Tennicia De Freitas wins and so did Young Bill Rogers
Jr.Calypso Queen Tennicia Defreitas & Health Song Monarch Young Bill Rogers
Starting things off with the first victory for Kross Kolor Records for Mash 2012, Tennicia De Freitas is once again the Junior Calypso Monarch of Guyana. This feisty 20 year old beauty went up against ten other youngsters including the 2011 monarch Diana Chapman who placed 2nd and the lone male competitor Quincy Richmond who was announced the 3rd place winner. With her song entitled "Rumors- I Don't Know "which was written and composed by her manager, CEO and owner of Kross Kolor Records; Mr. Burchmore Simon, she immediately caught the audience's attention as she performed and belted out the lyrics on the stage at the MSC ground in Linden last Saturday night.
Due to inclement weather the show got off to a late start but that did not stop the Lindeners and others from Georgetown from being present at the event being the first along with the Ministry of Health's Health song competition to start off the usual Mashramani celebrations. Tennicia who was also defending her crown in the latter competition came in at first runner-up with former monarch Young Bill Rogers reclaiming the title. She is no stranger to the calypso arena since she started off by winning the Children's Mashramani Calypso competition in 2006 for three consecutive years and later moved up into the junior category in 2009 and placed 3rd. With her manager's guidance and motivation from the people closest to her she was crowned the 2010 junior calypso queen with the Song "Don't Want to Be Born" which took Guyana by storm and made waves across the regions and New York. She lost the crown in 2011 but once again came and proved that she is truly a fighter. According to Miss De Freitas 2012 is her final year competing as a junior and she is very overwhelmed to be leaving with a ‘bang' and hopes that her achievements thus far will motivate and encourage other young people to go after their dreams and one is yet to see the other side of her.
As a result of winning the competition Tennicia De Freitas earned her spot to compete in the senior category by automatic entry to the semi finals. This round of the competition is scheduled for the 11th of February 2012 in Wales on the West Bank of Demerara. Tennicia De Freitas wishes to thank her manager and the entire Kross Kolor family for helping to make her the person she is today and her great achievements thus far. She also sends heartfelt gratitude to all of her fans and supporters, family, Dawn Stanislaus and Mr. Derry Etkins for their support and contributions.
Tennicia Defreitas and Her Mother
Starting things off with the first victory for Kross Kolor Records for Mash 2012, Tennicia De Freitas is once again the Junior Calypso Monarch of Guyana. This feisty 20 year old beauty went up against ten other youngsters including the 2011 monarch Diana Chapman who placed 2nd and the lone male competitor Quincy Richmond who was announced the 3rd place winner. With her song entitled "Rumors- I Don't Know "which was written and composed by her manager, CEO and owner of Kross Kolor Records; Mr. Burchmore Simon, she immediately caught the audience's attention as she performed and belted out the lyrics on the stage at the MSC ground in Linden last Saturday night.
Due to inclement weather the show got off to a late start but that did not stop the Lindeners and others from Georgetown from being present at the event being the first along with the Ministry of Health's Health song competition to start off the usual Mashramani celebrations. Tennicia who was also defending her crown in the latter competition came in at first runner-up with former monarch Young Bill Rogers reclaiming the title. She is no stranger to the calypso arena since she started off by winning the Children's Mashramani Calypso competition in 2006 for three consecutive years and later moved up into the junior category in 2009 and placed 3rd. With her manager's guidance and motivation from the people closest to her she was crowned the 2010 junior calypso queen with the Song "Don't Want to Be Born" which took Guyana by storm and made waves across the regions and New York. She lost the crown in 2011 but once again came and proved that she is truly a fighter. According to Miss De Freitas 2012 is her final year competing as a junior and she is very overwhelmed to be leaving with a ‘bang' and hopes that her achievements thus far will motivate and encourage other young people to go after their dreams and one is yet to see the other side of her.
As a result of winning the competition Tennicia De Freitas earned her spot to compete in the senior category by automatic entry to the semi finals. This round of the competition is scheduled for the 11th of February 2012 in Wales on the West Bank of Demerara.
Tennicia De Freitas wishes to thank her manager and the entire Kross Kolor family for helping to make her the person she is today and her great achievements thus far. She also sends heartfelt gratitude to all of her fans and supporters, family, Dawn Stanislaus and Mr. Derry Etkins for their support and contributions. Starting things off with the first victory for Kross Kolor Records for Mash 2012, Tennicia De Freitas is once again the Junior Calypso Monarch of Guyana. This feisty 20 year old beauty went up against ten other youngsters including the 2011 monarch Diana Chapman who placed 2nd and the lone male competitor Quincy Richmond who was announced the 3rd place winner. With her song entitled "Rumors- I Don't Know "which was written and composed by her manager, CEO and owner of Kross Kolor Records; Mr. Burchmore Simon, she immediately caught the audience's attention as she performed and belted out the lyrics on the stage at the MSC ground in Linden last Saturday night.
Due to inclement weather the show got off to a late start but that did not stop the Lindeners and others from Georgetown from being present at the event being the first along with the Ministry of Health's Health song competition to start off the usual Mashramani celebrations. Tennicia who was also defending her crown in the latter competition came in at first runner-up with former monarch Young Bill Rogers reclaiming the title. She is no stranger to the calypso arena since she started off by winning the Children's Mashramani Calypso competition in 2006 for three consecutive years and later moved up into the junior category in 2009 and placed 3rd. With her manager's guidance and motivation from the people closest to her she was crowned the 2010 junior calypso queen with the Song "Don't Want to Be Born" which took Guyana by storm and made waves across the regions and New York. She lost the crown in 2011 but once again came and proved that she is truly a fighter. According to Miss De Freitas 2012 is her final year competing as a junior and she is very overwhelmed to be leaving with a ‘bang' and hopes that her achievements thus far will motivate and encourage other young people to go after their dreams and one is yet to see the other side of her.
As a result of winning the competition Tennicia De Freitas earned her spot to compete in the senior category by automatic entry to the semi finals. This round of the competition is scheduled for the 11th of February 2012 in Wales on the West Bank of Demerara.
Tennicia De Freitas wishes to thank her manager and the entire Kross Kolor family for helping to make her the person she is today and her great achievements thus far. She also sends heartfelt gratitude to all of her fans and supporters, family, Dawn Stanislaus and Mr. Derry Etkins for their support and contributions.
Freetown Collective: What an Experience!
Freetown Collective Flier
There was an extraordinary hype about this Trinidadian group Freetown Collective, so extraordinary that I needed to unearth for myself what the buzz was all about.
So I attended Freetown Collective Unplugged: The VIP Show held at Night Cap on Sunday, January 29, 2012. I was blown away by the talent and conscious vibes that were oozing from these young men. Twas a truly entertaining evening!
The evening was so engaging that I'm sure most persons probably forgot the late start due to inclement weather and maybe even the weather itself. The performance commenced with a variation of sounds from Freetown Collective's very artistic percussionist, Baba Onilu. The amazing thing about Baba is that he makes all the instruments he plays. His brilliant sounds paved the way for the beginning of a very intimate session between Freetown Collective and the audience.
Keegan Maharaj, the poet; Lou Lyons, the guitarist and Muhammad Muwakil, the vocalist took the audience on a lyrical journey filled with real life experiences, tribulations, relationships, sex and love. Muhammad encouraged the listeners to "raise your hands at anytime, it's that kinda session."
The pieces were captivating, uplifting and awe-inspiring. The group exemplifies versatility, flair and togetherness. Lou shifted from keyboard to guitar and the group's bass player, Ikechi Griffith added to the rhythm and harmony of the evening.
"We have no song list..." said Muhammad, "…we want to feel the vibes from the crowd." The crowd was very much in tuned with the group; everyone was under their magical spell. One audience member asked "Who is Freetown Collective?" Muhammad replied "We are us." (Keep reading I'll tell you who they really are).
Freetown Collective is sheer conscious vibes. This is even exhibited in their spoken word pieces recited by the group's 'resident poet' Keegan. He treated the crowd to two pieces; the last one about sex was being recited for the first time. That one had everyone smiling from ear to ear.
Muhammad noted that Freetown Collective is very emotional about what they write, though entertaining to us; their pieces are what they feel, think, experience and dream of. We were very fortunate to be granted a tour through their minds.
My favourite song for the evening was a song done by Muhammad about the very first girl he loved. The lyrics told the story of love in its purest form, love defying borders, love lost. I was almost drawn to tears (the tears were there), and I am positive that I was not the only one.
The show ended with everyone on their feet, shaking and moving to the beat and the vibes coming from the group. What better way to conclude a remarkable evening of soulful lyrics, gifted performers and good vibrations?!
Now for the million dollar question, 'Who is Freetown Collective?' Freetown Collective is a tribe of highly passionate poets and lyricists. The Freetown concept follows on the notion that every man and woman has a personal responsibility to free themselves from negative mental and social chains so as to free their families, their neighbourhoods, their nations and indeed by extension, the world. So the music must remain a freeing agent creating within each listener a "free town" that he/she is able to build upon and move out to affect the world. Based in Trinidad, the group is swiftly becoming a force to be reckoned with.
If you missed the Night Cap showed you surely missed a damn good thing, but not to worry you can have your chance to be blown away at Freetown Collective's next show at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday, February 4, 2012 commencing at 8pm.
Freetown Collective is in Guyana as part of Upscale Poetry's 10th Anniversary Celebrations.
By Schemel Patrick
Granny Ivelaw is coming for Carib Soca Monarch
Granny Ivelaw
The name Ivelaw Campbell may be popular for his Comedic Granny Ivelaw character which is in great demand even for music videos. Now while he's probably one of Guyana's better dancers the director/instructor for the Popular 'Dance Fanatics Theater' has upped his game yet again to singing. If you thought that his mosquito soca song was hilarious you need to see the video for his new gig. Not only has he entered but he's made the Carib soca Monarch shortlist for 2012, and joins 17others hoping to claim the lion's share of $1.5M plus the best new comer prize.
The 30-year-old who has danced on most stages around Guyana for some of the more major international events is taking his first stint at competitive singing on Saturday February 4 in Linden at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. And his tool is not a regular jump and wave routine he's actually addressing the feelings of many men when it comes to the ever popular 'African moods'. Four years ago no matter what was on television he did not have a choice but to please Amanda Evans, the lady in his life who was crazy about 'African moods.' "No matter how disinterested he was she always had me watching that stuff" and now I'm singing about it. Strange inspiration ain't it?
It was from the many conversations he had with other men that he penned the song and according to Granny Ivelaw "Since then it's like almost every woman I know does throw aside everything, even spend money budgeted for other things on African moods, cause it what it will."
So after I wrote the song, not for competition, with encouragement from entertainer Ian Johnson I ended up at the Fire-Claan studios. Musician Osley 'Spider' Hopkinson heard the song and added his musical magic and it was entered. Admittedly he didn't know what to expect but when the coordinator Nigel Worrel called him with the news he was more than excited. He says ultimately women would get upset but he's almost certain that many men would like to have their women prepare more food and less African Moods.
He says he's walking into the competition with an open mind knowing that the top of the crop includes reigning Banks Soca Monarch Jumo, Three times Carib Soca Monarch Adrian Dutchin and Veteran Calypsonian Sweet Kendingo amongst others.
He hasn't decided what would be his next step if he wins but he's sure that he will continue no matter the outcome to be an entertainment ambassador for Guyana to do. Granny Ivelaw is popular for appearing in such videos as Mahenra Ramkillawan's 'Mother-in-law,' Father -In-law and 'Dem ah watch meh.' The Character has also appeared in Charmaine Blackman's 'is mash video.' The Granny Character has also made its way to Trinidad as the side show act for Chutney Monarch 2011 and he is due back in the island on February 11 as part of the Hunter presentation in the Trinidad Chuny Monarch 2012.
By Mondale Smith
Law man Roger Bowen brings Fireman for second shot at Soca Monarch title
Roger Bowen
With about seven years of singing any genres of music experience local law man Roger Bowen is taking aim yet again at the Carib Soca Monarch title. His tool is a high energy song titled 'Fireman' written by Lindener Michael 'Buju' Davidson. He like the others who made the semifinals list is optimistic about his chances of making the finals of the 2012 Carib Soca Monarch and ultimately winning despite the more experienced competition.
The song with the contagious hook 'rude boy give she the water…give she the hose… she body on fire… she body exposes' is arranged by Osley 'Spider' Hopkinson. It tells of a woman who is out to have a good time come hell or high water for the carnival festival and the heat becomes too much for her hence the fireman is called to cool her down” Bowen says.
Last time he tried his hands at the competition was in 2007 with his own composition but on that occasion he only made it to the National Park where apparently there were not enough hands ' in de air' to get the Judges approval for any if the top spots. That was an interesting experience that thought me a lot and now several years later I think I'm ready to take the clash all the way,” he told this publication.
The father of one who lives Better Verwagtin says he's always been excited about competitions but never was bold enough to enter now he's fully ready and plans to bring it even against the big wigs. At age 24 he has already front lined for local bands such as The Guyana Police Band force Band, Mischievous Guys, Mingles Sound machine and is current a Lead singer in the Temperature band. His on stage experience covers performances on almost every stage in Guyana barring Lethem.
He has done opening acts for the likes Berres Hammond, Tarrus Rhiley, Morgan Heritage, Vegas and Neyo as well as the GTT 10/10 oft Ball competition etc and is encouraging all to come out and support the competition as it is the pulse of the Mash festival. He's a constable in the police Force for the past four years and because of his performance one year the band was offered a lucrative sum of cash from then Police Commissioner Henry Green.
India’s Rabindranauth Tagore’s work For N.C.C stage
Aditya Persaud
Ajay Baksh
The Dramatic Arts Academy (DAA) is pleased to announce that it will be staging twoplays written by India's renowned Poet and Nobel Laureate, the late Rabindranauth Tagore, on Friday, January 27, 2012 at the National Cultural Centre commencing at19:00hrs. Admission will be free. The plays are in commemoration of his 150th birthanniversary which was observed on August 07, 2011. The Government of India had designated 2011 a year to remember and commemorate the life and works of Tagore.
Chris Gopaul
Derek Gomes
The presentations, which were scheduled for November, last year, were unavoidablypostponed due to National and Regional Elections. However, the DAA notes thatdespite not being able to stage the presentations in the designated year, it feels thatGuyanese should not be robbed of the opportunity to experience the literary skills ofthis prolific writer. The two plays to be staged are “The Trial” and “The King andthe Queen”.
Keisha Narine
Michael Ignatius
“The Trial”, which presents opportunities for humour, examines aspects of powerand greed by a servant who worked in the Palace whilst juxtaposing benevolence anddeprivation. Estimated run time is forty minutes. “The King and the Queen”, withan estimated run time of an hour, can best be described as a drama. It is the story of aman who basically conquered everything within his grasp only to be deficient in lovehis wife should have reciprocated. It shows that war sometimes can have its genesis inthe search for love.
Rajan Tiwari
Rushella Edmondson
Both plays are directed by Neaz Subhan and will feature some of the best Guyaneseactors and actresses. The cast includes, Ajay Baksh, Derek Gomes, Michael Ignatius,Rajan Tiwari, Sonia Yarde, Keisha Narine, Rushella Edmondson, Romel Edmondson,Narda Mohamed, Chris Gopaul, Shameeza Mohamed, Kerimaria Phang, JenifferPersaud, Karicia Couchman, Aditya Persaud and Rupert Singh. In addition to the twoplays, recitation of a Tagore's poem and a dance by the Indian Cultural Centre willform part of the evening's programme.
The DAA would like to reiterate its pleasure for being associated with thepresentations and hopes that Guyanese would take the opportunity to witness a sampleof Tagore's exemplary work. The DAA would like to express its profound gratitude tothe Indian High Commission for its advice and support of this project.
Rabindranauth Tagore was born on May 7, 1861 and died on August 7, 1941. Hebecame the first non-European Nobel laureate by earning the 1913 Prize in Literature.Known mostly for his poetry, he wrote novels, essays, short stories, travelogues,dramas, and thousands of songs. He also composed the National Anthems of Indiaand Bangladesh.
HJ Mash Camp 2012 – Five weeks of back-to-back events!
The season of Soca, revelry and celebration is here again and the customary Mashramani festivities have already begun; however, the Hits and Jams Mash camp is just putting the finishing touches on a scorching lineup of activities sure to make Mash 2012 an explosive, unforgettable experience!
All HJ Mash Camp parties will be held at the fabulous Tower Poolside, the first of which begins with the sizzling '6.30 in jeans' Soca Jeans party featuring Barbadian Soca Star and original '6.30' and 'whining pro' hit-maker, Skinny Fabulous on February 4th. On the 11th the Tower Poolside will gleam under amazing décor and special lighting at the HJ 'Wotless in white' party which the Mash camp team is insisting will be an event unlike any other ever witnessed in Guyana. The following Saturday all females will be admitted free of charge to the 'Ladies First' party, an event dedicated to women! The décor and atmosphere will 'scream' femininity and lots of free gifts and surprises are in store for lucky ladies!
On Wednesday, February 22nd the hottest artiste in the Barbados Soca circle Lil Rick, will take the stage at the 'Jones and Wuk up Wednesday' party to perform several of his chart-topping hits such as the 'Go Dung', Jones and Wuk up' and 'Work' all of which are currently at the top of every possible Caribbean music chart!
On Mash day, the HJ Mash band will take to the streets decked out in brilliant costumes to take part in the annual 'Mash-day Float Parade'. Costumes are currently being prepared and will be available to the public soon.
The curtains will finally close on the HJ Mash Camp events on February 25th at the 'Insomnia' party which is strictly for 'die-hard partygoers' and insomniacs!
More details will follow soon!
18 Make 2012 Carib Soca Monarch shortlist
2012 Carib Soca Monarch Contestants
Close to $4M in cash prizes up for grabs
Four former calypso monarchs, a three times Soca monarch, a reigning Banks Groovy Soca monarch, a comedic dancer, several new faces and a big singer's son are set to create the soca mash music pulse competitively on February 4 in Linden as the much Anticipated Carib Soca Monarch 2012.
Get ready for some major high energy, competitive soca action the competition makes its return with a collective, cash prizes purse of about $4M… the winner gets $1.5M take home as opposed to the $1M previously announced. All told there were 33 but that list is now narrowed down to 18 singers. This comes after a one year hiatus and is anticipated to be the most supported for the energy and entertainment that is often the heart beat of the National Republic Festival. Expressing surprise at the number of entries submitted Public Relations Officer Darshanie Yussu and event coordinator Nigel Worrel dubbed the shortlist as the best of the best and said that this year's winner will be representing Guyana at the 2013 International Soca Monarch.
The two former senior calypso monarchs are Roger Hinds a.k.a Young Bill Rogers who will be 'behind a band' and Rudolph Kendal known as Sweet Kendingo will let the audience know that 'we going til Morning'. Former Junior monarchs Abigail James (AJ) likes 'breakfast' and Wilbur Levans also called B52 will be 'highly flammable' in their bid to make the finals. Three times soca Monarch Adrian dutchin is back in the competition as is the Reigning Banks Groovy Soca Monarch Jumo Rubber waist' Primo singing 'I am a Guyanese' and 'One people' respectively. They are all part of the Kross kolors Head Hunters crew that also includes three times road March queen Melissa Vanilla Roberts. She's coming with 'Rage.' Those who competed before are Beverly Smith known as Little B who managed a second spot before in the competition and this time she's 'on the road again.' The others are Roger Bowen (Roger B) and Barbados based Pier Dasilva. Their songs are 'Fire Man' and 'Mash Up De Place' Respectively
Other names are Atiola Peters, lone duo Roger Hassell and Colin Boyce combined, another semi-finalist is comedic dancer turn singer Ivelaw Campbel aka Granny Ivelaw and he's in an 'African mood.' Big Red is not in the competition but her son Jonathan King is and he wants to tell the soca lovers to 'hold me tight' in his bid to better his mother's second place performance. Christine McKoy aka Chris T is taking her first shot at the title and hopes to win the first prize with her reminder that ' we Guyanese,' and Dexter Lovel aka 'Dexter D' is ready to remind all that its 'Soca Morning.' Other new names to the competition are Dwayne Semple and George Abrams called King Shepherd and Anthony and they are singing 'wine up on it' and 'Wine Attack respectively. The semi final is scheduled for February 4, 2012 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden. This stage of the competition will see six contestants being eliminated with those remaining advancing to the final on the 18th February, 2012 at the National Park where they will be joined by the reigning monarch Orlando Johashen for a night of riveting competitive entertainment.
By Mondale Smith
Raining Bottles caused Pandemonium at Fandemonium
Car ticket holder still to claim prize
Hits and Jams supporters at Fandemonium
Hits and Jams team has expressed great disappointment at some overzealous patrons whose actions brought a premature end to an evening of fun and give back to their diehard fans at the second annual Fandemonium staged at the National Park Saturday night.
The event got off to a fair start with Entertainer Kerwin Bollers and some other names creating the hype through the Fusion Stereo Sounds at the National Park as a mostly youthful bunch gathered. Though out the events staging the numbers grew continually covering most of the National Park's tarmac and while there were those who basically observed the proceedings the majority were bent on having a good time and that was a sure unfolding from the DJs platter.
Patrons celebrated as ticket numbers were pulled from the spinning cage at intervals for the more than 600 prizes up for grabs, at no cost to them. All they did was show up and were issued tickets with numbers. Some won hampers of assorted items, boom boxes, Black berry and shango phones and others got Ipods, toasters, DVD players, electric irons as well as one year free entrance to all HJ promoted events. One woman's joy could not be contained when she realized that she had the ticket with the winning number drawn for the laptop. And for good measure she also got a modem to enjoy a month's supply of free internet access. The sounds were the partying kind and all seemed well.
From left: X2, Lil J, Calais Peterkins, Don Gialiani
Then it was entertainment from the likes of as Lil Jay, Gialiani and Calais Peterkins. The dynamic Jackie Handover also performed proving her star quality vocally with performance to match.
The show went along well with some slight jabs to 'Haters and witch craft worker' from the DJs. Then Dj Seon aka the 'Gully Ras' faced the crowd with much hype and created a volcanic celebration with contagious soca vibes.
"Throw something in the air" he shouted and patrons responded with rags and plastic bottles being flung skywards but the party's bug bearer were glass bottles... those rained from the audience. His call to toss rags and then something in the air brought out the zeal in the party goers and they 'pallanced' tossing whatever they had in their hands skywards.
Bishram pulling the Car Winning Ticket
PANDEMONIUM: persons ducked and ran for cover in every direction and most escaped without injury. But one young lady was not that lucky as her head paid the ultimate price. With I seconds the once crowded tarmac was reduced to a few scattered patrons, some with umbrellas and bottles littered everywhere.
Comedian Chow Pow intervened at the microphone side and managed to get the crowd back to order and into the partying mode in just about 15 minutes. Bob Marley's music blasted through the speakers as continued calls for calm were heeded.
Then Jumo and Adrian (X2) were next on stage after several patrons including a 73 year old grandmother were issued birthday gifts as it happened to be their birthday.
But sooner after the crowd regrouped and was back in the partying mode on the tarmac and all seemed well more scattering happened. This time as X2 dished the out some of their hits the crowd indeed went 'Crazy' again... bottles rained forcing the duo and patrons alike to run for cover. Again! This time however the crowd was not ready to take any further risks. Some hurriedly exited the National Park while others stayed on for the drawing of numbers for the 51 inches flat-screen TV and the Car. After those were pulled from the cage a seaman, Timothy Griffith, age 21 brandished his ticket stub winning him the flat-screen Television which he collected it too. "Is 15 days since I come back from working in Suriname and I never expected this but I'm very, very happy... THANKS Hits and Jams," he said as his friends flocked to the stage.
From Right: CEO of Hits and Jams Entertainment Rawle Ferguson hands over TV to Winner
The number for the ticket holder to win the grand prize of the car is 4634 pulled by media operative Bisham of Guyana Times. However, after several calls for the ticket holder to come forward the promoters announced that the number will be published for the ticket holder to collect the car as by then the winner may have already exited the venue...
Earlier the day's activities included fun time for children with appearances from Sponge Bob, Barney, Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters.
A point to note is that in the 10 years of Hits and Jams hosting events there was never a bottle throwing incident prior. Last year the event was incident free too.
Fandemonium was advertised as a 'Free entry party' and it did deliver on that promise. However while some were lucky to collect free drinks, popsicles and ice cream others probably turned up at the venue when the stocks were done. Some did murmur but settled for beer at $300per bottle. But the music rocked and the prizes were great...
And the numbers in support tipped about 5000. However, it ended premature as a result of the bottles that rained from the audience hence Jory did not get to do what he does best. One member of the Hits and Jams Coordinating committee said "certain things can't be prevented when people have hate in their heart but you've got to smile and move on, Trusting God who knows the truth."
By Mondale Smith
Introducing: Jay Anderson US based GT Boy
Jay Anderson
"Hi Jay Anderson I love your voice and your music... can I have your number?", "OMG J Anderson you are soooooo cute baby and you are talented and smart too", "make Guyana Proud," "I wish you every success as your number one fan."
These are amongst some of the comments after just seven minutes of listening to the conversation and snippets of Jay Anderson on Caribbean Music Box aired on BTV Channel 2.
The name Jay Anderson is by no means popular in Guyana just yet, but if all goes well this New York based college student may soon be a household name internationally. He hails from Queenstown, Essequibo but at age 13 his family migrated to the USA to seek out a better life. By chance he wrote a poem that eventually turned into a Hip Hop and RnB song and now many moons later, he’s got a repertoire of more than 100 songs recorded. But of that lot he has released only two for which he has videos namely ‘Popular’ and ‘Mirror Mirror’.
That’s just the beginning as this law major at the Mercy College NY, unlike some others who have come and gone with big dreams is focused on educating and qualifying himself with good moral Guyanese grounding from, mom- Lurine Jones, an Essequibian who is a Nurse in the USA. " My mom is serious about education... she says when you done singing you still need an education to handle your business and its one sure thing you can fall back on when the music don’t work," the 20 year old says.
Jay Anderson (Jumaine Anderson Walcott) has had many offers since taking music seriously to sign contracts of varying sorts but non suiting the fancy of his mum that would allow for him to focus on qualifying himself. "Though tempting I cannot abandon school, mom wouldn’t let that happen". Now in his third year at college he says he’s gotten another offer from the Kobalt Company and is seriously contemplating signing on.
However, as the contract awaits his signature he’s decided that an artiste needs good grounding amongst his people, as such, he opted to take a trip back to Guyana to reconnect and has been the subject of many interviews and he’s hoping that his music will gain popularity at home first as he will represent as a Guyanese, though his accent is thick American.
"When I’m done doing that I will sign that contract or any other... and then it’s gonna be... Grammy here I come with the Golden Arrow head in my hand."
Since arriving in Guyana he hooked up with Entertainer Kerwin Bollers and after sampling some tracks Jay Anderson has hit the studio with Timeka Marshall for a song that will eventually be released. Though he was never heard about before after a few minutes on radio and the Caribbean Music Box show aired on Btv Ch2 the congratulatory messages started flowing with ladies simply ‘loving the vibes’ and wishing him ‘the best’ in his music dreams. Strange enough while he digs a mean hip hop sound he has a love for Bob Marley, Berres Hammond and Jah Cure music in his ipod.
Persons seeking to hear and sample his sounds can log on to Youtube and search for Jay Anderson or on Facebook. On twitter he’s listed as ‘I am Jay Anderson.’
By Mondale Smith
Tennicia De Freitas takes aim at and more Mash titles
Tennecia Defreitas
For Mash 2012 local beauty and singing sensation Tennecia De Freitas will be competing in the Junior Calypso Competition having been a former winner but this time its more like a do or die. “It will be my final year competing in the junior category and I believe that I can win the crown once more,” she said. When she won two years ago she sang I don't want to be born' a favourite on radio and television even today but this time around she's set to sing ' Rumors-I Dont Know' written by her manager Burchmore Simon.
According to her when she wins she will have a chance to compete in the senior competition and come up against the big guys and girls as her coming of age.
But more than that, she is the reigning Ministry of Health lifestyle song competition winner two years in a row with 'wrap it up' being the more popular one done two years ago. This year her song is 'Your Life,Your Wealth' which was also written by Simon.
The two competitions are scheduled for January 28 in Linden and they are due for release this week. The Parkside Steel Ensemble is the reigning champion of the Republic Bank Mashramani Panorama Competition of which Tennecia is also a member according to her “we are also preparing for that competition which is scheduled for the 19th of February 2012 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.”
Who is Tennecia?
Born December 10, 1991 in Kuru-Kururu; a village found on the Linden Highway on the East Bank of Demerara, Tennicia Nekeita De Freitas grew up in her grandmother's house and still lives there. Her childhood days were not so easy since she never knew her father at that time and her mother worked very hard to take care of her and her younger brother. She spent all of her nursery and primary school years in Kuru-Kururu where she started dancing and singing, however, she loved dancing a lot more.
In 2003 she graduated from the primary level to Christ Church Secondary School and it was during that year she was discovered. She decided that she would perform at the Father's Day service in church, trying her luck at singing a song that she heard and loved. She was loved by all and she then realized that she had a gift. Later that year she was advised by one of the leaders of the church to enter a teen talent competition which was amongst the churches in the district and she won. This made her decide to take her singing to another level.
In 2004 she was again encouraged to enter another competition which was hosted by an artist of Kross Kolor Records but unfortunately she did not place but great things were in store for her. The songs were recorded at Kross Kolor Records and the manager, Burchmore Simon, was impressed with her voice. He later decided to work with her as one of his artistes and spoke to her mother about his intentions. He took her in like his daughter and promised that he would help her to be successful. Her mother trusted his words and agreed to his decisions and Tennicia became the youngest member of the Kross Kolor family. Living up to his words, the following year she was featured on the 'Wine Till Yuh Drop' album; the second album of its kind, with her first released single 'You Like The Way' which she is still recognised for.
In 2006 Tennicia became the winner of the Children's Calypso competition, which she won for three years (2006-2008). In 2007 she placed first runner-up in the Miss Guyana Talented teen pageant also winning the prize for the best talent. Later in that year she represented Guyana in St. Kitts and Nevis at the Digicel Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen pageant where she did not place but managed to win the prize for the best ambassadorial appearance. Her manager saw the potential in her and decided he wanted her to move on in the calypso competition so he entered her into the junior category in 2009.She placed third, however, managed to win the support of the audience but did not give up.
She is now the reigning Junior Calypso Monarch (2010) and the winner of the 2010 National HIV and AIDS song competition in Guyana. These titles sought her being apart of other events and she is now one of the newest members of the Parkside Steel Orchestra and the Heat Wave Band.
All of her successes came under the strong guidance and leadership of her manager and the entire Kross Kolor Family of which she is deeply grateful for .Whether its working in the studio; recording, learning about the music business or playing the double tenor pan, Tennicia believes that success comes with consistent, hard work and dedication with a good attitude and respect for others. She is currently working on releasing her first single album which will feature songs of the R&B and Reggae genres and believes that loosing is not failing but is a stepping stone to greater achievements
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