JCI members cleaning part of the Sea wall.

Youths For Guyana group yesterday held their 'Clean Up Campaign' on the seawalls from Pegasus to Camp Road, over 150 youths came out and pooled their efforts into making this project a success, present were members from Junior Chamber International (JCI) Guyana, YCT, APNU youth arm, PPP/C Youth Arm and also the members of the Golden Jaguars football team.  JCI Guyana's President stated that JCI Guyana was proud to be a part of this initiative since JCI is basically focusing on 'Community' and ways we could give back to our community. Members expressed their satisfaction in seeing how many youths came out to help create positive change in our environment.

I am hereby pleading with persons to desist from littering especially on our coastlands because it causes damage to the mangroves, which helps to protect us from flooding and flood waters aren't healthy to humans, it causes all sorts of harmful diseases. YFG President Lisa McLean expressed her heart felt gratitude to all the youths who came out to assist in the clean up, she also stated that her organization will be executing more community projects of that nature and also giving back to charity and feeding the homeless.

For more information visit our website today --> www.jci.cc

By Deondra Wishart

The duo Mysterious and Tropical started the nights competition with their high energy 'Regardless' song but while some partied to the vibes others couldn't be bothered as they avoided the soggy out field by staying in the stands as a safe haven. New comer Christine dressed the partying part with feathers etal for carnival but she never quite found the keys and this caused many in the crowd to openly ask "how she made it to this stage" even though the band sounded great. She had at least one fan who made his way to the soggy field and pranced a brief but even though he was part of the act he too wasn't sure of what she was singing and left the scene. This confirmed that she was a sure knockout. Sweet Kindingo was up next dressed in a silky red shirt and white pants he had the seniors rocking as he sand of 'going till morning... Sending a warning.' As usual his vocal delivery was commendable but some were not sure if he had entered the right competition.  Attiola Peter wanted to make the crowd in Linden 'wine and shake and wuk...' but the crowd was not amused nor enthused as they were not sure of what it is exactly that he was singing about. And sure enough he was one to go.

B52 dressed in red and black with three backup dancers blazed bagon flames and was really 'highly flamable' and the crowd response was fair... Then came vanilla with RAGE for a cool performance dressed in a leopard skin fitted one piece. Lil Red sounded great as he encouraged patrons to 'hold me tight and don't let go.' it was evident that entertaining was in hid blood as he kept the contagious hook. African moods was a sure hit in Linden. Ivelaw Campbelle sure ensured the people in Linden had a blast even bursting into some wining routines on his head etal. Neither the men nor women could get enough and when teh song was done the performance got the loudest continuous crowd applause and screams. Then came time for patriotism through three times Soca Monarch Adrian Dutchin and there were alot of patriots in the audiences waving flags and rags. Dutchin's professionalism was evident as he lectured the crowd on being true to their roots no matter where they go.One time calypso monarch young Bill Rogers was as energetic as ever 'behind a band' but some opined that his garb was ideal for that of calypso in a blue to purple silk suit accentuated with silver sequins.

For Roger Bowen his offerings as a fireman was to 'give she water and hose' in his usually energetic form but like the rude boys were not in the mood. However Linden was definitely in a 'wuking up on it' mood when Barbados based Rastaman he got people from all over on their feet. Didn't matter what he sang his hook was so contagious that 'Wuk up pun it,' wuk up pun it' was like a chorus and the Guyana flags did wave galore.

Bartician Dexter the corn man has had his seven minutes of fame at the soca monarch and while Abigail James thought the importance of eating Breakfast singing about food, one couldn't know that from her steamy performance.

Barbados based Dasilva aka the Khemist towered above the competition physically but while he presented a high energy act the former National Athlete obviously was not in his full element and crowd support was not on his side as he was a total stranger to the Guyanese in attendance. Non-the-less he sounded like Hyper dog singing 'mash up the place'. His down fall in the competition was probably the bajan accent but he's really good with much energy hype and good vocals.

Jumo Primo after sharing out more than 100 Guyanese flags had the the patrons in the stands on their feet with small flags and flames. As he also showed his patriotic side with of 'one people, one nation one destiny.' The crowd undoubtedly loved Jumo and his portrayal of all the six races in dance styles. Then came Lil B singing of 'on de road again'. She's a proud grandmother but from looking at her physically on could not see nor guess that she is a grand mother... Her antics were those of a true professional performer as she had sections of teh crowd singing "where we going... on the road... Everybody feel it ...the music...".

Most entertaining and memorable
The night's most entertaining high fliers were Ivelaw Campbelle with his well put case for men against their women and the 'African Moods' movies that had the women celebrating and talking. Another star of the night was first timer Anthony Abrams (a Chinese looking chap) from Linden. The mere sight of him caused uproar from his village supporters who stood to their feet with celebratory applause. This kid with Philippine roots proved that Chinese, got swag, can wine and keep timing too. His signature intro was well known and sang like chorus from the audience "Lime, tomato, celery, seasoning'... His presentation was one that featured a female dancing duo who never once offered the same routine simultaneously but he sure offered a 'Wine attack groovy soca style. And when came time for him to show his abilities at attacking with a wine his dancer nicknamed celery got a chance to do the now popular 6:30 and the crowd was all for him.

By Mondale Smith

Of the multiple Hits and Jams events held each year, the Soca Jeans party is one that patrons eagerly anticipate. This time around, HJ has employed the talents of one of the Caribbean's hottest artistes to catapult this trademark event to higher heights!

Additionally, patrons can get another chance to win the motorcar which was initially the grand prize at the recently held Fandemonium fun-day and concert. Since no one has claimed the prize, Hits and Jams is giving you another chance to win the vehicle by providing attendees with a coupon upon entry at each event. Drawing will take place at the final party on February 25th.
If you're experiencing the Mash 2012 Soca fever then the remedy awaits you at the HJ 6.30 in Jeans party!

This event will officially kick off the string of HJ Mash Camp 2012 activities will includes several amazing concept parties and a special appearance by 'Jones and Wuk up' star Lil Rick.

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 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

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

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.

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.

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!

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