The organizers of the Jamzone Summer Break and Beach Pageant are anticipating a record-setting influx of both domestic and international tourists for this year’s Jamzone events.
The Hits and Jams Entertainment team is very optimistic about the outcome of this year’s activities since the project will undergo major changes to create a more splendid experience.
“Last year approximately 50,000 persons attended the events over the four- day span however; we estimate a definite 60% increase in that statistic. Based on the convenient dates, hotels and airline representatives that have shown eager interest in Jamzone and the fact that delegates from around the Caribbean will be included in the Inaugural Miss Jamzone International Pageant we are confident that the amount of tourists will increase drastically”, said Hits and Jams Director Kerwin Bollers.
The event which took a new format last year provides local and international tourists with four days of super concerts which include some of the biggest names in the local and international music industry and the renowned beach party and pageant.
The road to the staging of Sonia Noel's annual ‘Model Search,’ began on Thursday evening at the poolside of the Tower Hotel on Main Street. Headed by Sonia Noel the reality Television search goes beyond finding Guyana’s next top male and female models to also finding new stylists and designers.
Donning mostly black attire the model hopefuls were introduced to the public as a prelude to what Noel and her committee is promising will be “a most memorable and entertaining ride.” While there were some physical misfits among the group there were also a few diamonds in the rough that made their debut. All told there are 13 men in contention for the top prize that includes opportunities to model on international stages. The lot included one popular basket ball player Tyrone Hamid, a few ripped models, several over made up men and others who took to cosmetics well. The others in contention for the 2010 Guyana’s top male model title are Anthony Stayman, Stayton Paul, Darren Mc Almont, Steven Bagot, Javier Boucher, Osafa Dos Santos, Jason Shurland, Germaine Adonis, Steve Merai, Esau Humphrey, Dellon Renee and Ryan Berkeley.
There are 14 ladies vying for the coveted title of female top model 2010 including Alana Phoenix, Alicia Kirton, Amanda Hackett, Alisa Williams, Amanda Hackett, Alisa Williams, Gerecia Francis, Jo-Ann Tracey, Melvern John, Okeema Humphrey, Patricia Forde, Shivonna Corrdus, Jenelle Dougall and Shevon Cotty.
The lot which paraded at the poolside included a full figured bunch that will certainly not be an easy walk over especially the most bubbly Lucianna James who despite her full figure strutted with erect shoulders and personality that sounded a ‘watch out’ warning to all ladies. She exuded such confidence that overshadowed the stretch marks on her shoulders while there was one model whose choice of attire emphasized her need for serious leg work in the gym.
There too, were a few full figured ladies who are certainly serious about redefining the stereotypical European look of a slender leggy lady on the cat walk to one of equally if not more zing that says ‘big is beautiful too’. The plus sized models in contention for the new addition to the competition are Tristana Roberts, Pamela Vaugh, Lydia Evans, Adeola Field, Okesa Lynch, Latoya Whitehead and Michon Sukhoo-Perta.
But there are a few who will certainly be competing down to last wire with personality and posture as they showed with ease that they mean business on the catwalk.
Noel assures that “rigorous training will intensify” under the stewardship of Trinidadian Richard Younge and some will be eliminated. She also let up that the designers; stylist and Chefs have already been given their first challenge.
Noel assures too that elimination for the models will begin next week but noted that the Chefs and designers will not be immediately elimination.
Those hoping to keep updated on the reality show can catch it from next month on NCN and Hjtv TV-72 for six Weeks.
The next major event ‘Cutting style’ will be staged on June 27 and on that occasion designers will be paired with a Chef to produce an evening of Creativity. The events final staging is set for July 4 at the Pegasus.
The eight designers are Jonelle Cameron, Bethani Chester, David Clarke (the converted former assistant from the Facts N Roses camp), Sharon Gittens, Nataisia John, Micheal Kellman, Jamal LaRose, and Candacy Mclean.
The Culinary Arts Chefs making their debut in the new competition category are Shawna Mc Rae, Samantha Moseley, Gail Davidson, Mohamed W Karim, Rhea Sandy, Lynne Inniss, Adrian Alleyne and Shem Hinds.
Name: Monette Mingo
D.O.B: May 28, 1986
Location: Central Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden
Education: Burnham Drive Nursery, Christianburg Primary School, Christianburg Wismar Secondary School and Linden Technical Institute
Modest, Obedient, Natural, Exquisite, Talented, Teasing and Exciting are the words Mingo uses to describe herself. She is the youngest of two brothers and two sisters.
A graduate of the Linden Technical Institute she holds a diploma in Computer Science and gained a pass in architectural drawing at the Corner Stone Construction. She aspires to be her own boss.
“I love listening to people and their views on various topics and am inspired by the old saying that a good listener is a good learner,” she said. She has a serious dislike for abusive persons, racism and gossipers.
A line-up of seven Linden beauties are carded to contest the Miss Linden Town Week crown and while the delegates are being treated to mixed comments the organisers are promising that the pageant will be probably the best staged in recent times.
The delegates are Monette Mingo, Wrenea Nikiesha Iana Sydney, Shellon Milling, Ruqayyah Boyer, Rhonda Harry, Shenella Oneshia Thomas and Michon Guillaume. The pageant is set for Saturday May 1, at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.
Yet another Caribbean performer has been added by FAS Entertainment to the already packed cast for this year’s Digicel Reggae on the Hill on Sunday, April 25 at the Farley Hill National Park.
She is fast rising Guyanese star Timeka Marshall who joins the likes of England’s Maxi Priest, Jamaica’s Taurus Riley, Richie Spice, Luciano, Busy Signal, Etana, and Romane Virgo and the large Barbadian contingent which includes Buggy Nhakente and Fully Loaded, Hotta Flames, LRG, Brimstone, Albert Olton, Ras Al-I, Orakle, Daniel, Twin Manz, Lisa Howell and KDB.
In 2006, Timeka released her first single, “We Should Separate”, and a music video shot on location in Jamaica. Both gained popularity and held their own in heavy rotation on radio and television stations across the region.
Timeka is popularly known for her hit singles “All Night” which was produced by Stephen McGregor, who works only with the most talented dancehall and reggae artistes, “Hush” a collaboration with Jamaica’s Reggae superstar Peetah Morgan, “Feel Fah” featuring Dancehall artiste Busy Signal and her latest release “Sweet Vibes” on the Juke Boxxe’s Boops riddim which pays tribute to the late Wycliffe 'Steely' Johnson which was produced by Shane Brown.
With ideas to showcase and honour Guyanese musicians and create a network, major financial sacrifices and the backing of 21 Guyanese artistes from 13 countries in the diaspora; the Guyana Artistic Music Awards sounds like an excellent package. Its sponsorship package deal offers are relative as compared to the many mega shows that featured no show international artistes. But this idea being sold by Canada based promoter Sherlock Shepherd and his team is not getting the support that it should have gotten from Corporate Guyana nor local promoters, entertainers and to a lesser extent the local media.
Thus far there are no sponsors and this publication understands that the lone sponsor that was on board pulled out at the last minute.
That is not all, even some of the local artistes who have been listed as possible honorees have not responded favourably, and they often complain that they are not getting recognition. According to Shepherd this is not because of any negative vibe on his group’s part. “ We believe that there is as deliberate attempt to frustrate this effort by persons known and unknown but we will persevere and prove ourselves as genuine people who believe in honouring and celebrating our own while they are alive with no strings attached. America and Canada and most countries do it so on Saturday April 25we will; come what may, Shepherd said.
As the countdown to the first annual Guyana Musical Splash and the Guyana Artistic Music Awards continue the promoter is reporting that there are some teething problems but they are assuring that the “show must and will go on”.
“We thought this would have been easy and Guyana; corporate and otherwise would have bought into it but with a few days to go we have no response,” Shepherd said
They have thus far invested a tardy sun and are still spending to make this happen even as we await sponsorship. We had one which pulled out at the last minute but we are not fazed we believe that the public will support their own.” He personally refuses to conclude that “Guyanese don’t believe in their own because the artistes are all here as a sign of support for networking and honouring our own and its now up to the public to come out to the National Culture Centre on Saturday April 25 and show solidarity.
Meanwhile several more Guyana born artistes based in Canada and the USA have arrived and are optimistic that they will get the local support to build a Guyanese music network.
Yesterday, this publication met with Redemption, Kapa Shanti, Cyborg, Yontte Hooper and Donna Makeeda; some of the artistes and they are all excited about being back home and about the events.
Donna Makeeda back after 11years…ready to network and share music
Canada based Donna Makeeda a singer and magazine producer grew up and has won several international awards for her musical abilities in Kwakwani but she has not been home in 11 years. “I’ve live in Canada for quite a while but there is no place like home so I’m home to perform for my people,” she said yesterday.
She said when she heard of the idea for the awards and the Guyana Musical Splash she became excited and encouraged that someone has taken on the mantle to create a network for musicians and also honour their own on home soil.
She said she is encouraged by the music she hears coming out of Guyana and added that back in the day “we did not have that many studios and artistes popping up but this I believe will ensure that locals and Guyanese artistes internationally are honoured and encouraged. So my being her is two fold: to promote my music and to also promote the idea of the need for a united music industry where we can network to all our benefit.”
She is asking for local officials to realise the talent Guyana possess and harness it in a regulated industry where stake holders get their just deserts.
Kapa shanti gives up Germany show to come home after 24 years
US based Guyanese singer Kapa Shanti aged 35 has not been home since 1986 and the former Craig East Bank Demerara resident said “Guyana is like the closest thing to heaven and the people are really warm and friendly, its feels great to be home.”
Speaking to this publication yesterday he said he was on a card to perform in Germany with other artistes but cleared his calendar after he heard of the Guyana Musical Splash. “I’m ready to perform and give my people a taste me as I also experience the local boys, girls and veterans that are resident here.
The Guyana Musical Splash caught my attention first then when I heard of the Awards I said this is historical and come what may I’ve got to be in Guyana and here I am to perform, hopefully win an award and also build the networking bridge for Guyanese music,” the elated artiste said.
In his musical career thus far he has produced one album titled Kapa Shanti as well as a mix tape and is currently working on a single as well as a few music videos. Of Guyanese music he said though it has not hit mainstream he likes the sounds coming out of his homeland and hopes that local artistes do not loose faith that one day the relevant legislation will be in place to their benefit. I’m not an authority on music but based on my interaction thus far with my Guyanese brothers and sisters in the entertainment struggle I found that they repeatedly say that their music is being shelved and ignored by radio and television Deejays for foreign music.
In his appeal he said “our music and its stake holders will only be able to develop, maintain their families, be encouraged to produce more at a better standard and quality and hit main stream if we create a demand. This is done by making the music popular Deejays please make an extra effort to help your own.” He also encouraged Guyanese to come out on April 23 and 25 and be part of the start of a Guyanese musical revolution.
Redemption ready to redeem
With a name like Redemption US based reggae artistes Colin Nigel Simpson said he is home to support this “all Guyanese effort- the Guyana Artistic Music Awards.” The Lindener who became popular in Georgetown as the singing ital seller said too that he’s excited about the idea of “Guyanese honouring Guyanese in the music industry on home soil.” Reflecting he had his share of “fight downs” in his efforts to get studio time at home, not because he couldn’t sing but because he did not have the right linkage.
The positive vibes artiste who has an album out titled ‘Redemption: Good Health Long life’ expressed the hope that this event helps to confirm to all the studios, artistes and music producers “that fighting down artistes and sidelining them does not help to build an industry and we need to unite to charter a way forward so we can actually reap the benefits and create a Guyanese network.” He said too that he fully supports the GAMA and that’s we he came home. “I’m a firm believer that we as Guyanese peoples are talented and can make this work. This is an event to build on and we will reflect on in years to come.
Photo caption above: Guyana we are here! Redemption, Donna Makeeda, Cyborg, Mystique, Kapa Shanty and Papa Roach yesterday before they did some promotions in Linden
“It’s a great idea to give people flowers while they are alive and so I’m on the boat in the interest of the development of the Guyanese music industry as an artiste,” says Sherlock Whyte, aka Daddy Rusty.
He and 21 other artistes based in the Diaspora, including Aubrey Mann, Donna Makeeda, Zebulun De Counsellor, Kapa Shanti, Prince Ally and Mandela Manning etc. support the cause of the Guyanese Canadian Artistic Entertainment to create a network of Guyanese artistes and entertainers the world over.
Though not as popular in Guyana as he is in the Canadian Guyanese circles, after 10 years away from the local scene, the Berbice-born, Daddy Rusty, has returned home to support the development of the industry as has the other Diaspora-based artistes.
Like the rest, he will be part of the Guyana Musical Sunsplash carded for April 24 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, then on April 25 he will be among the awardees at the Guyana Artistic Music Awards.
Daddy Rusty started singing and spinning records as a boy in Guyana on his brother’s sound system. At age ten, he joined the church choir and thereafter began entering a few music and Deejay competitions, which led him on a journey to becoming an artiste.
In 1990, Daddy Rusty relocated to Canada to further his music career and has since won several awards and trophies internationally.
His first single "Teach the youth" was distributed by Tuff Gong records, Bob Marley’s company in Jamaica, and was voted Top Reggae Single at the Canadian Reggae Music Awards. In 2004, he released his first CD titled “Love and Unity” which was very successful and won many awards.
He is no stranger to the entertainment industry, and has shared the stage with several well-known international artistes including: the Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose, Rupee, Bunji Garlin, Shurwayne Winchester and Machel Montano also Reggae artistes like Beenie man, Morgan Heritage, Everton Blender and Elephant Man.
Rusty has toured Europe and the United States, where he performed at the World Reggae Music Awards in Atlanta and has made appearances in several Caribbean countries.
Daddy Rusty has a new CD dubbed "Bless Me" which he believes can be an inspiration to the young people anywhere.
It is due out in August. Now that Rusty is finally recording this kind of music, he realises that it’s the direction that he was always originally supposed to move in. “I believe that the music coming out of Guyana is great and I hope that the relevant authorities will recognise this and work towards making sure that the artistes and producers get their dues through the implementation of copy rights legislation.”
Like the others, he is encouraging Guyanese music lovers to come out and support their own. Also cared to perform are Major Joe B aka the Firenese, Jumo, Shelly G, Vanilla and First Born.
(by Mondale Smith)
