GuyanaLive.com Blog

The first day of Castings for the Guyana Fashion Weekend took place at Zoom Inn Hotel, Street. Some sixty (60) hopefuls were excited to come before the panel of casting directors, Donna Shortgill- Guyana Today hostess, Rudy Saul – veteran technical producer and Kofi Branch – Caribbean Fashion Producer.

Kofi Branch, who also doubles as Public Relations Director for the event, said that the first day of castings was exciting and it was great to see new faces at the audition and was amazed to see the enthusiasm.

Castings continue tomorrow at 1300 hrs for Designers and at 1500 hrs, models will have the opportunity once again to strut their stuff to be a part of the event.

Models requiring more information can contact Ruth at 613-7457 or Kofi at 698-5195.

Models and designers hoping to be a part Guyana’s premiere fashion event, Guyana Fashion Weekend are asked to note that the date of the castings for Models and Designers have been changed. The information came from Public Relation Director, Kofi A. Branch.

Interested models who think they have the look and charisma to be on the catwalk of the prestigious event are invited to audition on July 12^th and 13^th 2008 from 3 – 6 p.m. on both days at Zoom Inn Hotel on Croal Street, while Designers are asked to audition on Sunday July 13^th 2008 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Guyana Fashion Weekend takes place on October 1^st – 5^th 2008 and is expected to be the greatest display of fashion from USA, Europe and the Caribbean Diaspora.

Persons requiring more information can contact 613-7457 or 698-5195.

Public Relations Services provided by

Kofi A. Branch

THE DESIGN FACTOR

Tel: (246) 237-8708

Tel: (592) 698-5195

Email: akeembranch@gmail.com

Artiste to be nominated in 35-categories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Email: accoladeawards@gmail.com )

Here is the complete list of categories for Accolade Awards 2008

1. Chutney artiste of the year (Male)

2. Chutney artiste of the year (Female)

3. Best Chutney Band of the year

4. Best Chutney Album of the year

5. Best groovy soca single (Male)

6. Best groovy soca single (Female)

7. Soca single of the year

8. Best soca album solo duo or group

9. Best reggae single

10. Best soca compilation

11. Best non soca compilation

12. Reggae artiste of the year

13. Best rock alternative artiste or band

14. Best jazz album

15. Gospel artiste of the year (Male)

16. Gospel artiste of the year (Female)

17. Gospel single of the year

18. Best RnB artiste of the year

19. Best Calypso artiste of the year (Male)

20. Best Calypso Artiste of the year (Female)

21. Best Hip Hop/Rap artiste of the year

22. Living legends award

23. Cornerstone award

24. Band of the year

25. Producer of the year

26. Media award print/internet

27. Media Award- radio/television

28. Best new artiste

29. Best music video

30. Song of the year

31. Studio of the year

32. Album of the year

33. Entertainer of the year

34. Lifetime achievement award

35. Best Dancehall artiste of the year

Fashion lovers in St. Vincent were surely able to whet their appetites and then full their stomachs with as much fashion as they wanted when Mije Modeling & Advertising Agency held its 3rd Annual Carnival Catwalk last Sunday evening. Set in the historic Pirate’s Cave in Lowman’s Bay, the show got off to an exciting start with the Mije models paying tribute to the veterans in the Caribbean Fashion Industry.

Shonta Noel, an 11 year old designer from Barbados started the collections rolling with her label La Cyanne and presented a line of chic, sexy silk and chiffon dresses that with body flattering cuts. Mije Models themselves put together a line of clothing which was cleverly constructed and dominated with organic accessories like coconut leaves and shells and was a major hit with the patrons. Many persons from the sold out audience enjoyed the collection of newcomer Jeremy Payne who dabbled in many fabrics and styles to come up with his offering.

And then there was the revolution, 3rd Revolt of Barbados presented a t-shirt line which ranged from dresses to sleeveless vests to long sleeved dressy T’s. A designer to watch in the future is Lisa Cordice, she offered a well coordinated line of clothing made mostly of satins accessorized with lace. Her collection featured casual, elegantly casual and formal pieces that seemed to be very well constructed. The heat then rose to another level as Fetish Swimwear by Cassandra Mottley of Barbados hit the stage. Models strut their stuff in sexy one piece swimsuits, tankinis and bikinis studded and accessorised with colorful wraps.

With Fetish Swimwear leaving the end of the first half of the show so heated, celebrated Designer Debbie Barbour presented her 2008 Wedding Collection. She showcased elegant wedding ensembles fused with Caribbean colors and the cool, calm nature of the islands. The female patrons then had a treat as Sharon Tanner of EC Harbour showcased her collection. The St. Lucian label featured sexy men shirts made of linens and cottons to outfit the metro-sexual man who was sure of his masculinity. Tanner also presented a female line of clothing ranging from casual pieces to evening gowns.

Guyanese Designer Sanola Forte made a definite splash on the runway with her Bumble Bee Collection. Glitzy pieces dominated her line and sexy cuts were the highlight of her line. Fetish Boutique and J& E Boutique also took to the Carnival Catwalk stage and both of them showcased clothing that was available in their respective stores.

Veteran Designer Sonia Noel closed the show with her 2009 Spring/ Summer Collection. Entitled “Animal Unleashed,” Noel brought the house down from beginning to end. The well styled collection started with guest model from Barbados Raymond Ward wearing a leopard-skin swim trunk and carrying a duffle bag and ended with Mije Senior Model Karlene wearing a close fitting evening dress. Noel convinced that 12 years in the business was well worth it.

Guest Acts were by Bomani who was thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish and by the Arabesque Dancers who danced to a medley of Carnival Hits.

Executive Producer Jean Johhny-Findlay and Production Director Kofi Branch (The Design Factor) of Barbados were both pleased with the event and expressed their excitement for Carnival Catwalk 4 to be held in 2009.

In 2007, the inaugural Guyana Fashion Weekend brought together the best of Guyana’s and by extension the Caribbean’s designers for two spectacular showings of fashion at Buddy’s International Hotel. The event forced the eyes of regional and international media houses to focus on Guyana as it stated it claim as the new Fashion Mecca of South America and the Caribbean. Now, it’s time to do it all over again.

The second annual Guyana Fashion Weekend will be held in October and plans are well on their way to making the event bigger and even more successful than the 2007 event. A new venue with a larger capacity, more designers and even an added night of fashion are all some of the addition to the new event.

The directors of Guyana Fashion Weekend 2008 will be hosting a model casting for persons, male and female between the ages of 16 and 25 on July 18th at 6 p.m. and July 19th at 4 p.m. The casting will be held at Zoom Inn Hotel at Croal Street.

Models needing more information should email at guyanafw@gmail.com or call Ruth at 613-7457.

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

Burchmore Simon - Music Producer

Kerwyn Bollers – Entertainer

Sean Bhola - Song writer/ producer

Malcolm Ferreia – Radio Announcer/DJ

Jaya Devi Manickchand – Attorney-at-law

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

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

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

As Carifesta returns to its homeland from August 22nd -31st 2008, they are many expectations and much was promised. One great promise is the fashion village which will be hosted at the Sophia Exhibition Site. Some months ago, Sonia Noel and her team of industry professionals were given the task of planning the Fashion Focus aspect of Carifesta.

Now, just over eight weeks before Carifesta X, Noel is assuring the Guyanese public that plans are on stream and that she is more excited than ever to be a part of this great Caribbean “mixing bowl.”

Some may be wondering what to expect and looking to mark their calendars for the major fashion shows. Miss Noel explained that there will be 3 main event shows, two displaying fashion and one displaying hair styling and accessories. The first fashion show will be hosted on Sunday August 24th, the hair and accessories show will hit the runway on Wednesday August 27th, while the second fashion show will happen on Saturday August 30th.

The Fashion Focus team also assured that the best of Guyanese models will be on show. This assurance came from model trainer Richard Young who said that because of the huge turn out for the model casting (over 200 persons were there), the panel was able to select from a wide spectrum of faces, looks and ethnicities to come up with the right mix and representation of persons to strut on the catwalk.

The Fashion Village will open on August 23rd to the public from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and will continue with the same opening hours until August 30th 2008. Each day except the days with the mega shows, there will be free workshops for persons viewing the exhibition. Patrons can learn about personal development, hair and skincare, view make up demonstrations, have a make-over and even find out how to wrap their heads for different occasions.

When the Caribbean comes to Guyana on August 22nd to showcase their many talents, it is quite obvious that the Fashion Village will be filled with beautiful exhibits, lots of designer clothing, top class fashion events and workshops to make every one more fashion ready.

Carifesta fashion focus … In Full Bloom
Public Relations Services provided by

K. Akeem Branch

Managing Director

The Design Factor

Tel: (246) 237-8708

(592) 698-5195

Email: akeembranch@gmail.com

It’s the start of the summer and it’s already heated but the team producing Carifesta Fashion Focus has raised the temperature a few more notches to ensure that the Fashion Village is better than ever for Carifesta Ten with the addition of a third show which will showcase fantasy hair styles and accessories.

Chairman of Carifesta Fashion Focus Sonia Noel explained that many times the work of the hairstylist, jewelry and accessory designers take the back seat to the clothing on display and now the Fashion Focus Team wants to highlight their good work.

Without letting too much out of the bag she explained that the show will be staged as a runway show but with some twists to feature the ancillary industry professionals.

The Fashion focus team is urgently looking for hairstylists who are interested in being a part of the show to promote their talent. For more information, hairstylists are asked to Ruth at 613-7457.

Public Relations Services provided by

K. Akeem Branch

Managing Director

The Design Factor

Tel: (246) 237-8708

(592) 698-5195

Email: akeembranch@gmail.com

The Vision

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Objectives

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

Live up to the prestige and challenge!

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

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

Proposed Dates and Activities

The fantasy of creative entertainment!

June 6th 2008 - Official Media Launch

July 25th 2008 - Cocktail Launch

October 4th 2008 - Accolade Fashion Event

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

Facts & Roses on Friday May 16 held the first elimination of student designers in the Fashion, Art & Creativity by Talented Students 2 (FACTS 2). Going home was Shondeen Walters of St. Joseph’s High who did not find enough favour with the judges to go through.

Odessa Grogan of St. John’s College was adjudged best designer for the first task and was overwhelmingly relieved that she collapsed to the floor with excitement exclaiming ‘I just wanna get off my feet for a while!’

Odessa won G$20,000 for designing the winning piece plus the model that displayed her uniform was awarded a Cole Facts outfit.

The judges for the competition were mostly ecstatic about the designs and encouraged the participants to continue doing what they like best. At one point many felt that they were being judged by Simon of American idol fame as the comments from the judges were brutally stinging.
Remaining in the competition through to the next round are Keisha Harry, Odessa Grogan, Sherrie Hewitt, Krystal Patterson, David Clarke, Sophia Bowman, Sharda Elegon, Afia Bobb, Jenel Cox & Ashley Cameron.

The first programme of FACTS 2 will air thisMo Monday 19th May prime time on HJTV Ch 72 and rebroadcast during the coming week.