GuyanaLive.com Blog

The highly publicized, most anticipated and most talked about event of the summer was undoubtedly Jamzone Summer break 2k8. Well Jamzone has come and gone and for those of us who attended can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that the event lived up to the hype that was created over the past few weeks. The event was held at Splashmins Fun Park and Resort on Linden Soesdyke Highway on Sunday August 17, 2008.

Judging from the turnout and the views expressed by persons attending the event, the promoters and sponsors lived up to expectations and delivered an unforgettable, incident free event.

During the daylight hours the event was filled with activities and games namely; beach games, water sports, swimming,  jet ski rides and canoeing. Finding persons to take part in the activities was no hard task considering the large crowd at the location, in addition to the incentives being offered to the winners. The winners of each event were given five thousand dollars and free credit compliments of GT&T. In an effort to ensure maximum participation the only stipulation was persons were only allowed to participate in one event.

The were several games organized for persons to win prizes. One of which was “basody”. The object of this game was simple;

Two teams of three, each person had to put their head on a short pole and go around it 10 times then run fifteen metres to tag the other partner without getting “basody” and falling to the ground. I must admit this was hilarious to watch. Another activity that attracted a lot of attention was the ugly man contest. I doubt there’s any explanation required for this contest. To see who won feel free to check out our gallery. The crowd was given a treat when three couples were put on stage with whipped cream. The girls were decorated with whipped cream and the guys had to lick them as clean as possible. The most bizarre game was the fear factor segment where several food items were blended for consumption by participants. In order to give you an idea of what was in blend, these were some of ingredients: salt beef, salt fish, eggs, corned beef, mushrooms, sardines, mustard, milk and ham, just to name a few. Hopefully the mixture did not cause more than a momentary discomfort to the persons consuming them. Though the events were fun filled for those watching and participating there was a slight hiccup. In a drinking game organized by a sponsor, the instructions were to drink the shots off using a straw faster than the other team. One person, however choose not to follow this instruction and suffered a minor burn on his face, causing the game to discontinued. This did not throw a damper on the proceedings since it was recognized that the rules were not followed by that individual.

The evening part of the event saw the staging of the Miss Jamzone Pageant. The evening was colorful and saw an outstanding display of local beauty, talent and potention as portrayed by the contestants as well as performances by some of Guyana’s best music artiste.

Bearing in mind the coming home of Carifesta to Guyana, the designers sought to incorporate the national colors of various Caribbean countries into the costumes worn by the contestants.

The likes of Fojo, Celeste David, Lilman, Platinum Mobbs, Ballys, First Born, Allabama and overseas based Guyanese Monica Greene were apart of the musical entertainment of the evening. The main live performance of the evening was that of First Born. Fresh from a tour out of Europe and the US, First Born provided those in attendance with some of their most popular selections much to the delight of the large crowd gathered.

The pageant was a display of some of Guyana’s most beautiful young ladies. Though beauty and talent were essential to the outcome of the pageant, intelligence played a critical role in the selection of the winner. In the end only one could be crowned Miss Jamzone 2k8. In the end it was Lavonia Springer was crowned Miss Jamzone 2k8.

Taking everything into consideration the event should be hailed as a success and based on the support received, it would be fair to assume that the Guyanese public was in full support of the event. Check out our gallery for all the great pictures from the event.

The Guyanese Gospel popular Trio Kester D, Eddie Neblett and Solid Youth is set to be part of the 3rd event from dancehallgospel.com and Turning Point Promotions. The promoters have had great success in their last two events at the Main Big Lime last Boxing Day and on the Sea wall band stand Easter Monday. Both events thus far has included international Gospel sound systems and artiste such as L-egant ( New York) DJ Evangelist ( Canada) Baby C ( Trinidad ).

The Third installment titled the Holy Ghost P.A.R.T.Y which will be kept at the new improved Ocean View Poolside promises to be a great night filled with clean entertainment, games, music and much more. When asked why such an event, the promoters responded by saying “Christians have no where much to go and fellowship where the atmosphere can be glorifying to Jesus.” He elaborated by saying “if you go to a regular eatery to fellowship the music and conduct of many is out of order and we cannot afford to compromise our walk with the Lord.”

As many would know the word “party” is associated with things contrary to the lifestyle of a Christian, it was made very clear that it’s not the same at the Holy Ghost P.A.R.T.Y. The promoters highlighted that P.A.R.T.Y is an acronym for Praise And Reverence To Yahweh.

At the Holy Ghost party there is no alcoholic beverages being served and a dress code of fashionable and modest attire is in effect. The event which seems to attract many also includes DJ Evangelist from Toronto Canada and Craig C from Kingston Jamaica. There will be live video taping by Guyana’s popular gospel T.V. show Things Gospel.

When you think the entry fee for an event such as this would cost over a thousand dollars think again, The Holy Ghost P.A.R.T.Y tickets is only 500 dollars and is available at Swansea and Everything Music outlets.

Arrowhead Promotions, Press Release, Thursday, July 31, 2008. - As Accolade aims for one of the most classy and picturesque productions in modern Guyana, local designer of Facts ‘n’ Roses, Michelle Cole-Rose has won the coveted title of Official Designer of the Music Awards of Guyana.

Accolade Executive Committee unanimously voted in favour of Cole- Rose, convinced that her experience, ability and commitment to the fashion world would add to the radiant elegance and dramatic statement intended for the Music Awards of Guyana.

Cole-Rose was formally notified of this nomination which she has since accepted. She will now be appointed an Ex-officio member of the Executive Committee of the Accolade.

The decision to name her the Official Designer represents a symbol of accomplishment and aspiration in the career of this young dynamic Guyanese woman with great potential.

The Executive Committee is anxious to have her on board, confident that her artistic skills and ability will definitely contribute to the overall success of the music awards.

A true representation of success, since the day, in her eleventh year, when she had gotten her first sewing machine, Michelle’s innovation grew; making uniforms for school friends by the age of twelve, then onwards to making a living from her creations by fifteen. Many years after, Michelle Cole still strikes the iron as hot as she had then, for now her clothes are carried in some of the best boutiques in the Caribbean and in the United States.

Michelle is a nature and fun-loving gal, this can be evident in her designs, with natural fibers, earth tones, stones, wooden beads, shells, paintings and raffia; for her goal as a fashion designer is to ‘Recreate nature through celebration, as nature itself is a celebration of life’. Indeed this is true for her clothes expresses nothing short of comfort, vibrancy and beauty.

Her first stage performance was at Michelle’s high school fashion show. Thereafter came her ‘big break’ in 1999 when she won the best gown award at the Miss Guyana Universe, which gave way to her being the designer of the queen’s wardrobe. She then also designed for the queens of the Miss Guyana Talented Teen, Miss Guyana World, Miss Guyana Mashramani, Miss Queen of the Caribbean, Miss Carnival and Miss Model International Pageants. Her designs were also presented at the Folk Festival celebration in Brooklyn, New York, the Fashion Caribbean Showcase in St. Vincent, the Barbados Fashion Week, Caribbean Gift and Craft Show in Barbados, the Fashion Showcase in St. Lucia, MODA in New York, Caribbean Fashion Week and the Fashion Week of the Americas in Miami among others.

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.

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.

The new Guyana Marketing Cooperation in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry held the Grow More Food Festival at the National Stadium Providence. The event was widely perceived as a success based on the attendance and the response acquired by those who attended the event. This event was in keeping with the recent drive by the Ministry of Agriculture to encourage large, small and medium scale businesses attached to the agriculture industry to grow more food. But this initiative is not aimed solely at the business sector and this event was an opportunity to also encourage families to engage in the planting of kitchen gardens and other small scale agricultural activities to help to offset the effects of raising food prices locally and internationally. Though this initiative is not a new one it is a timely endeavor considering the state of the global raise in oil and food prices.

The event served as a platform for businesses in the agri-industry as well as those businesses who utilize agricultural products to showcase their various products and/or services. The showcasing of these entities would serve to broaden their customer base by giving them publicity and exposure, cause improvements to be brought into the agriculture industry by showing businesses there are others in their field thus forcing them to improve their standards to compete more effectively in the marketplace and by extension benefiting the consumers because competition forces businesses to improve on the quality of their products and services, and it will also serve to improve the agriculture industry as a whole and by extension the economic condition of the country.

The booths on display were an attempt to showcase the various aspects of the agricultural industry. There were displays ranging from the raw products all the way to the finished products and products made from the by products of agricultural materials. There were farmers displaying vegetables and fruits which can be grown on a medium to large scale basis. There were livestock present to show the potential of that aspect of the agricultural industry for development and expansion. Companies that supply farmers with the vital equipment and chemicals that are necessary to the successful production of the produce and livestock were also present to show their products. The skilled craftsmen who utilize the by products of agricultural production were also present to showcase their talent and products. There were even representatives from the fisheries sector there to show the fruitfulness of the land of many waters through the aquaculture industry. Items used in the preparation of food were also on display that can be found locally made by Guyanese companies. As compulsory at any Guyanese event there were numerous food and drinks bars for patrons to enjoy wholesome Guyanese food and drinks all day and night. Not to be outdone were the persons who source and sell plants of various kinds, from seeds of decorative plants to those of agricultural significance like tomatoes and peppers to assist those persons desirous of starting or enhancing their own kitchen gardens, as well as persons selling seedlings and small plants of various kinds.

Even though the primary purpose of the event was to showcase the agricultural potential of the Guyanese people there was also an entertainment aspect of the evening which was appreciated by those in attendance. This part of the evening was to showcase Guyanese and regional musical and creative talent.

There was a fashion display that showcased the creativity of our very talented designers while at the same time showing off some of the best models we have locally. The works of various designers were on display depicting both male and female clothing as well as apparel for various events, indicating the versatility of the designers. It must be stated that the models did an excellent job showcasing the pieces chosen much to the satisfaction the large gathering.

Musical performances were given by local and Trinidadian artiste to entertain the large crowd and to bring the curtains down on a day filled with information and fun in a wholesome family setting. For more on the musical performances be sure to check out the gallery.

By - Andrew Ross

Mr. Alexis S. Ryan made a start in the world of fashion as teen, covertly sketching portraits with various styles of clothing and accessories. He was discovered by his textile teacher who encouraged him to share his talent with others

His first sketch came to life at age sixteen, when he designed a prom dress for his twin sister. In 2002 he was commissioned to design two dresses for the Miss Anguilla pageant; the dresses were subsequently awarded second and third place in the evening wear segment.

To date his designs have been featured at Essence of Style, Taste of the Caribbean, Virgin Islands Fashion Week as well as in Shabeau Magazine, Caribelle, and ITZ Caribbean.com among others

Alexis has started his own clothing line, TheoChris Designs with his mother Marilyn Ryan as a partner and co-designer. The motto for the line says it all, ‘ TheoChris - Dare to be noticed - Clothing for individuals who like to stand out in the crowd.’

Alexis’ believes that that the clothes you wear have a lot to do with how you feel as a person, TheoChirs he says is about you being able to express yourself how you want to.

Designs By Alexis Ryan

From a very young age nineteen year old Janay Reymond was imbued with a flair for the art; she designed her first dress at age twelve for a cousin who was participating in the Miss Anguilla Pageant. She has always aspired to own a clothing line and that dream became a reality with the launch of the independent label Feelo’Je.

Janay chose the name as both a dedication to everyone who inspired and encouraged her to follow her dream and to capture how much designing is a part of her life. Feelo’Je means Feel-of-Jay: the feel being her passion for the art of fashion and her love of designing, the Jay being what she is affectionately called by her family and friends.

Since the official launch of her swim line on July 1st, 2007, entitled, ‘Feelo’Je’s Traffik Jam’, Janay has created waves. She has showcased her pieces at: WMM’s ‘Show Me Your Body in St. Kitts, the Nevis Fashion Weekend, Virgin Islands Fashion Week and many fashion events in Anguilla and St. Maarten. Her designs have placed in the top 5 at the 2007 Miss Earth Pageant courtesy of Miss Je T’aime Cerge; won best swimsuit at the 2007 Miss Venus Model Pageant, and won third runner up Miss Caribbean Culture courtesy of Miss Latoya Hughes.

Its Janay’s belief that a woman has the ability to be whomsoever she wants; a woman is strong, sensual, stylish, beautiful and ultimately powerful and throughout her designs she brings to life that factor.

Designs By Janay Raymond

It will be all glitz and glimmer next Friday when Mario Amrez’s ‘Inner Power Band’ teams up with saucy singer Syd Hooper and keyboard player Prockta to unleash one of the most scorching ‘Musical Invasion’ at the Sidewalk Café.

Forum will be used as official launch for Mario’s original song, ‘Messenjah’ which he says will stir the souls of those listening.

Popular soul and gospel singer, Mark Hall will also for the first time perform the original ‘Meant to Be’ live for the audience. While this song was written by Mario himself, the musical arrangement was put together by Mark.

This gala event will take different entertainment flavours on the last Friday of every month and will showcase some of Guyana’s most rated singers, musicians, poets and other entertainers.

In an interview with Mario yesterday, the talented singer disclosed that this time around the band is readying itself with musical selection aimed at taking patrons to an hypnotic peak where there is no return from ‘the rush of enthrall’ that will be created at the venue.

Mario and his top notch team of vocalists and musicians every last Friday successfully take their supporters down a memory lane filled with sweet notions as they unleash their customary ‘Rock Fantasia’ which is gaining countrywide popularity.

The Renaissance Entertainment group presents “Friday Night Live” at the Sidewalk Café on the last Friday of every month.

This feature is a musical variety concert that will feature some of Guyana’s best artistes and musicians.

Renaissance Entertainment would also like to invite other Guyanese artistes’ to participate in this show.

Interested persons can contact Mario on phone number 233-5640 or email him at renaissance@networksgy.com

Guyanese Music Producer Ernie Trelfall took away the Top Producer category at the 2nd Annual Canadian Reggae Music Achievement Awards last Sunday. The purpose of the Reggae Music Achievement Awards is to publicly recognize and highlight the outstanding contributors to the reggae music industry in Canada. This was long time coming since its existence Ernie’s Reflex Studio has been a main studio for top Toronto artistes like Shadrock, Steele, Blessed, Avetha, Micheal Thompson, Smallman, Trinity Chris, Spex of Flow 93.5, Cyborg, Bro G, Kim Davis, Patrick Blair, Nana Mclean. As a musician Ernie holds a Grade 8 Music Theory Certificate from The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music London England and he perfected his engineering skills at Harris Institute for the Arts in Toronto. “It was nice to see a Producer category at this awards because usually its the artiste that takes all the glory” he said. “Lots of work is done with the artiste in the booth and at the console to get that polished sound we strive for”. Ernie produced/engineered and build riddims for 3 time winner Steele’s Album Love Of Jah for whom he thinks can stand alongside any Reggae artiste worldwide. Ernie , who visits Guyana quite regularly has produced top hits for Guyanese artistes including CBU contest winner Ian Fraser, Compton Hodge’s “Umbrella Party” and “Balloon” Timeka Marshall’s “We Should Separate” , Mingles Band, Pamela Maynard, Mighty Rebel, Young Bill Rogers, Big Red “Taking De Road” “The Cricket Dance Riddim” “The Airbourne Riddim” and numerous other singles. His latest Guyanese work was his engineering on the 2008 Carifesta’s theme song which was recorded at his hometown Studio “Kingdom Friends” by his close friend Danley Major who also produces top songs in Guyana. Ernie has also worked with international artistes , the Crusha Riddim which he build features Junior Ried, Vybz Kartel, Elephant Man, Kiprich, Alozade Zumjay and Einstein and he has also worked closely with George Nooks, Glen Washington , Spice, Brigadere Jerry and Norris Man whom he has on his All About Love Riddim. Besides Digital Multi-Track Recording ,Mixing and Mastering, Reflex Studio also offers services like , Dubplates, Remixes, Movie Music Rendering, Voice Over w/ EFX, Keyboard Synthesis and Drum Machine Programing, the 14′ x 11′ soundbooth is equiped with tested soundproof. All popular software programs are supported. For more info on the studio email Ernie at reflexmusic@gmail.com or visit www.myspace.com/reflexstudio www.reggaemusicachievementawards.com