GtShowBiz.com's Hunk of the week is 20 year old SaQuane, a soldier of the United States Air Force. SaQuane is of West Indian decent and describes himself as friendly, outgoing and very athletic. He likes to travel and dance, he is a romantic person that loves to show a woman a good time. In his free time he likes to read, chat and update on social networks. SaQuane likes to be straight to the point about things. He is currently living in Greensboro, NC. He strives hard to achieve goals, and never quits. His favourite genres of music are Bachata, Calypso, Dancehall, Reggae, Soca and Zouk.GSB.com: What are your hobbies?

When the curtain is raised on April 25 at the National Cultural Centre to honour Guyanese artistes at home and in the Diaspora, Canada-based Guyanese artiste, Donna Makeda, will be among the lot.

This very conscious, positive vibes, reggae queen in her own right is among the nominees who will perform for the GAMA and is promising Guyana a taste of quality reggae that is "culturally uplifting".

“I live overseas but Guyana is and always will be home. I feel honoured to be heading back there this year to be part of the historical music awards. I believe that this is a step in the right direction for artistes to network and work together for the common good of all Guyanese artistes,” she said.

Dubbed by those in the ‘Culture Music know’ in Canada “a definite musical force to be reckoned with,” Makeda was among the lot honoured with crystals at the inaugural GAMA 2008 event in Canada.

With about three albums in her repertoire, some of her singles include “Don’t you break my Heart” done on the Old Fashion Love rhythm produced by Mr. Cooper and Ras Vibes Records and “Need Some Money” which climbed the charts on Galaxie Reggae.

Another “Hold On” done in 2007 was mixed in Kingston Jamaica by the legendary Dr. Marshall of Anchor Studio.

The single “Need Some Money” was written and produced by Prince Everald and the rhythm courtesy of African Star.

Donna, though not as popular in Guyana, is no-one hit wonder. Internationally, she also received honours from the Toronto International Reggae Music Awards for “Roots & Culture” Album of the Year and on that occasion the album was for her album “Jah Ah De Rulah”. All told she has more than 14 awards to date.

Because of her musical abilities, she performed at the Calgary International Reggae Festival and created quite an impact on the 6000-strong audience with her dynamic and impressive showcase.

In August 2004, this entertainer with her talented dance cast ‘The Caribbean Dance Theatre’, created quite a stir that was much pleasing to the audience.

Her performance was referred to as “a storybook’ and “dreamlike” by the viewers, who said that it was the most memorable performance they had ever seen. Donna received the Consul General’s Award at the Guyana Awards as she was honoured for her steadfast commitment and service to the Guyanese community. She also walked away with the 2004 Female Dancehall DJ of The Year Award at the 20th Canadian Reggae Music Awards.

Donna’s other awards include: “Top Reggae Newcomer” 1993, “Top Reggae Dancehall DJ (female) 1995, 1996 and 1999 and 2003 and “Top Reggae Music Video (for her video “Jah Great Woman”) in 1995 from the Canadian Reggae Music Awards. And “Arts & Entertainment Award” for her contribution to the Arts from her home country – Guyana in 2000, and an “Artistic Award of Excellence” from the Inter-City Multicultural School of Excellence Reading Club in 2001.

Donna released a 12-track album titled “Jah Ah De Rulah” which includes songs like “Come Into My Life” featuring Prince Everald, a slamming, conscious track. It also included the hit single “Make Love, Not War” featuring Roger B, “In My House” featuring Negus Morris of the Heptones, the ever popular “Folk Song Medley” and ‘Sweet Victory’ (groundation dub).

She has done opening acts for internationally renowned artistes such as Capleton, Coco Tea, Marcia Griffiths, Sister Carol, Culture, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Michael Rose, Cutty Ranks, Yami Bolo, Anthony B, George Nooks and Louie Culture.

Donna has performed extensively in Canada in places like Toronto, Brantford, Hamilton, Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary, also internationally in Barbados, Guyana, New York and Jamaica.

Her song “Sweet Victory” was Number One on the reggae charts in Miami for eight weeks while “South Africa” (from her CD “Who Can Endure” released 1998) followed closely at #2. “Jah Great Woman” also enjoyed much airplay and was #1 in Miami for six weeks.

The “Jah Great Woman” music video, which was done with the help of Videofact, was on high rotation on Much Music and played in Jamaica, Barbados and New York on selected programmes. Donna signed a licensing deal with Amiata Records in Italy for the remix of her song “Life Story” and also was involved in many stage plays where she performed as an actress, dancer and singer.

She also starred in a Documentary film titled “Roots Daughters” alongside Judy Mowatt and that film is constantly being aired on television throughout the world. She also released two music videos such as “Who Can Endure” and “Make Love Not War”.

Since 1993, this multi-talented, untiring artist has released two full length CD’s titled “Who Can Endure” and “Jah Ah De Rulah”, two cassette-albums (Who Can Endure & Sweet Victory), two vinyl-singles (Sweet Victory & Jah Ah De Rulah & Wonder Weed), one vinyl-album (for Who Can Endure), two compilation CDs with Canadian Music Week and four CD singles (Just Hurry, Money Crazy, Make Love Not War and Family Medley – Part 1). Donna has appeared live numerous times on City TV’s Breakfast Television, Entertainment News, Clip Trip, The Scene, Lunch Television, Rogers Cable 10, Soul in the City and Da Mix (Canada).

This Guyanese born dread locked sing-jay is also a graduate of Trebas Institute where she received her diploma in Recorded Music Production and Multimedia and also is the proud owner of her own music label “DONNA MAKEDA MUSIC” and a quarterly music magazine called “REGGAEXCLUSIVE Entertainment News” which recently won two awards for “Top Reggae Magazine”.

Donna started singing and performing 25 years ago. Her foundation in music came from the church, which she attended when she was a little girl. Donna started out as a dancer; she was trained in Afro-Caribbean Dance, Modern Dance, Folk Dance, Kathak and Classical Ballet. At age 16, she opened her own dance and aerobics school: “Burning Flame International” Dance Troupe.

By the time Donna got to Canada, she had already been performing extensively throughout Guyana with her dance troupe. Singing at that time was just a fun thing for her.

Upon sighting Rastafari, Donna took her music more seriously and began writing lyrics and practicing on sound systems, singing at various stage shows and winning many competitions.

Without a doubt, her voice is her wealth; her intellect a cultural strength, and her stage presence is an expression of royal heritage.


By: Mondale Smith

In an industry of many talents dominated by few comes a musical storm – Cyborg. Born and raised in the rough and tumble ghettos of Albouystown - Georgetown, Guyana, Keith Sandiford quickly earned the name Cyborg from his gifted ability to quickly create lyrics on the spot.

He is among more than 29 Guyanese artistes residing in the Diaspora who should be heading home for the Guyana Artistic Music Awards, GAMA carded for April 25. He will also be among the performers at the upcoming Guyana Musical Splash billed for Thirst Park on April 17.

Son of local reggae artist, Sangie, it was a natural fit that Cyborg would one day find himself at the centre of a group of youths, singing and deejaying at his school.

Realizing the artistic gift he possessed to thrill audiences, Cyborg made it his mission to nurture his talents and bring them to the stage for the world.

Upon migrating to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Cyborg began performing songs by his favourite reggae artist with local sound system – Baseline Sound- (1998). Cyborg then was steadily working in the studio writing and producing his original music. In 2001 Cyborg release his first recorded single –"Plan to Make Millions"- marking the start of his vinyl career.

The great response to his work would soon lead to the first of many professional showcases and appearances on national and international stages. In March 2001 Cyborg was granted his first major performance at – The Canada Explosion Show- where he performed alongside dancehall greats such as Barrington Levy, Everton Blender and the Explorer family which signalled a change in Cyborg's career marking a change in status from armature to professional.

Since then, he has performed alongside reggae artists such as Brigadier Jerry, Singing Melody and countless others. As part of the first ever Reggae Festivals in both Montreal and Toronto, Cyborg has proven himself to be a trendsetter and an asset in Canada's Reggae music Industry.

Inspired by the hardships he faced growing up, and by musical greats like Jimmy Cliff and Gregory Isaacs, Cyborg finds his solace in the one drop of reggae music. His commitment to the upliftment of the youths has earned him certificates from Toronto Community Housing for giving his time to perform for young people at their annual Black History Month Celebration (2004), as well as Jamaica Canadian Center, and Unity is strength community group in 2008.

Truly an international talent, Cyborg performed on the "St Mary Mi Come From" show on his 2007 tour to the Home of Reggae Music, Jamaica. It was on this tour that he graced the stage with the likes of Jah Cure, Sizzla, Ninja Man, Chuck Fender and many more of Jamaica's finest musical exports. In 2008 Cyborg Travelled to Jamaica and recorded a track with Computer Paul and the Uprising Band.

Coining the term "Mad@Work" Cyborg is doing just that. He is currently working on a series of mix tapes that will feature his original works and that was followed up with a Cd release in 2009.

For More Information and all the latest info and work from Cyborg check him out at: www.myspace.com/cyborgmadatwork

Model Keith Allicock revealed recently via his facebook account that he is proud of the good work, Guyana's Fashion mogul and top Designer Sonia Noel is doing for young upcoming models and future designers.


Here is what he had to say to Ms Noel...."Hats off to you for motivating those budding Models...and for encouraging and educating those young designers who dare to design something different. As you pave the way for many...I pray that you are regarded in double folds and continue the good work."

We can only agree with him. Keep up the good work Sonia

The Iron Man Roots Fest staged on March 20 at the National Park may have been a major financial disappointment to the promoters but for those who attended the show was a great one.
Just about 200 patrons turned out to see the artiste but that did not stop Bush man from delivering a welcomed performance.

Shevvon Mentus and Justin Leigh who promoted the Iron Man Roots Fest speaking to this publication said that despite the poor turn out we promised and we delivered…we believe that our show had poor support because of what unfolded at the last show but we are not phased because we believe in the local entertainment industry and with time people will realise that we deliver and will support us.”

Mentus said too that in her estimation the show was a wonderful show despite and “we are proud of the artiste’s performance”.
The Roots Fest was carded to be staged in Guyana on March 6 originally but that show was postponed to March 20 on the advice of officials from the Home Affairs Ministry after the preceding show that proved a disaster. Bottles rained and damaged more than $3m worth of equipment after the artistes were no shows.

The roots fest promoters are promising that since their show was incident free that “This is not the last show Bushman will be returning with other artistes later in the year”. Meanwhile as much as they did not make anything from the show the Promoters still delivered food to the children at the Durban Backlands home.



By: Mondale Smith

Melanie Fiona travels through time and speaks on her roots and her love for her own style as an artist in an recent interview with (nydailynews.com)

check out the interview below.


Source: nydailynews.com





Melanie Fiona travels through time in her music. Play her records, and you're trans-ported back to the DayGlo days of mod '60s soul, a time when snappy Motown songs ruled the charts and shiny go-go boots defined the fashion.

While many modern stars have gone for retro-soul sounds over the past decade - from Lauryn Hill to Maxwell - Fiona aims for something more bright, poppy and pruned. Luckily, her connection to history hasn't stopped her from climbing steadily on today's charts. Her debut CD, "The Bridge," has seen building sales over the past few months, slowly inching its way into the Top 30 in the last few weeks, goosed by a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

This week, the 26-year-old Canadian singer (born Melanie Fiona Hallim) played the Garden, opening for another star with an eye on soul history, Alicia Keys. Which makes one wonder.
How did a girl from Canada — born to Guyanese parents — get that vintage, finger-popping sound?

My parents were big music lovers and played soul music all the time. They loved the Supremes, the Ronettes and Sam Cooke, along with music from their West Indian heritage. My dad also played guitar in a band, and my mom sang all the time in the house.
Do you think your sound has brought you an older audience than it otherwise might?

Yes. I feel like I have an old soul anyway. Older audiences are hard to win over. They're very specific in their tastes and critical of new music. But my music seems to have spoken to both generations.

You got a Grammy nomination this year before many people even heard of you. Did that make a difference?

It made a big difference. Now whenever anybody mentions me, they talk about me as a "Grammy-nominated artist."

Your album uses a lot of prominent samples of classics: The first single, "Give It to Me Right," is based on the Zombies' "Time of the Season." But you've also got bits of Frankie Avalon's "Venus," Martha and the Vandellas' "Jimmy Mack" and Eddie Holman's "Hey There Lonely Girl."

Were you ever self-conscious about using so many older hits in your music?

I feel this album is a tribute to my influences. It's also a kind of history lesson. A song like "Time of the Season," people know it, but they may have forgotten where they know it from. This helps put the spotlight back on these artists.
It's interesting that your breakthrough hit in America, "It Kills Me," is the most contemporary-sounding number.

I knew that song would shift the market to the urban listener and appeal to people here. In Europe, it's more open. They just like music. They don't care where it comes from. In America, it's more segmented by radio formats.

When did your parents come to Canada from Guyana — and why?

They came in the late '70s, before I was born. They wanted a better life. Canada had the good health-care system and educational system. It was a privilege for me to grow up there. But it was hard, at first, for my parents. They came from the tropics to a cold country. They had never seen snow before. At first, my dad worked as a janitor. My parents came a long way. Now my dad works in finance. My mom is in banking.

Your first break came from the Caribbean side of your musical influences. You got a Jamaican-styled song on the "Reggae Gold" series. Why didn't you stick with reggae?

If I had done a reggae album, I would be known as a reggae artist. And I didn't want to be pigeonholed. Basing the music on soul was a good foundation to be more diverse. I could mix it with rock, R&B or anything.

How did you get your record deal with Universal?

I had a deal with a production company, and for five years we developed what I would do. Steve Rifkind at Universal had a commitment to keeping the sound as it was. Another label might have tried to change me. Steve was on the same page.


Why did you call the album "The Bridge"?
Because we were bridging cultures, genres, generations and ethnicities.


What do you say to those who find your music too retro?

Retro can be a crutch. I don't want to be seen as going only where music has already been. I'm also about where music is going next.(www.nydailynews.com)

As at Wednesday, of an original pool of 20 beauties, 14 have arrived in the British Virgin Islands ahead of tomorrow’s Miss Caribbean World Pageant. Guyana is represented in the bunch. In a Platinum News entertainment story Alecia Hamm, the show’s organiser is quoted as saying that “right now they are having some serious fun”.

She also described them as a lively bunch and reported that some of the six others are experiencing financial difficulties.

Last Saturday Miss Guyana World 2010 Imarah Radix as well as the other contestants to the pageant arrived in the British Virgin Islands and was treated to a welcome reception by the Premier Hon. Ralph T. O´Neal Sunday evening at the Maria´s by the Sea. They dined and savoured some of the delectable indigenous dishes of the BVI and rocked to music provided by the Lashing Dogs sounds.

Miss Guyana who sparked the most comments on the Platinum News site for listing Scuba diving as a hobby is reportedly a stand out for her personality and her ability to think on her feet and is reportedly among the more eloquent of the bunch.
On Monday the delegates toured the Virgin Gorda and on Tuesday they were part of live television interviews.

On Wednesday they toured Tortola then participate in the Queen’s Baton Relay activity at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Yesterday the ladies attended the high school athletics meet, then they swim with the dolphins and visited the UP Cineplex. A Motorcade is carded for today followed by a reception to be held by the Governor and it is where the personal interviews will be done.


Contestants will compete in swimwear, costumes, talent, evening wear, and for the first time a question and answer segment.
Miss BVI according to the Platinum News report is confident that she will win the pageant as she has “ been preparing since in January, going to the gym, personal training and so on." Miss St. Lucia Glenda Kimberlyn Abbott at the function who like the other delegates are already enjoying the BVI, urged persons to come out and support the delegates as they display talent, intelligence and beauty.

Miss USA Meagan Small is a US-born Jamaican who is representing the Caribbean diaspora in the USA.

Miss Guyana Radix said the BVI is great and expressed love for the sand and water. Responding to questions about her love for scuba diving, Radix said that she does not scuba dive in Guyana, but has travelled to many countries such as Egypt, Thailand and the Margarita Islands where she does scuba diving.

Imarah who has advanced in scuba diving said “I have done five specialties in scuba diving. I do it while on vacation, I don´t scuba dive in Guyana,” the Platinum news quotes her as saying.

She said that she is prepared to put her best foot forward on tomorrow nigh and is feeling right at home with her Guyanese chaperon. She said reported that Guyanese residing in the BVI are very supportive and they are promising to attend the pageant in their numbers with Guyana flags to root for her.

The contestants were part of a photo shoot in the Virgin Gorda which Imarah dubs as one of several wonderful experiences she has had since arriving in the BVI.
She assures that she intends to do her best to represent Guyana and describes the other contestants as very friendly. Her roommate is Ms Anguilla and according to her “we are getting along very well…it’s as if we have known each other for years”.

Of the trip thus far Imarah said she’s really enjoying the culture and sights of the BVI while discovering ‘nature’s little secret’ and sharing the beauty and culture of Guyana with the contestants.


By: Mondale Smith