded. In that light a line up of Guyanese are set to be awarded and celebrated for their contribution to the industry. EzJet in collaboration Dheeraj Cultural Foundation, Cultural Centre Ghungaroos Dance Academy out of the USA will take time out to honour some of the movers and shakers at an invitation only awards ceremony on September 22 at the Pegasus poolside. The events CEO says the company is spending just about US$30,000 to make the event a success. The event dubbed the 6th annual West Indian Music Awards (WIMA)is an all expenses paid presentation followed by a dinner and Dance. The event will honour stake holders in 16 categories across the wide spectrum of what Guyana dubs entertainment. The West Indian Music Awards categories including: best radio personality with names such as Merrano Isaacs and DJ Casual being the nominees. Mahendra Ramkillerwan stands alone for best male Chutney singer of the but clashes with Adrin Dutchin for Best song of the year with ‘I am Guyanese’ and ‘dem ah watch me’. The women will not be out done as Big Red’s ‘Guyanese wine’ will clash with Vanilla’s ‘Rage’ in the best females soca category while Mystic will do battle with Solid Youths,’ ‘you are gonna make it’ for the best reggae song of the year.

The best entertainment television personality category will be one to watch as Caribbean Music Box host Mondale Smith of Btv ch2 is pitted against Entertainer Rawle Ferguson’s Hitsville on HJtv72 and WR Reaz on channel 69. The Trio will again do battle for the best entertainment television personality crystal. Did Adrian Dutchin out perform his X2 duo mate Jumo for the best stage performer of the year? That question will be answered on the night of this prestigious event while APSARA is pitted against Classique Dance Company to see which is the best dance group/ troupe out of Guyana. in teh ebst Entertainment Print Journalist category Kaieteur News’ Rabindraroop Lall will come up against, Guyana Times’ Bhisham Mohommed and the Guyana Chronicle’s Alex Wayne to see who has the edge.

The event’s excitement continues with the singling out of Guyana’s best music video of the year. Best promotion group of the year will be awarded also and the nominees are Pulse, Hits and Jams and Fire Fest productions. One person will get the life time achievement in music award and a humanitarian awardee will not be left out. Apparently of all the bands that have come and gone the Shakti strings have remained true and stead fast and for that… who knows, maybe they too will get an award. And special special awards will be handed out to two Guyanese queens who have done the land of many waters proud on the international pageant circuit. Did Anthony Abrams of wine attack fame out weight GTT Jingle and Song competition winner Brandon Harding for the best new comer prize? One of the two will be performing. But its not only about awards as the night’s event will also feature entertainment from the likes of Mahendra Ramkillerwan, reigning Banks Groovy and Carib titles soca king Jumo Primo. Gospel sensation Solid youth as well as Mystic and Big Red while some new talent will be making their début as a warning to the veterans through presentations from Guyana’s little known Andre Duesbury and a kid who is now ready to break out with his acid raspy voice alongside a rhythm guitarist. They are Alex and Christian. The night under the stars will be one of the more memorable one for music stakeholders as they socialize and network in an environment. The ultimate aim is to let the artistes know for sure that their work, time, investments and energies are not wasted but celebrated. Nominees are asked to contact 6796111 or 6125540 for more details. Invitations have been issued to most major corporate citizens and among the guest that have confirmed their attendance is the United States Ambassador to Guyana Brent Hardt and wife Sakia as well as Tourism Minister Irfan Ali.

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Back Down Memory Lane: Jamaican Invasion

Jamaican Artist
Jamaican Artist

While the focus is often on the more youth oriented entertainment those looking for the sounds of yester year sung by the original artistes are advised to mark their calendar. Through a private initiative on the part of Business man Solomon and his wife Jamaican acts Ernie Smith, Winsome Benjamin, Ken Lazarus and Pluto Shervington are coming to Guyana to take some back down memory lane and some will fall in love all over again while some will fall in love for the first time.

Some lucky persons will win free tickets to the first concert billed for the 27th at the National Cultural Center by tuning into the Mondale Smith hosted Caribbean Music Box programme aired on BTV ch2 between the hrs of 4 and 6pm (16:00- 18:00hrs).

While a dinner and dance is planned for September 29 at the Plaza Roof Garden where Jamaican the acts of yesteryear will offer live entertainment in a more cozy setting compliments of the Solomon’s. The tickets for that event is going at a valued of cost $5000 each and can be bought at the Plaza Hotel.
Born Glenroy Anthony Michael Archangelo Smith, Ernie Smith is popular for songs such as ‘Pitta Patta’, a Bend Down, ‘Ride on Sammy,’ ‘One Dream,’ ‘Life Is Just For Living,’ Help Me Make It Through The Night,’ ‘Everything I Own’ and a repertoire that includes just over 21 albums.
Ken Lazarus is a Jamaican ska and reggae singer who is probably best known for his work as a lead singer in Byron Lee’s Dragonaires band. In the early 60s the band toured extensively in the Caribbean which made Ken Lazarus a popular singer on the island. He also became famous as a highly commercial cover artist. Later on he changed his style, recording roots and culture sides.

Pluto Shervington began his career in the early 1970s as a member of the show-band Tomorrow’s Children his hits include ‘Ram Goat Liver,’ ‘Dat’- about a Rastafarian with a secret liking for pork and ‘Your Honor’ which tells the story of a guilty man pleading his innocence even as he had his shirt in list left and his pants in his right’. In addition to his work as a singer, Shervington has a notable reputation as a talented bass guitarist, and as a recording engineer. He has a repertoire of 13 albums to his name done mostly in Jamaican patois (Creole). The Jamaican Gleaner reports that Pluto Shervington, also known as Pluto (born Leighton Shervington, 13 August 1950, Kingston, Jamaica), is a reggae musician, vocalist, engineer and producer. His output is mostly representative of soca -styled reggae, and over the years Shervington gained a reputation as a talented bass guitarist, as well as for his fine vocal interpretations. His output was briefly popular in the UK, despite the fact that his ‘Patois’ was largely unintelligible to most of the British population.

He is best known for his single Dat – about a Rastafarian with a secret liking for pork, contrary to his faith – which achieved considerable chart success internationally in 1976. He got into the Top 20 in the UK Singles Chart again six years later, with another best selling cut, entitled Your Honour. This song dealt with a prisoner’s courtroom pleas of innocence, in the face of insurmountable evidence to the contrary. The song’s somewhat racy nature and comical styling is in the best traditions of calypso, and many elements of reggae.
In 1974, Shervington engineered Little Roy’s album, Tafari Earth Uprising. Pluto Shervington moved from his West Indian homeland in the 1980s, to Miami, Florida. Nevertheless he returns to his roots periodically to perform.

By Mondale Smith

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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

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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

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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.

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Jumo goes Dancehall with…BADMIND!

Jumo Primo
Jumo Primo

Just when you thought that rubber waist Jumo was confined to soca, reggae and a few RnB vibes he’s up and about producing music again.

This time dancehall… We all have had cause at some time or the other to say that someone is grudge-full, envious or in layman’s terms bad-mind. That’s the exact name of the vibe that Jumo primo is dishing at this time with his new soon to be released dancehall single.  Not only has he done an audio track but he has produced a video that tells the story all too clear:

“Some people pretend to be your friend but they want to see you suffer, others wish you well to your face but there hearts tell another story and when you are progressing lord knows your best friend becomes your worst enemy”, says Primo.

While some of us will have a confrontation on various levels Jumo has put to music those experiences on a track produced by Lil J out of KKR while the video was produced by Brian Roberts of honestillusions.com in Brooklyn NY.

The launch is set for Saturday, September 7 on all major television stations in Guyana and on the World Wide Web.

He is hoping that it will catch on fast and make its way into the dancehall mainstream market as it has got a grove similar to an I-octane flavor. “It’s  from my heart and my own experience  coupled  with  that of  people I’ve interacted with… a lot of people  can and will identify  with  the  storyline and the lyrical flow,” Primo  said.

At present the video is not for sale but it can be downloaded from youtube, facebook and on twitter.  Meanwhile even as this is the new focus he has not shifted from soca and will be defending his title as monarch come 2013 on both fronts (Groovy and Power soca).  As he puts it this track is just a different mood. His last release was a soulful reggae love story called ‘dying days’ and to his name he’s got 4 video as  a solo artistes . As a member of times 2 they have ten videos and countless audio singles. X2 has just completed a tour of four US states and Canada.

Deejays seeking a copy of the song can drop Jumo an email at [email protected]

By Mondale Smith

Watch it NOW!! –> Jumo – Badmind

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Jamzone International Night Super Concert: Truly Epic!

Don Gialiani performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
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
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
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
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
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
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.

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Jamzone Regional Night 2012 ‘TUN UP’

Jory performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2012
Jory performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2012

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
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
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
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.

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Hits and Jams all set for epic Jamzone Weekend

Jamzone Ticking Information
Jamzone Ticking Information

Only three days remain before we say goodbye to Jamzone Summer Break 2012 and the Hits and Jams team are preparing to close the annual festival in epic style! The two most talked about shows of 2012 and the Jamzone Beach Jam are set to begin this weekend! Several of the artistes booked for the Jamzone Regional Night concert, including Jamaican five star general of music, Bounty Killer and ‘Gyal a bubble’ singer, Konshens, are already in Guyana!

Prepare for three uninterrupted days of fun and incredible entertainment! This is what you’ve been waiting for all year! This Friday night, you will see live performances by Dancehall’s brightest stars at the Jamzone Regional Night concert. The following night, hip hop’s ‘biggest boss’, Rick ‘Rozay’ Ross, will headline one of the most anticipated Jamzone International Night concerts ever held. Jamaican stars Elephant Man, Spice and Macka Diamond will also join the rap prodigy on the Jamzone stage!

On Sunday, the Jamzone trail leads to the Splashmins Fun Park and Resort for the longest running Jamzone event, the Beach Jam! One will experience an amazing day of family this Sunday! Jamzone 12 will end on a VERY high note as we intend to party all day into the night! Bring out the picnic baskets and bask in the beautiful ambience of this nature resort. There will be lots of incredible games and activities for the entire family. When the sun sets, top artistes and performers will take the main stage for the grand ‘beach concert’.
Get your tickets now at Glamour Designer Brands and Ashmins Trading to be a part of Guyana’s greatest festival!