“I am a proud denizen of the island of Dominica also known as the Nature Island of the World, Land of Many Rivers, Home of the World Creole Music Festival and the Most Original Carnival, ‘The Real Mas’. I am confident in my chances of securing the crown!”
26 year old Marcia Baptiste has had quite a prolific run in the pageant industry, winning multiple crowns including Miss Dominica, Miss Caribbean World and Miss Jaycee’s Caribbean Queen 2010. In the academic arena, Marcia is a Natural Science Graduate with three A-levels from the Dominica state College and is also currently employed as an Events and Customer Service Assistant at the Ross University School of Medicine.
This Dominican beauty describes herself as an outspoken and determined person who loves reading, meeting people, travelling, shoe shopping, exploring new places, learning new things and surfing the web. Should Marcia be crowned Miss Jamzone International 2011, she intends to use this as a platform to impact positively on the lives of young people.
Vybz Kartel/Mavado Concert not a lyrical battle but a celebration of great Dancehall Music!
Mavado at Jamzone Regional Night 2010
By now its general news that Vybz Kartel and Mavado will be headlining the Jamzone Summer Break ‘Regional Night’ concert which will be held at the Guyana National Stadium on August 19th; however amidst the excitement, the organizers as well as the artistes are reminding fans that this will not be a musical clash but simply a night of great Dancehall music and entertainment!
Ever since the news of this musical coalition became public, fans have been anxiously anticipating this showdown which is expected to be one of the most attended shows in Guyana’s history. However, in light of the pervading remnants of the lyrical feud in which these two artistes were engaged, the organizers are quite aware of the fact that fans may misconstrue the aim of this event. As mentioned earlier, this will not be a clash or war but both artistes have overcome their differences and merely intend to entertain their Guyanese fans.
The Hits and Jams team is adamant in conveying this message to the public, to maintain our reputation of hosting fun, clean, incident and violence-free events. This show was not created with aims of fueling any animosity between extremist fans and we hope that supporters nationwide are not attending with ulterior intentions.
Vybz Kartel (Picture taken from urbanislandz.com)
This will be the first time both artistes will be performing on the stage together since the West Kingston Jamboree ‘Peace Concert’ in 2009. This show is creating quite a buzz not only locally but all around the Caribbean and has the attention of worldwide dancehall fans, some of whom, are already booking flights to Guyana for this epic event!
Both Vybz Kartel and Mavado each immensely talented in the Dancehall genre, have made amazing strides in the music industry by consistently producing quality music and establishing themselves as two of the most sought after Caribbean acts.
This concert will feature as part of the Jamzone Summer Break Weekend, an annual calendar event in Guyana. This year Jamzone comprises of ten days of fun-packed activities inclusive of jazz and food festivals, kids zone, sports tournaments and several Super Concerts featuring some of the biggest local, Caribbean and International acts.
Even though she is much occupied with preparations for the Miss Jamzone International pageant, Miss Guyana Jamzone 2011 Jovan Wilson is taking full advantage of every opportunity to successfully represent Guyana on the International scene. On July 26th, Jovan will be soaring off to the nature isle Antigua, accompanied by her chaperone, Simpli Royal franchise owner Pamela Dillon, to represent Guyana at the 50th staging of the Miss Jaycee’s Caribbean Queen show!
This pageant, which features as part of the annual Antiguan Carnival, brings together an array of beauty, talent, intelligence and culture through the participation of the contestants from all around the Caribbean region, who compete in various segments for the crown. Every year, the organizers see applications from territories such as, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, St. Croix, and Trinidad and Tobago all eager to secure a spot in the line-up.
Notwithstanding the fierce competition she may encounter, Jovan is overwhelmed by excitement and pride to be chosen as Guyana’s ambassador. “I am absolutely thrilled to promote my country on an international level and to also have the chance to observe the diverse cultures of our neighboring nations”, said Jovan when questioned on the topic. “I also intend to take all my pageant experience and knowledge to Antigua and work fervently towards becoming the heiress to the throne”.
Jovan is undergoing intense training and prepping with Dillon who is confident in her [Jovan’s] abilities to shine at the upcoming pageant. “Jovan is the ideal candidate for this contest. She’s smart, beautiful, talented and always eager to learn. I’m absolutely certain that she will do well”, said Dillon who has successfully prepared countless delegates for several pageants including Jaycees throughout the years. Wilson will be participating in several segments including: Talent, for which she has prepared a dramatic poem; Evening wear designed by Pat Coates, Swimsuit, Question and Answering which will be based on her submitted biography and National Costume which is being created by local designer Curt Stephenson entitled ‘Empress of Shell Beach’.
According to a featured press release from the Antiguan State owned website ab.gov.ag, the pageant committee is in ‘high gear’ for the event which officially kicks off with a pre-show on Wednesday July 27th at the Sugar Ridge Resort. To date, the committee has confirmed the participation of nine countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guyana, Montserrat, St Kitts and St Maarten. Acting according to their tagline ‘Integrating the Caribbean through pageantry’, the organizers promise to present an excellent package as a contribution to the 2011 Antigua and Barbuda Carnival and undoubtedly one of the biggest shows of their soon-to-be 50 years of existence.
Jovan would like the general public to support her on this journey as she illustrates the beauty, diversity and splendor of our unique culture. Further, Guyana has secured three of the Miss Jaycees Queens by former queens Alison Alleyne 1969; Peggy Wallalu 1970 and professional model Meleesa Payne, who walked away with the title in 2006.
“I’m looking forward to visiting the beautiful country of Guyana and I am eager to learn more about the culture. I will be sure to absorb every detail of this unique experience. In that way I can proudly wear the crown and handily represent Miss Jamzone International for 2011!”
The land of reggae is proud to present a stunning bi-racial beauty, an urbane young woman who seamlessly exemplifies the diversity of the Jamaican culture, Miss Trishauna Clarke!
This 23 year old actress, singer and former National athlete, is currently a full time student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She also adds professional model to her abounding portfolio, as she is presently one of the most sought after faces on both the regional and international levels. Trishauna’s successful modeling career includes numerous appearances in commercials, magazines and run-way shows including BET’s annual Rip the Runway in spring 2010 and the internationally aired Puma ‘Jam’ commercial along side fellow Jamaican track star Usain Bolt.
Trishauna is honored and excited to be a part of the Miss Jamzone International 2011 pageant, she therefore intends to work unremittingly to represent her homeland and hopefully claim the crown for Jamaica once more!
Miss Jamzone Guyana 2011, Jovan Wilson has been crowned and congratulated, but the journey has only just begun. Training has intensified ten fold to ensure that our local representative is prepared for the upcoming Miss Jamzone International 2011, where she will meet and compete against a capable assembly of delegates from across the Caribbean region!
The lineup this year has been extended to a whopping eleven delegates in comparison to the subsequent eight, due to the overwhelming feedback we have received from a multitude of countries from around the world. It is obvious that our pageant has attained a national reach since multiple applications were sent from countries including the USA, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia and even Canada as all pageants go everyone couldn’t make the cut. However, the committee is quite confident in the selected group of incredibly skilled, competent young women who are sure to make this year’s pageant an unforgettable event.
The lineup includes several University students, a News reporter and News Anchor all of whom are well versed in pageantry with very impressive portfolios. Our delegates hail from Dominica, Jamaica, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, Suriname, St Kitts and Nevis, Brazil and of course, Guyana. These young ladies will compete in the intelligence, swimsuit, fantasy, beach wear, evening gown and cultural presentation segments for an astounding reward of USD$10,000 in cash, a dazzling crown and rights to the throne!
The Miss Jamzone International Pageant in its second year of existence features as part of the Jamzone Summer Break Weekend, an annual calendar in Guyana. This year Jamzone will feature ten days of fun-packed activities inclusive of jazz and food festivals, sports tournaments and several Super Concerts featuring some of the biggest local, Caribbean and International acts.
History in the making! Jamzone Regional Night presents- Mavado and Vybz Kartel one Stage! One night!
Mavado performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2010
Just when millions of fans around the world thought it would never happen again, after tireless months of negotiations between Conscious Minds, Hits & Jams, Vybz Kartel & Mavado, the Hits and Jams Team has achieved what no other country could by confirming Jamaican Dancehall Superstars, Vybz Kartel and Mavado to perform on the same stage for the Jamzone Summer Break 2011 ‘Regional Night’!
When the Hits and Jams Team announced that they would be pursuing greater endeavors for this year’s Jamzone Summer Break events, no one would have predicted that they would eventually attain what seemed an almost impossible feat. We can safely say that the Jamzone Regional Night is covered with these two headlining acts who will be accompanied by Guyanese Dancehall Star, Jory. This event will mark the second time in history the two have ever performed together, prior to their 2009 ‘peace concert’ performance at the West Kingston Jamboree stage show in Tivoli Gardens, Kingston.
Vybz Kartel (Picture taken from urbanislandz.com)
The team released the news last Friday July 1 at 11:50pm via the social networking tycoons Facebook and Twitter immediately after the deal was sealed. Swarms of comments crowded the page within minutes from fans who expressed absolute excitement while some were in utter disbelief. By the following day the news had spread like wild-fire via BBM, text messages, social networking and even plain old gossip! Anyone with an ear or a cell phone knew that Vybz Kartel and Movado were heading to Guyana for Jamzone. The thousands of Vybz Kartel and Mavado fans in Guyana will witness this historic ‘Dancehall experience’ as the duo plans to put on a show unlike any other. The artistes are gearing up to dish out some epic performances which will be no feat since they are both known for their dynamic music and power-packed stage performances! Guyanese artiste Jory will also be there to set the vibes for the night!
Hits and Jams Entertainment has undoubtedly revolutionized the levels of entertainment offered in Guyana by epitomizing the concepts of quality from International events and embarking on consistent ventures through creative promotional techniques. In its 11th year Jamzone Summer Break intends to raise the bar to unsurpassable levels by offering an extended array of activities inclusive of incredible Super concerts featuring some of the biggest names worldwide.
It’s that time again, when we prepare our minds and wardrobes for the annual event that we so eagerly look forward to every year! If you’re Guyanese, then you know we’re referring to the upcoming 2011 Jamzone Summer Break Weekend billed for August 12-21 with an extended ten days of epic events that will hopefully gratify our avid supporters!
As you many have observed through consistent ventures, the Hits and Jams team has no desire for stagnation, and is ever advancing their efforts to achieve the unattainable and further put Guyana on the map! Armed with this aim and a strong, driven team, the organizers have decided to make Jamzone even more inclusive by creating an extensive roster of events, suitable for people of every age and varying personal interests.
Jamzone Summer Break 2011 now includes the Jamzone T/20 tournament (twenty, twenty), Kids Zone, the Food and Jazz Festival, Chutney, Dancehall and Soca Super Concerts, the anticipated International Night and the annual Beach Jam and Miss Jamzone International pageant. Bookings for artistes are still in progress but a terrific lineup has already been confirmed as well as the delegates for the Miss Jamzone International Pageant, all of whom have already been selected.
They are also currently exploring a multiplicity of avenues to ensure that Jamzone attains International standards and recognition. This year, for the first time ever, Hits and Jams will be introducing the limited edition Jamzone Summer Break line of apparel which includes t-shirts, male and female beach shorts, swimsuits and hats among many other items. These items will be available exclusively at the ‘Style Zone’ booth in the Ashmins Mall and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
The team will also be presenting the first issue of their ‘In da Zone’ magazine which will treat fans to exclusive entertainment info and updates including Jamzone related events and a wide array of other topics.In a few days, Jamzone Summer Break 2011 will be officially launched via a black tie event where patrons will be treated to great entertainment and dinner. The Hits and Jams team will also be releasing detailed information on the upcoming Jamzone events. However, if you’re not in the mood for the formal scene, you can head down to the Club Mojo’s this Sunday July 3rd for the ‘Summer Ting’ concept party which will officially mark the commencement of the upcoming ‘August Holiday’ festivities.
“We are always looking to elevate our standards and this year will be no different. This year Jamzone will be nothing short of amazing with back-to-back action, fun and great entertainment”, said Hits and Jams director, Kerwin Bollers.Jamzone Summer Break has been endorsed by the Tourism Ministry as an annual calendar event aimed at attracting an influx of domestic and international tourists. This year, in its eleventh year of existence, the organizers have raised the bar with an addition of incredible activities to commemorate this special occasion. Hits and Jams Entertainment continues to strive diligently to provide the best in entertainment for the Guyanese public.
When you woke today and saw all the media avenues talking about the Machel Montano Show last night at the National Stadium and you realized that you were not there, and you started feeling bad, it served you right! It was absolutely the most fun the Guyanalive.com team has had in a while. Hands down!
The atmosphere was fantastic, with lights and stage settings that would make your jaw drop. There were bars and food stalls at every convenient location. Even the portable toilets were strategically placed! After taking in the ambience and being hyped by the juggliang skills of the Fusion Sound Company, the night’s first entertainer was Spiderman. Even though the crowd did not seem to be completely feeling his vibe he held his own. Then we were pleasantly surprised when we knew that Militant was our next performer. The guy that brought us songs like “Passion” took us down memory lane and paved the way nicely for the next big local artiste. Jory, with his clever play on words and great ability to ride on any rhythm, made us laugh, shout and scream to all of his hits. Even an old controversial favorite rocked the crowd without pause. After Jory’s amped performance Fusion continued to wow us with their smooth track selections while we waited with glee for the King of Soca and his entourage.
Gyrating Crowd
Then, as if we could have prepared for it anyway, Machel Montano was on stage blowing us away with just his mere presence. It was an extremely wonderful collage of soca hits, calypso tunes, classics and hot new road marches. He definitely proved to the lucky citizens of this country that he is indeed the King of Soca (sorry Rupee). The HD Band did not miss a beat as they backed up Mr. Montano, nor any of the other performers for that matter. Farmer Nappy was on next to continue the soca fete with hits like “belly dancer” that had the ladies “screwing the bulb” all night. Then Patrice Roberts ensured that our waists were completely gyrating when she tore the place down with her sexy voice and sultry moves. Some men could not keep their eyes glued from the stage. Zan, though his act was short and sweet, made sure that there was never a dull moment in last night’s festivities. Let us also say, in no uncertain terms, that the HD Dancers were fabulous! They did not even seem tired even though they danced non-stop for hours with choreographed and spontaneous sessions.
Patrice Roberts performing at Advantage Concert
The beautiful Patrice Roberts and a dancer named Whitney showed us time and time again how to shake a backside, move a waist and tremble thighs like it was a dance class for beginners. They were exceptional!
However, they cliché that reads “nothing good lasts forever” was unfortunately proven again. There were audio problems that endured for what seemed like an eternity. We at Guyanalive.com understand that these things happen and sometimes they are uncontrollable, but that did not help when the crowd became frustrated and started to depart in small increments. Eventually, the sound was restored but at a mediocre level and it was too late. Patrons were using profanity to describe their disgust while they walked to exits. After quite some time the sound was properly restored and the jams resumed like there was never a problem to begin with. Machel and his crew did a job well done and made it seem effortless. If that isn’t entertainment then we don’t know what is. Thank you H&J for making our nights, and our weekends. We socanites cannot wait for the next concert!
Yes soca fans, you heard it exclusively from Guyanalive.com that Machel Montano and the HD Band are in Guyana to rock your world come Saturday June 18, 2011 at the National Stadium. Guyanalive.com was there at the VIP Lounge of the Timehri International Airport when the Soca King and his posse entered. They were pumped and ready to please the thousands of fans that would fill the stadium with their tantalizing melodies and eye opening performances. Every band member (Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy and Zen) promises a stellar show and said that they would be very appreciative for a large turn – out.
The media flocked the group and bombarded them with questions about their past and future performances, their plans and ambitions and even their take on fathers of the world, but Guyanalive.com was particularly impressed when the band spoke of their determination to succeed, their drive to entertain not just the Caribbean, but the world, their quest to not be categorized and their spiritual and humble beliefs that get them through each day. After a few photo ops we allowed them to hop on their bus and get to their hotel because we all know that they have a lot of work to do on Saturday night.
Additionally, Guyanalive.com also managed to grab a few words with the reigning Ms. Guyana Jamzone, Jovan Wilson, who said that she is simply enjoying being queen. Her ultimate passion is to be actively involved in local tourism and she is working towards that but she is currently preparing for another pageant in Antigua, and then to return Guyana to compete for the Ms. Jamzone International Crown. We at Guyanalive.com wish her nothing but the best.
Unfortunately, there are two issues that we at Guyanalive.com have to stress on. First, please remember to put your mobile phones on vibrate when you are in a press conference. It is very distracting to everyone to hear a phone ring during such an event. Second, it was very unprofessional of the H&J Team to promise media personnel refreshments and not follow through on their promise. Not only did we have to endure that, but we were told last minute to make alternative travel arrangements to return to the capital city (at their expense of course). Bottom line? Treat your media colleagues better in the future.
Oh, before we forget, all you socanites can follow Machel Montano on Twitter @machemontanohd
Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy and Zan to give Guyanese the Carnival Experience. Machel fever is in the air! Tickets are flying out the stores and anyone who is still contemplating or has not gotten a ticket as yet, should waste no time since this is one event that you cannot afford to miss!
Soca-holics get ready for the The Soca King who is heading to Guyana along with fellow Powerhouse Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Zan and the renowned HD Band for the Hits and Jams’ ‘Advantage’ concert set for the Guyana National Stadium on June 18th! Local fans can look forward to an amazing Soca Explosion as Montano who has recently dominated at the 2011 Trinidad Carnival, by effortlessly snatching both the Soca Monarch and Road March titles, is now anxiously awaiting this chance to set a mood of ‘celebration and revelry’ for the upcoming Jamzone Summer Break 2011 festivities!
“There is no other act we would use for such an event. The last time he was here, due to the constraints of time he was unable to give the performance he wanted, but now that he has won these titles, he’s ready and excited to give Guyanese the real ‘Carnival Experience’. It’s going to be incredible”, said Simeon Francis of Hits and Jams Entertainment.
Machel Montano is famous for his vigorous, interactive, high-energy live performances which usually sets any crowd ‘on fire’. For the past 25 years, he has lucratively represented his homeland Trinidad and the wider Caribbean nations as a role model and dynamic entertainer. He has also secured several International collaborations with artistes such as Pitbull, Doug E Fresh and Wyclef Jean. Machel Montano currently stands as one of the most noted names in Soca music and continues to headline sold-out concerts worldwide!Tickets for the show cost 1500 GYD and are available exclusively from Ashmins; while Stage Front tickets cost 50 USD for GT&T customers and 60USD for those of the other network.
