Guess Who’s Coming To Accolade?

As a hit artiste of the 70’s whose sensational voice still resonates with thousands of music lovers, Pamela Maynard’s presence at Accolade – The Music Awards of Guyana will guarantee no one is lost, lonely and helpless.

Pamela’s homecoming is filled with anxiety not only because of her endorsement of the Accolade but also for those who recall her versatility in most areas of popular black music including reggae, soul r&b, jazz, calypso and soca. She await the moment almost with impatience like every other Guyanese who looks forward to this magnificent big night, bringing together celebrities in an appropriate variety of disciplines to take the audience through fever pitch, nerve-hitting excitement.

Pamela is a talented Caribbean diva with a vocal range and expression to make an immediate and lasting impression on all manners of different audiences around the world. Unlike other acts fresh to the UK and European markets, Pamela has extensive professional experience in music.

Born in Georgetown she is the daughter of Guyanese singer/songwriter Mavis Maynard, who wrote Pamela’s debut hit Lost, Lonely and Helpless. She performed alongside Eddy Grant at a memorable show in their hometown. Pamela was still attending school at that time and was already singing at parties and functions at the age of five. Since her father also ran a local sound system her knowledge and love for music was built on rock solid foundation, and her in-depth familiarity with the classics never failed to surprise the assorted bandleaders and galaxy of big name acts she would later sing within years to come.

After leaving school in 1976, she joined the army where she sang for visiting dignitaries such as Fidel Castro. She also represented Guyana at song festivals and from the age of 15 sand lead and backing vocals with Yoruba Singers and then Sid and the Slickers.

Pamela will be accompanied to Guyana by her Manager Ira Lewis who shares an amazing sense of optimism, anxiety and readiness. They are part of a larger overseas contingent of outstanding Guyanese musicians, young fresh talents, regional and international entertainment media are in the ready mode to fill the coveted slots for international participants.

Pamela promises to be the ‘stunner’ among those of her epoch and the fresh new line-up of contemporary talents, from her red carpet appearance to every other aspect of her involvement in sustaining a blissful mood as her tribute to the Awards Show. Email: [email protected]

DJ Prakz To Return From New York To Share Accolade Moments

Arrowhead Promotions, Press Release, October 30, 2008, Guyanese New York-based chutney hot sauce DJ Prakz is heading home for the showdown at Accolade –The Music Awards of Guyana. Anxious to mingle with hundreds of men and women of the moment, Prakz will definitely add to the Accolade flavour. He is among those taking up the coveted slot as overseas participants and will feature prominently at the Awards show on November 30.

Prakz is excited about this prestigious event in celebration of the local musicians. He’s just on it, on the ball, ready for the red carpet, the show, the after-party and the spontaneous moments that may be influenced by the accolade spirit.

On the nominations roll, he is competing in the category for Chutney Artiste of the year (Male) against Terry Gajraj and Rajesh Dubraj.

His home coming is not only about putting his hands on the coveted crystal but also because of a love for his country and its music. Bridging gaps and breaking new grounds, he brings a new fusion of music to hungry audiences around the world by entertaining crowds in the United States, London, Holland, Suriname, Guyana and Canada.

Growing up in Guyana and facing many obstacles, Prakz and his family were forced to migrate to the United States with hopes of attaining a better life. Growing up in a Guyanese home, Prakz was introduced to various genres of music including Reggae. He discovered his desire to create music after listening to artist such as Supa Cat, Beenie Man, Bob Marley and Shabba Ranks.

Working full time and attending college, Prakz never gave up his love for Reggae music. He worked, studied and created music. He was able to release his first album at the age of 20, titled Chapter One, which contained a hit single that topped the charts in the United States, Canada, Guyana and Holland for months. Prakz is not only musically talented; he earned a Bachelor Degree in Accounting and works as an Accountant at a major firm.

Prakz attributes his musical success to his parents for always providing encouragement. His versatility in music is displayed in his first album. He was able to fuse chutney with Reggae and created a new and fresh mix. Prakz is a house hold name in the Indo West Indian community. He released several music videos which were showcased on various television channels.

Accolade Awards Ready in Gear

This event promises electrifying moments with lots of enthusiasm and energy by craving music lovers who will be like a mix of driving guitar riffs and impassioned beats.

There is an amazing sense of optimism, anxiety and readiness by thousands of Guyanese both at home and abroad. The overseas contingent of outstanding Guyanese musicians, young fresh talents, regional and international entertainment media are in the ready mode to fill the coveted slots for international participants.

Uniqueness in the creativity of Genesis Fashion Rhythm is serving to the advantage of local designers from whom dozens of Guyanese are already placing orders for designers’ outfits for an evening where the who’s who matters.

In the days ahead the immediate focus is on every aspect of the show, including the award presentation that would precede the mega event. Winners in fifteen (15) of the forty (40)categories for Accolade –The Music Awards of Guyana will receive their awards two-days before the Mega Event at an exclusive dinner presentation at Le Meridien Pegasus.

The categories receiving awards for the pre-show are: Best Soca Compilation, Best Jazz Album, Entertainer of the year, Cornerstone Award, Best Rap/ Hip Hop Artiste of the year, Acknowledgement Award Folk Music, Band of the Year, Best Music Video, Media Personality Print, Media Personality Internet, Media Personality Radio, Media Personality TV, Studio of the Year, DJ Recognition Award, Living Legend.

Remaining awards will be handed out on the big night in a slick production bringing together celebrities in an appropriate variety of disciplines to take the audience through fever pitch, nerve-hitting excitement.

Public voting is moving at an encouraging rate and the text messaging aspect is schedule to commence soon with numerous chances to win fantastic prizes from tickets to makeovers to outfits.

The Accolade spirit has caught on and we are ready to make the musical mark in history as our offerings will definitely leave you screaming for more. Email: [email protected]

Accolade Executive Members Interacts with Local Music Producers

Arrowhead Promotions, Tuesday, July 29, 2008, – Executive Members of Accolade today met with local music producers as preparations intensify for Guyana’s first-ever Music Awards on November 30. The meeting which was held at Vizion Sounds, Anira Street Queenstown was designed to raise awareness and strengthen support for the Awards.

Executive Director of Accolade, Kwame Mc Coy described the engagement as fruitful, noting that the producers unanimously share the vision of the music awards as an excellent avenue for further growth of the industry. Ms. Teesha Mohabeer and Mr. Burchmore Simon were also present.

Mc Coy said ‘’the local music industry has exciting growth potential, but there must be greater unity among musicians if we are to excel and compete at the international level.’’

The accolade will significantly boost the music industry’s confidence in initiating steps towards achieving and sustaining quality, he assured.

He believes there is growing respect and support for the local industry which stands to benefit Guyana by creating new and exciting jobs, expanding our economy and encouraging the growth of our local culture.

Accolade coincides with the strategic efforts to ‘’promote Guyana’’, by showcasing its rich and diverse arts and cultures. The unique exhibition of our local talent (at another level) is the continuation of the unleashing of our vast potentials in the music industry.

Once again Guyana will be making its mark in the international arena by rewarding artistic excellence in the music industry through a premier event comparable to international Award shows such as the Grammy’s and the one produced by BET.

There is a line up of fantastic performances will represent a climax for the local entertainment diehards and at the same time promote and represent a hype for the local music industry. Guyanese are asked to prepare themselves for an event which can only be billed as an excellent experience – from red carpet entrances to outstanding local and regional performances from a mind blowing awards ceremony to international celebrity endorsements.

The music industry is at a critical crossroad and deserves every effort to highlight its achievements, motivate its artistes, elevate standards, encourage artistic excellence and utilize talents that may be inclined to engage in negative endeavours.

This celebration of achievements in the music industry will be Guyana’s most prestigious gala event.

Accolade- The Music Awards Of Guyana

SALUTATION

It is an absolute honour and privilege to stand before you wonderful people this evening to share the vision of Accolade- the music awards of Guyana.

But first I would particularly like to welcome all those gathered here to celebrate with us the achievements in the music industry, especially those partners who have demonstrated their confidence in us by coming on board with resources that are necessary to make this event successful. The achievement I refer to represents a continuous journey by dozens of artiste, music producers, and DJ’s whose talent, immense hard work and absolute passion has driven us to this point.

Bringing people to a love of music and encouraging them to participate in and enjoy musical experiences is a special gift given to mankind unfortunately not to all of us in this room. It is the legacy of great sons of music of Guyana that dedicated their time, talent and enthusiasm to this new generation of musicians who in turn are expected to emulate the generosity to encourage the musicians of tomorrow.

I am personally delighted that this effort to host the music awards of Guyana is most timely as it coincides with a period of an upsurge in recorded music by industry veterans to the latest surge in fresh and new unsigned talent on the local music scene.

The vision of the Accolade is to create a product of excellence to showcase our rich and diverse art and cultures. It is the unleashing of vast potentials in the music industry.

These awards gives Guyana another opportunity to make its mark in the international arena by rewarding artistic excellence in the music industry through a premier event comparable to international Award shows such as the Grammy’s and the one produced by BET.

In November at the actual awards there will be a line up of fantastic performances which will represent a climax for the local entertainment diehards and at the same time promote and represent a hype for the local music industry. Guyanese are asked to prepare themselves for an event which can only be billed as an excellent experience – from red carpet entrances to outstanding local and regional performances from a mind blowing awards ceremony to international celebrity endorsements.

The music industry is at a critical crossroad and deserves every effort to highlight its achievements, motivate its artistes, elevate standards, encourage artistic excellence and utilize talents that may be inclined to engage in negative endeavours.

I would like to urge all stakeholders of the music industry to come together to collectively shape the industry. There are still challenges which we have to work collectively to confront, such as modern copyright legislation and improving the quality of our production to compete at the international standard. We are aware this is a huge task ahead of us but not one impossible to achieve with the cooperation and support of Guyanese including those in the business sector.

Importantly there is rising expectation by Guyanese and musicians themselves which is inevitable in an emerging competitive environment of increase quality and standard. The Accolade seeks to unleash the potential of musicians by first of all recognizing, appreciating and rewarding them for their contributions to the striving music industry in Guyana. We aim also to extend motivation and provide exposure for local artistes, all relevant to the growth and development of the industry and to provide them an opportunity to market and highlight their talent as a product.

We believe these objectives will encourage and promote quality as well as increase meaningful involvement in an effort to ensure the overall development of the music industry in Guyana.

The Accolade will live up to the expectation of all Guyanese. We thank you all for coming out this evening as an endorsement of Accolade- the music awards of Guyana. We look forward to seeing you November 30.

Accolade Awards launch on Friday @Zoom Inn

Arrowhead Promotions, July 23, 2008- An enticement  awaits music lovers, industry professionals, fashion designers, press officials, recording agents, sponsors and potential sponsors when they converge for the Official Launch of Accolade — the music awards of Guyana, on Friday, July 25, 2008, at Zoom Inn Hotel.

The launch is the commencement of a celebration of the music industry in Guyana culminating into an annual music awards to promote the achievements by industry veterans to the latest surge in fresh and new
unsigned talent on the local music scene.

Among light entertainment and cocktails, the evening will introduce patrons to those who are part of our strategic partnership including private sector, commercial brands and public sector organizations.
Additional plans for activities including celebrity endorsements and participation by those with Guyanese roots and connections will also be revealed.

This is the second major activity leading up to November 30 where the red carpet will be rolled out for Guyanese and visitors who are expected to dress in their finest local designer clothing and be
photographed by celebrity photographers before they enter what is slated to be the biggest awards gala the country has ever seen.

This Music Awards of Guyana seek to reward artistic excellence in the music industry that has definitely shown signs of growth and development over the years. These awards coincide with strategic
efforts to “promote Guyana”, through its rich and diverse arts and cultures. Exhibiting our local talent at another level is the continuation of the unleashing of vast potentials. Email:[email protected])

Accolade Nomination Panel targets diverse music styles

Artiste to be nominated in 35-categories

Music lovers are buzzing with excitement as Accolade- the music awards of Guyana intensifies preparations to celebrate music excellence and achievement by local artiste who have made their mark.

The Nomination Panel comprising Burchmore Simon, Music Producer, Kerwyn Bollers, Entertainer, Sean Bhola, Song Writer/Producer, Jaya Manickchand, Attorney-at Law and Malcolm Ferreira, Radio Announcer/DJ is aiming to capture a diverse range of musical styles with a line up of 35 categories for which artiste will be shortlist for Awards on November 30th. The period under consideration for these awards is January 1, 2004 to December 30, 2006.

Local Disc Jockeys, Radio Announcers, Recording Studios, Record Bars and the public participation at large will feature prominently in determining who the winners will since they all play an important role in the music industry.

An eligible artiste for the purpose of these nominations is defined as:

1. A person who was either born in Guyana; or attain naturalization status and or;
2. A person who has lived in Guyana for the full eligibility period (January 1, 2004 to December 30, 2007)

The Nominations Panel comprises individuals with good standing, demonstrated expertise and knowledge of the overall industry or individual categories. The panel will forward their top five (5) suggestions in each category to the Executive Committee which will then select the top three (3) in every category to present to the public.

Artiste may be eligible for any number of general categories. Where there are fewer than the minimum required amount of eligible entries the panel may use deliberate judgement, including making the entry automatically eligible in the same category for the following year.

Once again Guyana will be making its mark in the international arena by rewarding artistic excellence in the music industry through a premier event comparable to international Award shows such as the Grammy’s and the one produced by BET.

Indeed, the line up of fantastic performances will represent a climax for the local entertainment diehards and at the same time promote and represent a hype for the local music industry. Guyanese are asked to prepare themselves for an event which can only be billed as an excellent experience – from red carpet entrances to outstanding local and regional performances from a mind blowing awards ceremony to international celebrity endorsements.

The music industry is at a critical crossroad and deserves every effort to highlight its achievements, motivate its artistes, elevate standards, encourage artistic excellence and utilize talents that may be inclined to engage in negative endeavours.

(Email: [email protected] )

Here is the complete list of categories for Accolade Awards 2008

1. Chutney artiste of the year (Male)

2. Chutney artiste of the year (Female)

3. Best Chutney Band of the year

4. Best Chutney Album of the year

5. Best groovy soca single (Male)

6. Best groovy soca single (Female)

7. Soca single of the year

8. Best soca album solo duo or group

9. Best reggae single

10. Best soca compilation

11. Best non soca compilation

12. Reggae artiste of the year

13. Best rock alternative artiste or band

14. Best jazz album

15. Gospel artiste of the year (Male)

16. Gospel artiste of the year (Female)

17. Gospel single of the year

18. Best RnB artiste of the year

19. Best Calypso artiste of the year (Male)

20. Best Calypso Artiste of the year (Female)

21. Best Hip Hop/Rap artiste of the year

22. Living legends award

23. Cornerstone award

24. Band of the year

25. Producer of the year

26. Media award print/internet

27. Media Award- radio/television

28. Best new artiste

29. Best music video

30. Song of the year

31. Studio of the year

32. Album of the year

33. Entertainer of the year

34. Lifetime achievement award

35. Best Dancehall artiste of the year

Nominations Committee for Accolade – The Music Awards of Guyana

Guyanese Musicians, producers and persons ancillary to the music industry are one step closer to finding out who will be nominated as the crème de le crème in their field. This happens as the directorship of the Accolade Awards announce the nominations committee whose job is to research and then nominate the most suitable persons for the proposed categories. The nominations committee is made up of the following persons:

Burchmore Simon – Music Producer

Kerwyn Bollers – Entertainer

Sean Bhola – Song writer/ producer

Malcolm Ferreia – Radio Announcer/DJ

Jaya Devi Manickchand – Attorney-at-law

The Accolades team revealed that musicians will be nominated in some thirty- three categories ranging from Lifetime Achievement Awards to Entertainer of the year, to Song of the Year with a long list of others.

Artiste wanting to submit their music to the nominations team should contact Mr. Burchmore Simon or call 698-5195.

The Music Awards will be held on November 30th 2008 at the National Cultural Centre and is promised to be an evening of glitz and glamour from the red carpet entrance to the last performance. Guyanese patrons can expect local and regional performances from the best in the business.

A Celebration of the Music Industry

The Vision

Accolade coincides with the strategic efforts to “promote Guyana”, by showcasing its rich and diverse arts and cultures. The unique exhibition of our local talent (at another level) is the continuation of the unleashing of our vast potentials in the music industry.

Once again Guyana will be making its mark in the international arena by rewarding artistic excellence in the music industry through a premier event comparable to international Award shows such as the Grammy’s and the one produced by BET.

Indeed, the line up of fantastic performances will represent a climax for the local entertainment diehards and at the same time promote and represent a hype for the local music industry. Guyanese are asked to prepare themselves for an event which can only be billed as an excellent experience – from red carpet entrances to outstanding local and regional performances from a mind blowing awards ceremony to interational celebrity endorsements.

The music industry is at a critical crossroad and deserves every effort to highlight its achievements, motivate its artistes, elevate standards, encourage artistic excellence and utilize talents that may be inclined to engage in negative endeavours.

It is both opportune and ideal that this venture, capitalizing on the positive experiences coming out of Guyana’s successful hosting of Cricket World Cup, (CWC), Rio Summit, Guyana Fashion Weekend and Commonwealth Finance Minister’s Meeting, (CFMM) all held in 2007 and CARIFESTA 2008, be staged at this time.

This celebration of achievements in the music industry will be Guyana’s most prestigous gala event.

“Arrowhead” our promotional group (registered under Business Names: Registration Act Chapter 90:05) is therefore desrious of advancing strategic partnership for high-level media coverage and public participation as part of our inclusive approach to maximize the potential of the music industry.

The Objectives

  1. To recognise, appreciate and reward local  artiste and music professionals for their contributions to the striving music industry in Guyana.
  2. To extend motivation and provide exposure for local artistes, all relevant to the growth and development of the music industry in Guyana.
  3. To provide an opportunity for local artistes to market and highlight their talent as a product.
  4. To enocurage and promote qaulity as well as to increase meaningful involvement in an effort to ensure the overall development of the music industry in Guyana.

Live up to the prestige and challenge!

With an event of this magnitude, the music industry will catapult to a new level providing great benefits to be derived all for the maximum advantage of your company.

Coming fully on board will facilitate the upward climb of business by connectiing with thousands of locals, overseas-based Guyanese and non-resident visitors from North America, United Kingdom and Caribbean to more than six events during an eight-month period.

Proposed Dates and Activities

The fantasy of creative entertainment!

June 6th 2008 – Official Media Launch

July 25th 2008 – Cocktail Launch

October 4th 2008 – Accolade Fashion Event

November 30th 2008 – Pre-Show & Cocktail Party Accolade Awards & Mega Show