Sonia Noel will name Guyana’s Next Top Model in exactly one week and while it is still too early to pick a front-runner the competition it shaping up to be as jaw-dropping as last year.
Richard Young, the creative force behind Sonia Noel’s Glamorous, is impressed with the bunch he has groomed this year and he has seen some potential “drama” in a few of the hopefuls.
The hotly-contested photo shoot for the model search wrapped up at Splashmin’s several days ago and is to be aired shortly. Richard said the shoot this year was interesting because it was pushed up to an earlier time allowing for a fresh daybreak setting. “The models were up before sunrise and the cameras were ready to roll within a few minutes, it really was something special to watch,” he said. Richard said the models this year seemed to have grasped the concept of the “complete runway package” better than the previous year, adding that they understood the importance of not simply walking on the runway and believing that “this was all”. Designers and stylists had to incorporate environmental awareness and HIV/AIDS and domestic violence into their work. He said that the focus was not solely on designing but also demonstrating a responsibility to raise awareness on pertinent issues. With respect to the stylists, he said, they were drafted in because the role of stylists had been underplayed in the past. He explained that the stylists are make-up those persons who understand how to use clothes to reach an audience. “While the designer creates the outfit the stylist is the one who sells it, and I was impressed with how the stylists in this competition understood the roles they play,” Richard added. He said what Sonia Noel is doing by putting on the show every year is rearing a new crop of models to enter an industry that he acknowledged is difficult to survive in here. But, he noted the competition instills in models the notion of creating a niche in the field. According to him, the avenue is there for models to think “outside of the catwalk” and branch out to marketing products. He said this was the same message that was shared with the designers. Richard said designing for the catwalk is important, but it is also practical to think of designing for companies even if it is producing a batch of jumpsuits. Richard said the final, which is to be held on July 12 at Princess Buddy’s Hotel, is shaping up to be quite an event. Since the model search and the designer and stylist competitions have been merged for the final show Richard said the public will have “quite a fill”. He also mentioned that auditions for Guyana Fashion Weekend noted are slated for July 5 and 6 at the Hotel Tower. The auditions begin at 2 pm each day.
With just days to go before Sumfest 2009 gets underway in Jamaica, Chairman Robert Russell, at the Montego Bay Launch of Reggae Sumfest at Pier 1 on June 30th, announced that this year's staging will be dedicated to the `greatest entertainer in the world.`Jackson had actually visited and performed in Jamaica in 1975 as a member of the Jackson 5. The group was hosted then by former Prime Minister, Edward Seaga, at his home in Temple Meads, St Andrew. At the time, Seaga was opposition leader and head of the now ruling Jamaica Labor Party. The Jackson 5 was the opening act for Bob Marley and the Wailers at the outdoor National Stadium
Russell said it is important that the top reggae show be dedicated to the top musical star, as the world continues to mourn the famed singer
GSB just caught wind that our girl Shelly 'G' has officially launched her website and is ready to interact with her fans from Guyana and abroad.
This would sure be a good treat for all of her local fans since they would rarely see Shelly anywhere and would always wonder what has she been up to lately... The website, www.shellygonline.com boasts a wide variety of features with a photo gallery, fan club, video gallery, news and frequent updates also downloads and discussion boards.
fans can also register on the site to get exclusive access to VIP conten, such as music downloads and backstage video, shout outs, photos and much more.
The website, which was developed by Kelvin Daly is the fist of it's king in Guyana for Guyanese artiste. It's main focus is to promote Sehlly G to the entire world and her many fans.
The website is just a stepping stone, Shelly G's Manager Mr. Dynamix tells us, pointing out that fans can expect an array of promotions, music and videos coming from the artiste, as she gets ready for bigger and better things.
That's rite ya'll, The Guyana Fashion Weekend Committee has started hosting auditions has of Today at 14:00hrs at the Tower Hotel to select the 'cream of the crop' for the year's event.
Pop it for more....While they are particularly looking for tall and stunning models this year around, there will be a particular call for models of 'mixed race and origin' too.
Auditions will also continue on Sunday from 14:00hrs and will end at 18:00hrs set by the officials in order to maintain a strict schedule.
male models are asked to walk with runway shoes while the females are required to be attired in heels to better enable them to storm the runway before a panel of judges.
Models are also required to walk with two full size photos for viewing by the panel. Models are reminded that last years even offered a world of opportunities for participants and reigning Miss Guyana Universe, Ms Meeesa Payne as a result became an official Pulse model and participated in the Trinidad Fashion event.
Meanwhile designers who are aduitioning are required to walk with their sketches or portfolios abd of course two of their completed designs.
GSB has learned that our very own Ms Timeka Marshall will be performing at this year's Reggae Sumfest which comes as no surprise to us.Following her overwhelming performance there last year and the huge success she has gain for this year, it would be an insult not to have her there again.
The 17th annual Reggae Sumfest, which will be Dedicated To Michael Jackson, will get underway this July with the annual beach party at Cornwall Beach,...featuring the likes of many of Jamaica's more popular local deejays including Errol Lee & the Bare Essentials, Cameal Davis, Khalil, ZJ Ice, DJ Mix Master Marvin and Crazy Nei, backed by Danger Zone Super Strong.
Not to mention the Jagra Dancehall Night, on July 23rd, which is sure to crank the heat of this resort up higher, as a slew of stars, including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Lady Saw, Elephant Man, Busy Signal, Spice, Kiprich, Flippa Mafia and D'Angel also set to take over the stage.
And on Friday, July 24th, American R&B stars Ne-Yo and Jazmine Sullivan are set to bring some smooth vibes to the festival while Morgan Heritage, Jah Cure, Coco T and Queen Ifrica are sure to thrill the conscious reggae followers.
For the final curtain call on Saturday, July 25th performances will include multi-Grammy-winning star, Toni Braxton, Nas, Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley, Tarrus Riley, Etana and Da'Ville with some others.
As Guyana prepares for the biggest summer jam ''Jamzone Summber Break''slated for August 27th to the 30th 2009.GSB has learned that Promoters Hits & Jams are reporting that they have secured several international acts to offer live performances at the Guyana National Stadium and the Splashmins Fun-Park.From a private national perspective the Hits and Jams Promotions group notes “the idea of making the event into a four-day affair was birthed after a meeting with President Bharrat Jagdeo earlier in the year. That meeting included promoters as well as officials from the private sector, airlines and corporate Guyana.”
Director Rawle Ferguson said, “In previous years, our one-day event, Jamzone has been on the national tourism calendar but following the meeting with President Bharrat Jagdeo we have upped it to four days with much more on the entertainment/leisure platter for domestic and international tourists.”
The final day will be at the resort in the form of a grand beach party with all the major offerings in sports, aquatic and leisure entertainment. The event will conclude with the crowning of the ninth Miss Jamzone Queen.
Director Kerwin Bollers, explaining the four-day concept said that the three additional nights will be memorable and will boost the interest of international leisure seekers. Over time the event should see more tourists flocking to Guyana like they do for other Summer Fest, internationally.
President Bharrat Jagdeo had encouraged those at the meeting to create and promote events that can be used as a tourism attraction to the local shores. Bollers said that the environment and preserving Guyana’s standing forest and climate change will be among the main focus for the pageant where the delegates will be tasked with creating costumes with various messages.
They will also have to research those topics for presentation. So far, more than 75 applications have been distributed and the promoters are asking that those who still have forms in their possession to fill them out and return them on or before July 3.
Meanwhile, Fergusson says that as momentum builds Hits and Jams, in its quest to offer mega concerts like those experienced for CARIFESTA, the group is pursuing several contracts with some major artistes.
“Already we have secured contracts with Caribbean soca sensation Machel Montano and Jamaican dancehall artiste Busy Signal, as well as Karma, the number one chutney band in the region,” Ferguson said.
He assures, too, that “this release of names is just the beginning of the proposed line up of artistes heading to the local shores.”
Her birthday was documented as May 16, 1896. Earlier this year, surrounded by well-wishers, her birthday was celebrated at the Salvation Army Women’s Home where she had been living since 1988. “She was a dear old soul. I would miss her very, very much”, said Edith King. King said that she has been looking after Lewis at the Women’s home for years now and they were friends.
King told Stabroek News last evening that Lewis was doing well last week though she had flu. “She was still talking, she was doing everything”, she recalled. She recounted that on Saturday, a doctor pronounced Lewis fine and she was just feeling her age. On Sunday, Lewis was talking too but on Monday, hardly said anything.
King related that at about 5 am yesterday, she checked on Lewis and she was breathing though “heavily”. When she returned 45 minutes later, “she was gone…quiet, quiet”.
Speaking to reporters, back in 2008 Lewis had said that the key to her longevity was not being married nor having any children. She had encouraged young people to place their trust in God and live decent lives.
Lewis’ funeral will be held today at 3 pm at the St. Andrews Kirk.
