Guyanese may be treated to another serving of Reggae sensation Jah Cure and Bajan Soca Queen Allison Hinds as part of Mash activities for 2010.
Sources close to a private promotions group have said that plans are in train to make this possible before February 24. The two once all goes well will share the same stage in a soca meets reggae concert.
Jah Cure performed in Guyana as part of the Peace Fest show in 2009 to rave reviews. Jah Cure recently copped a whopping five nominations for the 2010 Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards (EME).
The artiste, who had a very successful 2009, is nominated for Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Cultural/Positive Artiste of the Year and Collaboration of the Year.
For vocalist of the year, Jah Cure is being nominated based on the good quality work he put out last year. Jah Cure had the smash hit Call on Me with Phyllisia. This has been nominated for Song of the Year and collaboration of the Year.
Jah Cure sees these nominations as a validation of the tremendous work that he has put into the music. He reveals: "We have been all over Europe, performed to thousands of fans over the Caribbean and made some good music for the Jamaican fans. The work will continue and for 2010 it will be more good music; music of love, peace and unity."
Guyanese Timeka Marshall is also among the nominees for the EME awards.
GSB.com caught up with Guyanese mega star Timeka Marshall over the weekend at the United 4 Haiti concert where she took some time to chit chat with us and even told us she enjoys reading this website.
Just after an amazing performance, Timeka was glad to let her fans know what’s been up with her. She says: I’m presently still on sometime off and plan to go to Trinidad for carnival but soon after that i will be back in the studios doing new tracks and i have already started work on a new riddim.
There’s lots of stuff on my agenda but I’m just taking it one step at a time “she said”.
It’s nice to know she’s taking time off to relax a little and she even came home for the pass xmas holidays.
“On a side note” She’s also nominated for an award at the EME’s in Jamaica.
Banks DIH Head of Sales and Marketing, Carlton João officially announced Friday that his company is onboard again this year after making a big splash. Speaking at the Mash Secretariat’s most recent media briefing Joao said his company’s theme this year is “Our country, our life, our beer.” He said his company will be doing its bit in two parts to ensure that the nation’s 40th anniversary celebrations are memorable.
While he did not announce what form of a lunch he said a mega launch is planned and will be announced in days to come. While his company used the creative abilities of Donna Ramsammy and Trevor Rose in 2006 to create their floats and costumes he did not announce the Designer’s name just yet but assured that the road parade showcase should be big with full costumes, semi costumes and jersey revellers.
That band all told will be more than 500 strong revellers and will also feature Queen and King as well as other individual floats. And above all his band will strive to keep the music for February 23 as local as possible and to ensure this his company has employed the services of Kross Kolor records.
Though a budget was not announced Joao said his company will also maintain tradition by sponsoring the Senior National Calypso competition.
Michael Younge Guyana's very first Top Model and anchorman of VCT News, has tied the knot.According to our source the wedding was scheduled for sometime in March but Younge was so excited that he couldn't wait and rushed his now wife down to the GPOC yesterday at around 10:00am and made things official. We haven't got the name of the lucky girl but folks are saying she's a long time girlfriend.
Well if this is true, we say Congratulations to him.
And yes we will try to get more info on this story.
We at Hits and Jams believe that all stakeholders have a role to play in sharing not just heart but providing necessities as ‘our brothers’ keepers in Haiti.
In collaboration with the Guyana Haiti Relief Committee and Vision Sounds the stage is being set for the first ‘UNITE For HAITI’ Concert at the national Park on Friday January 22.
Tomorrow, Tuesday January 19 the media is invited to attend a press conference where details of the mega concert will be announced.
The event will feature live performances of music, dance and drama from all sections of the entertainment community as we seek to show that local artistes are united in one common cause to reach out and assist our sister CARICOM country and it’s people’s in need.
Disaster provides an avenue for crisis or unification and following the devastating earthquake in our sister Caricom nation we all can agree that “Haiti needs us now!”
The sorrow of our brothers and sisters in Haiti is no secret, their needs are at its greatest and based on professional analysis things will get worse before it gets better.
The women, children, the elderly and the men of Haiti need all the assistance they can get to ensure that they are afforded the necessities of food, water, clothing, personal effects and much more.
As the world reaches out in various ways Guyana is not excluded and has already raised in excess of $214M. But this is a far cry from what the people of Haiti will need on its path to recovery. We invite all of Guyana to join with us in this national effort by coming out to the concert on Friday. All proceeds will go towards the Guyana Haiti Relief Fund. Admission is $300 per person and we are also encouraging persons to bring with them cash for donation or non-perishable items. Haiti Need us now!!!
Lucky Berbician Woman turned the key and got the car started today as the Ashmins " Win This Car " Promotion came to an end.
More on this as you read on.
Source: Mondale Smith of Kaiteur News
Nadira Ramsarran age 36 got her morning prayers answered yesterday when she picked the right key that started the engine to the Ashmins $2.5 M Toyota RunX first prize car.
The mother of two was among a lot of twenty whose names were pulled to conclude the two months long competition two Saturdays ago. Yesterday 19 of those persons were on hand for the ‘win this car’ game show staged in the compound of Ashmins and while they all won various prizes the Stanleytown Berbice lady was the most fortunate.
She was among a final five who selected envelopes with car keys. Using a musical chairs format they each had a chance to stick their key in the ignition when show host and Public Relations Officer Mondale Smith stopped the music. Ramsarran could not run around the car like the other competitors because she is recovering from a fractured leg and so ended up being the last to put her key in the ignition with much support from the audience. Though she was the last her wait and suspense was great from the show’s host because he gave her the option of trading her key for another but she held fast to the key she had in hand. After announcing that she was nervous she with trembling hands placed the key in the ignition and at first the car did not start but when she was further prompted to turn the key the cars lights came on and the engine was turned on to thunderous applauses from the audience. She burst into tears and said that this is her first win of anything in a competition
The Splashmin’s ‘Win this Car’ promotion began in November and was specifically geared for retail shoppers who spent $3000 or more during the festive season. Over all more than 25,000 coupons were entered. Closing off the promotion Ashmins Chief Executive Officer Lennox John promised that even more promotions are in train including a ‘Win this house’ promotion’ in the future.
All participants were issued free Gold membership to Splashmins Fun-Park Resort valid for the entire 2010 and valued at $50,000 each.
To some Timeka Marshall may be considered as just a Guyanese artistes but her many months in the land of wood and water and determination to become an international singer has landed her in the Jamaican music awards as a nominee.
Like many she was nominated for the Guyana 2009 Accolade music awards and has at least two crystals to her name now as she continues her musical quest to put Guyana on the world music map. The lady who hails from the Mining Town of Linden is the lone Guyanese amongst eight nominees for ‘BEST NEW ARTIST FEMALE in the prestigious Excellence In Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards Jamaica EME.
The award according to the nominations criteria is given to an artist whose overall impact during the eligibility year establishes her public identity.
The prestigious Excellence In Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards is set for staging on Thursday February 4, at the Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, 81 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston. The other nominees in that category are Gaza Indu, Phyllisia, Raine Seville, Sophia Squire, Gaza Kim and Lisa Hype.
In 2008 the ward was won by Barbee while Sophia copped the award in 2009.
The EME Awards is the brain child of popular Jamaican radio personality Richard 'Richie B' Burgess. He created this award show to honor the players in the local music industry, both past and present, for their hard work in creating and maintaining excellence within the nation’s rich musical culture. The EME Awards is a non-profit venture.
Our boy Jory is about to release a mixtape before the end of January!Jory teams up with Entertainer Bollers
After being the quiet but talented sing-jay kid from Sophia who knows how to hype up any party scene in or out doors Guyanese artiste Jory is taking his music career to another level.
He recently joined forces with entertainer Kerwin Bollers and is now encouraging his fans to look out for the release of his first mixed tape before the end of January.
The tape will feature Jory in freestyle on some of the hottest dancehall, hip hop, reggae and pop tracks that showcase Jory’s lyrical abilities as he sings about life and reality.
Titled ‘say what me want fuh say’ the recordings were done with insight from entertainer Kerwin Bollers who has to some degree taken on Jory’s management. “This is part of an arrangement we made to better my chances of becoming a more marketable artiste while taking local entertainment to the next level”, Jory said.
Jory Hector, age 26 is a professional fireman and says he has already completed most of the songs for the free style tape and is hoping that persons will buy the original versions. “Its mainly a free style mixed tape where I don’t sit and write I just let the lyrics flow sharing my thoughts on real life stories that basically say what I want to say,” Jory Said.
He added that being a Guyanese artiste with big dreams to one day make the big time, this release to him, will hopefully be his breakthrough release.
On Christmas night 2009 he performed at the National Stadium as the main opening act for Busy Signal and created quite the hype that by far out weighted any response received by local acts at an international show.
He has performed at virtually every major venue in Guyana to rave reviews. Several years ago as part of Natural Black’s birthday celebrations, Jory also sang in Jamaica as a member of the Brutal Jammers band to celebratory applauses.
“it was as if I were their own and looking back to me I have come to realize that after performing as an opening act for many international shows that featured stars like Busy Signal, Natural Black, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Peetah Morgan, Vegas and other I believe that I have the hype just like them and so I’m basically trying out my wings to see how far I can fly this year with the help of entertainer Kerwin Bollers”, Jory said.
As he launches into his new ideas and new affiliations for 2010 he is advising his fans to “Look out for ‘say what I want to say’ mix tape coming soon and other singles will follow.” Amidst rumors that might fly because of his new business affiliation he said “No me and Brutal tracks have no beef but I’m just doing my thing differently this year”.
Of the local music industry he said “it needs more togetherness as opposed to fighting with one another…we need to work together for the sake of the industry”. He added that artistes need to move away from cliques and people who seek to cause friction so they can record at any studio. “To me more unity is needed and artistes need to start respecting the elders who continue to fight for the development of the local industry like.” Jory’s past hits included Jory, last bad boy, and of recent Mr. Limpy. Another crowd favorite is the hot new single titled Limpy Dip that introduces a new dance style. Jory says the soon to be released tape is being made “especially for my fans and I believe that they will like it”.
The Mash fever from the hits and jams camp starts January 30 and concludes on February 28 at Splashmins Fun Park. The mash calendar event includes several concept parties and Mega concerts.
On January 30 the hype starts with the launch of the Mash Camp and programme through the Mash crank up concert. This event features Ding dong of holiday, dip again; gyalis, bad man pull up, and skip to me loo fame.
Also in the line up is Madd Dagg of early morning wuk fame as well as Charlie Blacks of if me nah rich this year, Buddy and wet up, wet up fame etc.
The local line up would include Spida and Jory Hector along with Fusion International Sounds at the National Park.
Hits and Jams Director Kerwin Bollers said “This will be our start up for Mash 2010 and we making it bigger and better because Mash is we carnival.” Patrons can also look out for a Pre-Valentine’s event, an all white open air affair, a Soca Jeans Party and our mash night is definitely on, and so is our Mash Wash Down at Splashmin’s on February 28.
“We will be having a Mash Band on the Road on Mash Day and we are coming in full costumes, “Bollers said. The group is working closely with several corporate sponsors to make their Mash plans a reality. On Mash night the Concert planned will possibly feature some big names in soca and Dance hall.”
A source from within the Carib Beer Soca Monarch planning committee, told this publication that Soca Monarch contenders need to start preparing their songs to submit for a possible chance at the first prize purse.
“We are focussed on Christmas right now but our plans are almost complete for the 2010 competition and from what I know things will be bigger and better,” the source said.
With Christmas day completed the plans should be unveiled at a launching ceremony in a few days the source informed. When this publication contacted Nigel Worrell the event coordinator he was tight lipped but said the event is definitely happening in 2010 in a big way.
Shellon Garraway (Shelly G) formerly known as Shelly Belly, is the reigning soca monarch and word from her camp is that she has no plans to let go of the crown and will be defending it fiercely. She copped the title last year over Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts with her spicy soca hit titled ‘Work it.’ Vanilla eventually copped the Road March title with her “Ah coming hot for the carnival.”
According to reports from the Kross Kolor ‘Head Hunters’ camp three times soca monarch Adrian Dutchin is in the valley of decision, contemplating a possible return to the competition, while Vanilla and B52 (Lil Man) as well as Berbician ‘Bones man’ plan to stake their claim on the crown in February, 2010.
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Mondale Smith
Cellink Jingle and song competition 2009 winner, Malika Boyd, has just completed her first music video for the winning song “dance love, live give and if all goes well her fans will get the first taste in early January when it is released.
The music video comprises of actors from the Mic James drama group and one also from Georgetown and the video was produced through the Deshaka Productions group that produces the GT&T We linking programme.
Michael James who wrote the song directed the music video while it was funded by GT&T Cellink.
James, Boyd’s manager said the music video will be launched in January 2010 and also informed that Malika is also working on her first album. This James guarantees “will be a hit for all Guyanese to be proud of and she is putting all her effort into making same a reality”.
Malika, speaking of the video said "I had so much fun doing my first music video and I can’t wait for Guyana to see it. I want to say special tanks to GT & T and all my family and friends for their continual support.”
She also let up that she has just learnt a new song written by Michael James titled ‘Rain Drops’ and says "I am in love with this song and am hoping that you will too Guyana".
Singer Nhojj, a US-based Guyanese who performed at Guyana Fashion Weekend 2008 had much to celebrate this past Christmas.
His song ‘Love’ has won the 2009 OutMusic Award for Outstanding R&B/Soul Song of the year. Those in the music business have opined that Guyanese should be proud of this recognition as “This marks the first time that a Black male has won any OutMusic Award”.
According to a Billboard Publicity Wire/PRWEB dated December 23, 2009 – “Indie recording artist, Nhojj, made OutMusic Awards history when his ballad “Love” was voted 2009 Outstanding R&B/Soul Song of the Year by The Alliance of LGBT Recording Artists & Performers.
“This marks the first time an African American male has won an OMA. The Logo sponsored event was held December 8, 2009, at the legendary Webster Hall in New York City. It is the only gala ceremony of its kind in the world.
“Nhojj is also the first artist to win the OUTStanding R&B/Soul song of the year.”
The category along with others was added to the ceremony this year to fully reflect the music of the minority (LGBT) community. After his win, the singer/songwriter took the stage performing “Love” before an audience including OMA Lifetime Achievement recipient Kevin Aviance, Village Voice columnist Michael Musto, LOGO personalities DeMarco Majors and Julie Goldman among many other notables in the LGBT community.
The ceremony was hosted by Noah’s Arc star Rodney Chester and GLAAD Media Award winner Kate Clinton.
“Love” features keyboardist Carl Evans (Stevie Wonder, Barry White); David Stark on Guitar (Rick James & Teena Marie); Tommy Aros on percussion (Luis Miguel); and is mastered by Robert Honablue, whose Gold and Platinum credits include Santana, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, and Miles Davis.
Director Kirk Shannon-Butts featured "Love" in his highly acclaimed Indie film "Blueprint,” which screened at 2008 Cannes International Film Festival, and also directed the music video “Love.”
Unlike many current R&B music videos, it is the sensitive reflection of two male college students who feel a mutual attraction toward each other.
In 2004, Nhojj's sophomore CD “Someday Peace, Love & Freedom” was nominated for OUTStanding New Male Recording. Songs on that album covered issues ranging from homelessness to homophobia.
Nhojj chose "Fighting for Love," an original composition about a warrior fighting against ignorance and hatred, to perform at a special OMA Nominee showcase held at Fez in NYC that year.
Nhojj grew up in Guyana and Trinidad, where he performed for the Presidents of both countries. He began singing in church at the age of five, but didn't embark on a career in music until after graduating from NYU with a BA in Economics.
Earlier this year he returned to his Caribbean roots and performed "Love" at the 2009 Barbados Music Awards.
To date Nhojj has released six CDs and an unplugged live DVD by Emmy nominated director Bill Cote. He has performed at Lincoln Center, and toured the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom.
In addition to his recording and performance schedule, Nhojj regularly donates his gift of music to people living with HIV/AIDS. He performs in hospitals, hospices, residential facilities and treatment centres throughout New York City, as part of the Lifebeat “Hearts and Voices” programme.
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Mondale Smith
Sibling duo Joel and Angelina Browne amidst the negativity that surrounds youth, are proving that there is still promise. Pursuing higher education in the USA at age 23 and 17 respectively, the former St Rose’s and Queen’s College students have embarked on a musical quest to take the gospel from a Guyanese perspective to the world.
On Boxing Day; December 26 they launched a seven-track album titled ‘Anoint me Lord’. It promises to refresh, bolster and inspire with positivism and spiritual appeal through musical arrangements and lyrical content.
With its genres including contemporary, soca, reggae gospel and Dancehall as well as worship ballads the album appeals to music lovers of all ages.
Though often the quiet one, Angela called ‘Angel’ has a voice that mirrors gospel star Yolanda Adams when she sings. Speaking of the first album her fervent wish is that “our music is recognised in Guyana and beyond as a source of motivation and encouragement in a world full of negativism. She opines that “maybe one day we will stand on top of the Gospel music world and declare that God is, was and is to come and through him all things are possible even among youth in Guyana”.
They both play steel pan; the sister is a dancer. In addition Joey is a saxophonist who plays the drums and keyboard and the bass guitar all wrapped up in one. A multi-talented youth, he is the Executive Producer of the album and also penned and arranged all of the songs too.
A sure favourite on the album is the patriotic hook from the ‘Guyana’s Children’ song which blends the voices of the duo singing “This is my home, Guyana. The land of the brave and free…I salute those who died to see…One people, one nation, one destiny”.
The other songs include a free spirited contemporary message that encourages all to ‘run to Jesus’ as well as the dancehall laced ‘Born again’ which offers a contagious mix of opera crossed with pop and reggae blended in maestro style.
“We used to sing in church on occasions in Guyana and we do have a lot of songs so we decided to put together this album with the theme anoint me lord because we believe that everyone goes through the experience where they need intervention from God”, said Joel, a student pursuing a degree in General media with a minor in music at the American International University.
The album also offers worship sessions through the spirit stirring ‘Anoint me Lord’ single that pleads with God to ‘anoint me; I want to see your face…Anoint me Lord today’. And further creates an atmosphere to worship through ‘Magnify’ and ‘prophecy music.’
A former worshipper at New Life Ministries Guyana, Joel a multi-talented youth is the owner of Joey2kool.inc. “We have a whole lot of songs but we selected these seven because they are favourites in our church and we are hoping that Guyana will support this first venture,” the more out spoken of the two said.
The two are the younger children for Bishop Henry Eustace Brown and Pastor Donna. While their eldest sister Yolanda Brown is also a singer.
The album will be in stores soon but copies of the album can be bought the New Life Ministries Cathedral, Lance Gibbs Street, Q/town and Tele: 226-6695 or their manger Saskeia Patterson on 641-6740 for CDs
They are also working to release another album in August of 2010.
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Mondale Smith
Zandra Brown, a Florida-based Guyanese singer has recorded her first Gospel CD, as she says, “to awaken your questionable thoughts.”
“If you are looking to connect with the lyrics on your own emotions, then get ready to feel the pain, dance for joy, sing praise and rejoice as you enjoy the music of Zandra Brown.
The album includes songs such as Your Love Is a Prayer Breakthrough, You Never Change, Keeping The Faith, Amazing God, Because You Love Me, I Will Not Be Shaken, My Endless Curiosity, A Mystery To Me, Since He Saved Me, I Can't Turn Back Now, Raise The Name Of God and You're So Lovely.
Zandra Brown's style of music is a combination of pop, soul, jazz, rock, funk and blues to enhance her unique take on the modern "Adult Contemporary/Christian" sound. She refuses to keep God in a box by confining her talents to one style or genre, which open the doors to cross both Christian and secular radio playing.
She will capture your attention with her powerful lyrics and stage presence.
Zandra’s music is personal and comes from deep within her soul.
Describing herself as an independent artist Zandra Brown was born in Guyana and grew up listening to a diverse array of artist the likes Tina Turner, The Beatles and Bob Marley who were inspirational in her passion for music.
When she migrated to America with her family at age 18, she never lost her dream of reaching out to others through music and entertainment. After some disappointing friendships and a lack of superior direction, Zandra began to seek deeper answers and meaning for her life.
In 2004, she turned her life over to God and began singing in her church choir. She then realized that God had given her other gifts and talents that sparked her already self-driven enthusiastic, high energy personality.
In May 2008, her career progressed to song writing. She wrote her first song "I Will Not Be Shaken" which was inspired by some difficult times in her life. (www.zandrabrown.com)
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Mondale Smith
