Mavado aka Gully Gad performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2011
We at Guyanalive.com think it is only in this beautiful country of ours that an entertainment company can plan a show and have as much hype before the show, like what happened with dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel and the Hits and Jams family. The details are still sketchy as to why the Jamaican artiste did not show (despite being paid a hefty advance), but the show went on with the other item on the list, Mavado. Let us first say that the turnout was quite large, even though most persons complained about the absence of “Di Teacha”. And Mavado held his own with sheer skill, not that we expected any less.
Natural Black performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2011
The first entertaining item was local star Jory. Those of you who have been to shows that featured Jory know that when we say he was hard, you know we’re telling the truth. He commanded the crowd with his lyrics and made them sway from to side to side, bobbing their heads in jubilation and showing abundant “gun fingers”. That was followed by Guyana – born superstar, Natural Black. He was naturally a performer, with tracks that touch our hearts and our minds. Even though the aroma of marijuana was rampant, the high we experienced was encouraged by fantastic music. We at Guyanalive.com recommend that H&J feature this phenomenon in all their dancehall and reggae acts.
Then, like a pleasant surprise at Christmas time, Mavado entered the stage! Even though there were pauses by the sound system, the National Stadium at Providence wasted absolutely no time grooving to the “Gully God’s Stulla Rhythms”. Hit after hit, like a Mike Tyson fight, Movado delivered to all in attendance. Males and females sang each song (lyric for lyric) while jumping and throwing their hands in their air. The young and the old (well, not too old) never missed a beat while gyrating to the sounds that now helps to define dancehall music.
Jory performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2011
Now that we have expressed our joy from being at the Jamzone Regional Night we want to firstly say that it was very devastating to know that the “Gaza King” was not there. Even though we think there would have been some tension between supporters if he was there, we still missed him. We know for a fact that it was out of the promoters’ hands to change the outcome of the show so we will not go further. We enjoyed the atmosphere of the show; ghetto, lively and exciting. On the Guyanalive.com scale we give it a 6 1/2 out of a possible 10, only because Vybz Kartel was absent. Sorry Hits and Jams, better luck next time.
Miss Jamzone International 2010 - Lesa-Gayle Wee TomMiss Guyana Jamzone - Jovan Wilson
As patrons filled the seats at the National Cultural Center on August 17, 2011, excitement filled the air as they prepared to watch what has been proposed as the best pageant in local history. At around 8:30, the National Anthem (first and last stanzas) was sung by a local boy group, officiating the beginning of the Miss Jamzone International Pageant – Part 1. The reigning queen, Ms. Lesa – Gayle Tom, was brought in by oiled, buff young men to the beats of African drums, as she introduced herself and spoke about her past year on a voice – over recording. She strutted from end to end of the stage, while letting the gathered subliminally know that the next winner has enormous shoes to fill.
Miss Jamaica - Deandra DoyleyMiss Brazil
It was after this that the delegates danced their way to center stage to the melodies of African music as they introduced themselves. Naturally, Miss Brazil and Miss Venezuela both had translators, since they speak Portugese and Spanish respectively. However, their translator did not do them justice as she failed time and time again to relate the statements and questions by our MC’s throughout the show. We at Guyanalive.com hope she wasn’t paid, since that would have been a waste of money. The 11 delegates were; Ms. Latisha Greene of Antigua and Barbuda, Ms. Kenlly Aranguren of Venezuela, Ms. Rhea Cummings of Barbados, Ms. Deandra Doyley of Jamaica, Ms. Davia Chambers of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Patrish Lionel of St. Lucia, Ms. Fatisha Imo of St. Kitts/Nevis, Ms. Ellen Lima of Brazil, Ms. Marcia Baptiste of Dominica, Ms. Stacey Norine Ceder of Suriname and Ms. Jovan Wilson of Guyana. From the inception, the crowd’s favorites were all the delegates except Ms. Brazil and Ms. Barbados. We then met the MC’s for the evening, the beautiful and intelligent Ms. Tamika Henry, a former Miss Guyana Universe, and Mr. Godfrey Munroe, a National Table Tennis Star and a horrible orator. He stuttered, slurred, fumbled, rarely looked up at the audience or the cameras and had poor choices of words. He was tolerated for the first half of the show but the audience became annoyed by the second half. After we got to know the evening’s MC’s we then saw a vibrant African dance by the Classique Dance Company, who is set to embark to the United States of America very soon to put on a grand show. At this interval Ms. Henry decided to inform us that the theme for the show was “African” in nature, since this is The Year for People of African Descent, but there will be other cultural pieces. We then had an opportunity to meet the judges of the competition: Mr. Kemraj Persaud, Mr. Alan Donovan, Dr. Ingrid Cox – Pierre, Mr. Gordon Mosely, Mrs. Patricia Woolford and Mr. Ramesh Geer, who we do not envy since their task before them is one of great proportions.
Miss Antigua and Barbuda - Latisha GreeneMiss Barbados - Rhea Cummings Jordan
It then came time for the Swimsuit Segment of the pageant and their jealous eyes and wagging tongues. The suits, designed by local fashionista Pat Coates, fit the ladies superbly and they wore them with sheer grace and pride. That being said the masses’ favorites were Ms. Brazil, Ms. Dominica, Ms. Guyana, Ms. Suriname and Ms. Trinidad and Tobago. There were cheers and groans as each contestant came on stage and showed their curves (of their smiles and their bodies) but those mentioned ladies received a more favorable response. Following that epic segment, we were all thrilled by an amazing Indian dance by a local group called the Dancing Delights. They swayed and shook to the sounds of cultural Indian song and the crowd roared with appreciation. Let us just say that we think the Miss Jamzone International Pageant had the best lighting, sound and special effects of any pageant we have seen in some time (and we have seen quite a few), despite the audio glitches which at times became frustrating. Many blame the staff and equipment of the National Cultural Center, but we refuse to speculate. Continue reading “Miss Jamzone International Pageant 2011 Part 1 Review”
Miss Jamzone international Delegates at Sidewalk Cafe
Have you ever wondered why very few complain about the heat at the Sidewalk Café and Jazz Club? It’s because most are usually distracted by the smooth sounds of jazz music, the welcoming atmosphere and the calm and sophisticated crowd. On August 15, 2011 the Hits and Jams crew seized the opportunity to utilize this small but wonderful space to hold a Jazz, Fashion and Food Festival as part of their Jamzone Summer Break.
Jackie Hanover
Upon entrance, attendees were immediately whisked away by the soothing sounds of the Georgetown Jazz Project, the pleasing scents permeating from the kitchen and the elegantly casually dressed audience. A small section of Guyana’s Who’s Who was there, including GT&T CEO Yog Mahadeo, GWI’s CEO (Acting) Nigel Niles and Sidewalk Café Proprietress, Cathy Hughes, wife of local legal legend Nigel Hughes. The smell, sound, sight and feel of this establishment gave one the sense of being in another world; even the vehicles parked on the street seemed cleaner and more upscale. And just when the Guyanalive.com team thought it could get no better we were pleasantly surprised by the Jamzone International Pageant delegates. They strutted their stuff in designs by Pat Coates, as well as items from Suriname-based Janelle Oosterling’s Janoos Collection; cameras flashed relentlessly.
Lisa PunchFood
During certain intervals, local songstresses Jackie Hanover and Lisa Punch serenaded the listeners with hits from the past. They were wonderfully backed up by the Georgetown Jazz Project as they belted out notes beyond our imagination and even provided a little amateur acting. Just to shake things up further, a steel pan player was added to the music ensemble for a short while, and the current Miss Jamzone International Queen graced us with her presence.
We at Guyanalive.com deem the Jazz, Fashion and Food Festival a success, and even though the heat was at times unbearable we have no reservations in giving our recommendations of the establishment as the service, atmosphere and style offered amply compensated for this weakness; an 8 out of a possible 10 on our Guyanalive.com scale. A closing note to all Guyanese: the next time you hear of a show at the Sidewalk Café, dress lightly and go early; you will not be disappointed.
Has anyone ever told you that an “opportunity lost can never be regained”? They are usually right, and if you missed universal megastars Eve and Trey Songz then shame on you; just shame! It was mind-blowing, and this is from a man’s point of view; just imagine how the ladies are still feeling. The crowd was enormous, comprised primarily of ladies of course, and the atmosphere was pulsating. The Guyanalive.com team had access to almost every area and whether it was VIP or general section, the feeling was the same – excitement and monumental levels of anticipation. In the VIP and LVIP (Luxury Very Important Person) sections there were lots of drinks and food (some free) distributed by beautiful waitresses from the Shakers Cocktail Bar.
Eve
The audience was mixed with people from all walks of life – the young, the old, the straight and the gay. It was a plethora of well-dressed, well-mannered and joyous patrons. The Jamzone International Pageant delegates also graced the masses with their presence and they were warmly welcomed. We at Guyanalive.com presume that there were no serious issues because of the heavy security provided by the Guyana Police Force
Timeka Marshall
The performances were kicked off by local hip-hop star Don Gialiani, with his hype lyrics and sick dances. However, he failed to get the crowd moving enough and as such his stint was short-lived. Timeka Marshall, our very own singing sensation, did a much better job with hits like “Whining Pro” and “One More Day”. Her dancers were fantastic when they showed the audience how to do certain dances that her songs instructed. She then surprised us all by doing a collaboration with West Indies cricketer Dwayne Bravo (who substituted for Beenie Man) which was seriously not bad. However, Bravo decided that he would continue trying to entertain us all after Ms. Marshall’s performance but was quickly stopped. After a brief interlude, American Superstar Eve, known as the First Lady of the Ruff Ryders, made her way to stage and was welcomed by dropped jaws and loud cheers. She was absolutely stunning in a partially sequinned, partially see-through black bodysuit and red shoes, which made her stage presence much more appealing. She delivered tracks from the old hip-hop generation along with some new hits. Her dancers (hailing from the USA) spared us no moves as they wowed the masses with their sultry moves and attention-commanding outfits.
Dwayne BravoTrey Songz hugs a Fan
Then, it was the moment we were all waiting for. After a short awkward silence and the assembly of a live band, we were teased by an interlude from the album Passion, Pain and Pleasure before seeing the Prince of Soul and R&B making his way to the stage casually dressed in short khaki pants and a white T; from that moment, pandemonium was everywhere. Ladies screamed, hyperventilated and pulled great amounts of hair from their heads as he smiled, and sang nothing but hits. He graciously interacted with the crowds of females, teasing their very beings by taking off his shirt and vest and throwing them into the audience. He was in total control of the stage and left us all wanting more. But, before he left he chose a lucky lady from the LVIP section to come on stage and collect his vest (which he tore from his ripped body) as a token of his appreciation. She blushed and gushed while he serenaded and caressed her; he also instructed her to wear it every night when she went to bed, so that she would always think of him. Imagine the jealousy of the other female fans as they witnessed the man of their dreams embrace another woman while they wished it was them. He encouraged all committed females to remain in their relationships if they were happy but enticed all single ladies to join him in his hotel room after the show. Of course, all females wanted to take him up on his offer.
Don Gialiani
Even though we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the show we must interject our constructive criticisms of the evening’s events. First of all, if the LVIP experience just means free food and drinks for $30,000 and excludes any mingling with the performing artistes, then why do it at all? Many complained that they felt robbed because they could’ve paid the regular cost or the cost for VIP ($20,000) and had just as much fun. Maybe the Hits and Jams team can amend this for the Regional Night. When we at Guyanalive.com thought about it, there was not much memorabilia to receive nor were there photo ops for artistes with fans. Then, and most importantly, some media houses were given the shorter straws when it came to access. For instance, the Guyanalive.com team had VIP Media Passes only and as such they were restricted from entering the LVIP section. Some other media houses had All Access Passes and were even allowed backstage; that strikes us as slightly unfair and we would love to hear the explanation behind such a decision. All in all though, it was a great show and we give it an 8 out of a possible 10 on the Guyanalive.com scale. We have just one closing question: How will Hits and Jams top this?!
There was an air of expectancy in the Providence National Stadium on Sunday night as BK Western Tigers squared off against Pele Gold in the much anticipated finals of inaugural Fastball competition.
From the opening whistle Pele Gold played attacking football and made their intentions clear that they wanted to take home the top prize. Western Tigers seemed content with playing a defensive game and counterattacking. This strategy proved to be their undoing however.
2011 Female Fastball Champions: Trophy Stall All Stars
Pele created several early scoring opportunities with several shots going wide of the goal and testing the Western defense. A free shot awarded to Pele just cleared the top bar of the Western defended goal keeping the crowd excited.
The breakthrough however came after the”blue ball” was introduced into the game. The blue ball is probably the most distinctive aspect which separates fastball from regulation football. After 5 fouls are committed by any team the opposing team is awarded a six(6) seconds penalty. This is very crucial especially if the fifth foul is committed while the blue ball is in play since each goal is counted as two(2).
Doving King: Alpha United GK - Ronson Williams
The relentless attack of Pele eventually paid off just a few minutes after the blue ball was called for. Player #11 Marvin Joseph made an attacking run down the left side then after some fancy footwork, beat two defenders at the top of the box and drilled the blue ball into the back of the net putting Pele up by two.
About two minutes after halftime Western Tigers looked a more spirited team if not desperate to undo the first half damage. It proved not enough however when Stellon David needled one off a rebound. That proved to be the final goal as Pele kept the ball in posession largely for the remainder of the game.
Travis Grant captain of the winning side related that his team practiced and worked hard to be the top side and that they “are proud to be the first fastball champs.” Pele took away $1M in cash along with free credit.
In the female finals Trophy Stall All Stars got the better of Eagles United out of Lethem 3-2. The All Stars won $100,000 plus credit.
Meanwhile Ronson Williams “dove” a skillful 1000+ to win half a million dollars compliments of GTT.
An intellectual beauty with a fetish for fashion, 19 year old Davia Chambers is moving smoothly towards realizing her dreams of one day becoming a world renowned journalist and anchor as well as establishing herself as the first woman from her island to own a fashion magazine featuring everything Tobago.
Incidentally, Chambers is a current News Reporter/Anchor at Tobago Channel 5 and she also boasts an impressive portfolio even in light of the fact that she is among the youngest in the Miss Jamzone International lineup. Her personal achievements include Best Personal Interview (Miss T&T World 2010), Best Evening Wear (Miss T&T World 2010), 12 CXC and GCE passes (including 5 grade ones and the remainder in 2’s), TCI Supermodel 2009 and many awards for academics and sports in High School.
Proud to represent the beautiful Trinidad and Tobago, Davia intends to promote her country’s Carnival, exuberant culture, the rainforest, waterfalls, their National Instrument-Steel Pan, rivers and most of all the human resource.
“Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most looked at countries in the Caribbean and of this, I am proud. Therefore, I have made it my duty to continue to be an ambassador of my country, through international pageants and modeling”.
This 23 year old is a current student at the Midwestern State University majoring in Accounting and Spanish. She enjoys dancing and singing as well as listening to the mellow sounds of her favorite musicians, Alicia Keys, Lauren Hill and Beres Hammond.
Fatisha has a wealth of experience in pageantry having competed in numerous contests around the world and also states that her love for pageantry is somewhat genetic. “Pageantry has been a part of my family’s history as far back as my grandmother. My mother passed the trait down to me and my sister. My sister won the Carnival Talented Teen Show in 2009 and then went on to represent the Federation in Miss Caribbean Talented Teen”, Fatisha further explains.
If chosen as Miss Jamzone International 2011, Fatisha hopes to leave an indelible mark on the Caribbean Community through her talent of dance. “My love for dance has allowed me to reach out to many people. My dances tell stories and showcase many challenges the world faces; gang violence, pollution, child abuse etc. Throughout my appearances in different countries, my talent has left the audience reason to believe, that the world will change one day, only if we work together.”
We’re exactly one week away from the commencement of Guyana’s greatest festival and the atmosphere is pulsating with ‘Jamzone’ fever. Tickets are practically flying off the shelves, stores are restocking their clothing section exclusively with ‘summer’ apparel and patrons abroad are eagerly awaiting their flights to head our way. Among the most talked about events on the roster is the much anticipated and star studded ‘Jamzone International Night’ Super Concert which will feature R&B Superstar Trey Songz and a special guest performance by renowned Hip Hop megastar Eve, as well as supporting acts Timeka Marshall and Don Gialiani.
The general feedback from the local audience has been great since the addition of both artistes consciously targets two separate factions of fans of varying personal interest with one common interest, which is a love for great music.
The organizers have already begun venue preparations to ensure the stage is set to the required International standards and making any adjustments to accommodate varying weather conditions. With partnership from various corporate entities, the Jamzone team is working earnestly to ensure that this year goes down in history as one of the most memorable.
General tickets for this concert and all other Jamzone Summer Break 2011 events with the exception of the Miss Jamzone International Pageant are available at Ashmins Trading while the VIP and Luxury VIP (LVIP) can be obtained from Glamour Designer Brands in the Gizmos and Gadgets Superstore, 13 North Road and Wellington streets. Tickets for the Miss Jamzone International 2011 pageant which will feature eleven delegates from around the Caribbean are currently on sale at the National Cultural Center.
For further information kindly contact our office at 227-0580 or you can simply check out our website at Jamzonesummerbreak.com.
Suriname heads to Guyana once more for the second staging of the Miss Jamzone International pageant. This time, armed with veritable conviction and a 21 year old show-topper who plans to leave no stone unturned in her quest for the crown. The Dutch representative Stacy Norine Ceder is currently studying to become a Chemical Analyst at the Suriname Nature Technical Institute (NATIN).
Though her favorite hobby is modeling, Stacey also enjoys swimming dancing and believe it or not, this beauty loves Thai Boxing. Ceder is an avid fashion enthusiast and has also participated in numerous runway shows and modeling competitions throughout her country including the Miss Suriname 2008 pageant.
Ceder describes herself as a rigid, persistent individual and a very redoubtable opponent.
