Conscious Minds November to Remember 2 – Night of Divas

Soca Queen Destra Garcia
Soca Queen Destra Garcia

Divas, both big and small (and fluffy and slim) congregated at the Guyana National Stadium for Conscious Minds’ “November to Remember 2 – Night of the Divas” concert last Saturday, November 17, 2012.

I understand that with November being the month to raise awareness for Domestic Violence, head of Conscious Minds thought it wise and timely to hold an event showcasing Caribbean Dancehall & Soca Divas. However, he neglected to include his own Guyanese divas but I guess we’ll discuss that later, first let me tell you about the show.
The show was hosted by Lisa Punch and Mondale Smith. Lisa, though not slated to perform opened up with a song (a song the DJ took forever to find) before she introduced the first act of the evening. Rags up! Flags up! If you’re not a soca loving diva then you would really find it hard to appreciate Destra Garcia’s music. Bringing the revelry and excitement of Carnival, Destra took us from hits to hits of her sweet sweet soca music. Many of the stiletto wearers decided to forego their ridiculous heels for flats to jump and frolic around to hits such as Max It Up, In D Air, Carnival, Jumpin’ and many more. She had patrons moving from one side of the stadium to the other. She even called a young lady from the crowd to represent for the Guyanese ladies. No one from the VIP opted to represent so a very willing young girl from General jumped the barricade to join Destra on stage. Her jumping did not go in vain because she surely didn’t disappoint.

Denise "Saucy" Belfon

In the middle of her performance Destra introduced on stage with her another one of Trinidad’s soca sensations, Denise ‘Saucy Wow’ Belfon. Saucy wasted no time in getting down to business and displaying her agility as she did the bicycle and many other gyrations. She even schooled the divas on what to do to their men when they got home, I hope many took notes. Saucy Wow’s energetic performance featured hits such as “Saucy Baby” and one of the best impersonations of Tina Turner’s song, “Private Dancer”. Destra got back on stage and the soca duo performed “Obsessive Winers” together before Destra finished off her performance and culminated the soca aspect of the show. Yes, I can tell you that many persons were dripping at the end of all that wining.

Tanya Stephens
Tanya Stephens

From Trinidad to Jamaica, from soca to dancehall, from the revelry of Carnival to stimulating social commentary, from the soca queen to the dancehall queen, from Destra to Tanya Stephens. The ladies (and surprisingly some men) all rushed to the front of the stage to get a little closer to Tanya. Women respect Tanya because they can relate to each and every one of her songs, some of the few she shared included “Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet”, “Tek Him Back”, “Boom Wuk”, “It’s a Pity”, “What a Day”, “Good Ride”, “These Streets” and many more. A for Amazing Tanya!

Spice

The show got a little hyper when dancehall diva Spice came on stage, the very vulgar Ms. Jim Screechie , who looked much better in her outfit last night then the clown suit she wore in August belted out the few tracks she has and then invited fluffy Pamputae on stage with her. Pamputae might be fluffy but she can move thus her recent single Slim vs. Fluffy which she sang with help from Spice and two girls, one fluffy and one slim from the crowd. The fluffy girl outdid the slim girl just like the song says. LOL. Pamputae ended her performance with her signature “Pat Yuh Pu$$y” and left Spice on stage who did an amazing but very raw rendition of the Power of Love.

Dancehall Queen Lady Saw
Dancehall Queen Lady Saw

The last diva to grace the stage was the Queen of Dancehall, the one, the only Lady Saw who got right down to business by taking off her heels and belting out hits such as “If Him Lef”, “Woman Mi Name”, “Sycamore Tree”, “Gal No Worry”, “Wife a Wife”, “Hardcore (It’s Raining)”, “It’s a Pity”, “Push

Over” and concluded with her very recent “Heels On”.
The show was an epic one I must say. Kudos to the Divas!
But I would have really liked to have at least two Guyanese divas on stage maybe Timeka Marshall & Jackie Hanover (sticking to the dancehall genre) and one last thing before I go, why was the show so scarcely attended?

Click to view album –> November to Remember 2 – Night of Divas

Conscious Minds Entertainment: Night of the Diva’s cast gets bigger

Spice, Tanya Stephens, Pamputtee join cast 

The Conscious Minds Promotions has released several more mega caribbean dancehall and reggae queen names to add to the ‘November to Remember 2’ cast for the true experience of ‘The Night of the Divas’ mega concert. The event is billed for November 17 at the National Stadium, Providence.
The promotions group that is continuing its drive to add to the development of the entertainment industry has announced that in addition to Dance Hall self styled Grammy Award Winner Misses Lady Saw the other names carded for the Jamaican segment of the show now includes Spice who has hits such as ‘Ramping Shop,’ ‘Slim vs. Fluffy’ and ‘Jim Screechie, the fluffy and sexy diva-luscious Pampute of fluffy gyal fame, and Gaza Kim. As if that line up is not enough all conscious vibes, truth seeking ladies and men who want to dig into the women’s secret bag of emotions and tricks the very conscious vibes lyricist Tanya Stephens. A mega soca line up out of Trinidad is likely to be named shortly as’ the night of the divas’ event is said to be one to celebrate and showcase the different sides of women in the face of all the hurts, disappointments and successes she is still as a rose.

Lady Saw
Lady Saw

Lady Saw
Since bursting on to the music scene in 1994 Marian ‘Lady Saw’ Hall has produced eight and counting albums to her name such as ‘Lover Girl’, ‘Give me a reason,’ ‘walk out,’ ‘my way’ and 99 ways etc. Lady Saw received a gold certification from the R.I.A.A. for “Smile” with Vitamin C, a triple-platinum certification from the R.I.A.A. for “Underneath It All”, her 2003 collaboration with No Doubt, and a Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Duo or Group for her featured performance on No Doubt’s single “Underneath It All”. She recorded such songs as “Freedom of Speech” and enjoyed a big hit in Jamaica with “Hardcore” in 1985, which was followed up with “Welding Torch.” She also recorded “Condom,” warning girls of the dangers of unprotected heterosexual sex. Lady Saw recorded duets with major stars, including Beenie Man, Luciano, Dennis Brown, Bounty Killer and Beres Hammond.

By the mid-1990s she moved away from slackness towards “conscious” lyrics. In 1999 she had a major hit in the United States with “Smile”, recorded with Vitamin C, which peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, also a major hit in New Zealand and Canada, and certified gold with over 500,000 sales. In 2002, her collaboration with No Doubt, “Underneath It All”, which reached number three in the US and sold more than three million copies, reaching triple platinum certification. The track won a Grammy Award for’Best Performance by a Duo or Group’. Lady Saw is the first female deejay to win a Grammy Award and to be certified as a triple-platinum artist and is also touted as the first woman to headline dancehall shows outside her native Jamaica. She launched her own record label, Divas Records, in January 2010 and has since released a single ‘no less than a woman,’ a song that addresses the issue of women who have not been able to birth a child of their own. The Lyrics that encourages women to understand “ not having a child don’t make you any less than a woman, I got so much love to give to so much unwanted kids” as message that mirrors he life experience.

Spice
Spice

Spice returns yet again
The ‘Jim Screechie queen’, Spice, is billed to return after two high-energy performances in Guyana and is promising an even more exciting return. Guyana knows her capabilities on stage as while she was originally contracted for one Guyanese performance, Spice made such an impression on her Guyanese fans, that she was immediately booked by yet another promoter for another event the following day. She is quoted as stating “I love my Guyanese fans. It was such great energy and the vibe was really crazy for both events. The turnout, even for the last-minute event was phenomenal, but it just shows what can happen when you hit the stage with a great set and give the fans their money’s worth.” The mother of two, made the radical decision to hit the stage one week after the birth of her daughter, NichoLatoya and stated back then that “… I’m a naturally assertive person and I go after anything I want. I was in a position where I was physically fit to hit the stage again, so why hold back?”
The deejay is known for her’spicy’ tracks, Fight Ova Man, Ramping Shop (featuring the equally controversial, Vybz Kartel), Back Broad, Slim vs. Fluffy (featuring Pamputtae), Jim Screechie and others.

“Tony is a fabulous producer and his stuff has always been mainly cross-over material. With the two tracks, fans can definitely expect the unexpected. In the same way that Jim Screechie caught persons off-guard because they didn’t expect that kind of flow from me, the two songs are gonna do that,” she says. Her other songs include ‘I Wanna Know’ and Keep It All as well as ‘Me Good’.

Tanya Stephens ready to give conscious diva vibes.
Be it the National Park or a club Tanya Stephens has proven that she’s all about lyrics and message to empower women and to dish the dirt on reality for men to wake up and celebrate their women despite. She’s been to Guyana on several occasions and somehow fans can never get enough of her no matter what and she’s ready to dish the unadulterated truth be it a little white lie, a good ride, on these streets. This mother of a teenage daughter is not afraid to dish it to the man (the powers that be) or the KKK and she’ bold enough to tell a married man lustfully that ‘it’s a pity’ or ‘you nuh ready feh this yet. ‘ Her Repertoire is endless and she’s ready to serve it all up to her Guyanese fans.

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.

Elephant Man, Macka Diamond, Spice, Rick Ross for Jamzone International Night 2012

Jamaican Dancehall Artist: Elephant Man
Jamaican Dancehall Artist: Elephant Man

Elephant Man, Ashnie Singh and 2 Famous Band of Holland ready for Jamzone Summer Break 12!

We’re just two weeks away from the staging of Guyana’s greatest entertainment festival! The artistes and entertainers are doing final rehearsals, stages and venues are being prepared and the organizers are working assiduously to ensure Jamzone celebrates it twelfth birth anniversary in grand style!

This week, the Jamzone updates are hot! One of Jamaica and Dancehall’s brightest stars, Elephant Man will be joining Rick Ross, Spice and Macka Diamond on stage at the 2012 Jamzone International Night concert! This artiste, also known to fans as the ‘Energy God’ is the responsible mastermind behind the idea of making Dancehall music fun. His energy-infused, free-spirited, catchy songs coupled with unforgettable stage presence makes him one of the most loved and respected Dancehall artistes in the industry. His most popular hits include ‘Wille Bounce’, ‘Nuh Linga’, ‘Signal di Plane’ and ‘Pon di River, Pon di Bank’ which snagged him a Source Award for Dancehall/ Reggae Artist of the Year along with a MTV Music Award nomination. Elephant man has also enjoyed several chart-topping collaborations with Lil’ Jon on the “Get Low Remix,” R. Kelly on “Reggae Bump Bump,” Pitbull and Daddy Yankee, Kat DeLuna and Janet Jackson on ‘All Nite (Don’t Stop)’ which was performed on stage at the 2004 BET Awards.

Also, two of Holland’s top Chutney entertainers, Ashnie Singh and the electrifying ‘2 Famous’ band have joined the huge cast of the Jamzone ‘Chutney Summa’ concert which includes top acts such as the incredible Karma Band, De Hunter, Terry Gadraj, Soca Elvis, De Hitman and Rakesh Yankaran among many others! This event is billed for August 18th at the Guyana National Stadium!
Twelve years of success is certainly a monumental achievement that deserves an unforgettable commemoration. This year, we are sparing no efforts to ensure that Jamzone Summer Break 2012 goes down in history! In addition to an incredible musical experience, one will definitely enjoy all the attractions only Jamzone can offer.