Guyana Music Arts

New Music: Adrian Dutchin- Wap with it

2011-08-10T22:42:00.000-04:00

Guyana Freestyle Cypher: 2, 3, 4

2011-08-10T22:34:00.003-04:00

Guyana Freestyle Cypher:

2011-04-28T23:23:00.005-04:00

I'm surprised. Wish I could hear more rapping in the Guyanese accent. It would have added a unique flavor to it.

Interviews: Timeka Marshall at the Barbados Music Awards 2011

2011-03-06T01:28:00.001-05:00

Artist Spotlight: Jay Anderson

2011-03-05T20:25:00.009-05:00

It seems that Guyana is producing rappers of every kind. Last week I spotlighted Raci Racs and Brown Face Gunna.

Today it's Jay Anderson, another young rapper. However, I feel this dude got some talent. I was truly entertained especially by the lil snippet of mirror mirror.

Popular featuring Tish

Mirror Mirror

New Artist: Brownface Gunna

2011-03-01T22:01:00.002-05:00

In life you have to accept the good and the bad, one can’t exist without the other. This is the philosophy Marcel De Castro (a.k.a. Brownface Gunna), a young, talented rapper/producer hailing from Toronto’s west end, lives by. And he emulates it across the board from his laidback demeanor to the music that he makes.

Brownface’s style is mood music. It switches between angry and upbeat and everything in between based on the type of mood he is in and what he’s going through in life at that moment. The versatility he brings in his music keeps him and his audience anything but bored.

Growing up in Rexdale, the West Indian bred Brownface began rapping at age 11, just for fun. He imitated what he saw on TV in music videos because “rappers were cool” but most importantly it was the only music that indicated that there were other kids, in the world growing up in something other than a Cosby home.

What began as a fun hobby, one that he would have to hide from his mother and grandmother, grew into a deep-rooted passion Brownface just couldn’t shake. At age 15 he began experimenting with beatmaking and by the time he was 17, he became confident in his abilities. Five years later he has evolved into a recognized artist/producer in the Toronto scene on the come up, having released two mixtapes, The Grizzy and Green Harvest as well as successfully earning a place as a contender in the last four Battle of the Beatmaker competitions.

With songs like his latest “Big Dreams” Brownface connects to his audience in the same way rappers like Jay-Z, Nas and Twista did with him in the ’90s. His songs tell stories of a Toronto youth on the come-up, and the world around him. His fast flow and smooth delivery gives way for hard hitting lyrics that paint clear pictures of his struggles, his passion, his pain and his happiness.

Brownface is also willing to push the limits, often taking beats producers intended for dance, rock or R&B tunes, and altering them to fit his unique needs. He’s a self-proclaimed perfectionist and is known for not settling for anything but what he envisions when it comes to his music.

In addition to working with his closest friends including singer Moses and rapper 4-twoney, Brownface has worked with many of Toronto’s elite as well as music royalty including producing the hit “Hollywood Fresh” which was a collaboration with Dougie Fresh and Keysha as well recording with Juno-nominated Kim Davis. He most recently worked with MMVA-award winning video director David Cropper on the music video for the aforementioned “Big Dreams” which was shot in New York City.

But even after accomplishing so much at such a young age, Brownface remains rooted in his community. He still continues to perform at many charity and community events and he believes in never forgetting where you came from, he reps hard for his Guyanese/West-Indian community whether it’s through interweaving slang into his lyrics or showing love for the youth who hit him up through the internet. Strong roots are an important element for the young rapper as he takes strides in his mission to shake up, the game and bring something new to hip-hop. “You gotta understand you work to live life not live to work, money’s just a piece of paper, you gotta have family, friends a community”. That’s Brownfaces inspiration and that’s what fuels his music. “I am not one of those guys that goes off to Hollywood and never look back.”

See more on his page: Brownface Gunna

Nuff New Music and I don't have time to post it....

2011-02-20T22:55:00.003-05:00

Check out Raci Racs.. Red White Green Black and Yellow... GT remix to Black and Yellow by Wiz Khalifa

Shelly G is back in Business after missing the Soca Monarch competition in 2010

Shelly G - Let me Loose

Shelly G fear De Hitman - Iron

Fojo - Trini Posse

Adrian Dutchin - Ah taking it

Now Hear This.....

2010-12-18T15:21:00.000-05:00

Click on the links below to listen to the vibes!

Gregory Issacs Dies @ 59.

2010-10-25T21:41:00.004-04:00

From the AP
Gregory Isaacs, the Jamaican reggae singer whose smooth style earned him the nickname "Cool Ruler," has died. He was 59. Isaacs' manager, Copeland Forbes, said the singer died Monday at his London home. Isaacs had been diagnosed with lung cancer a year ago, but continued performing until weeks before his death.

His wife Linda said Isaacs was "well-loved by everyone, his fans and his family, and he worked really hard to make sure he delivered the music they loved and enjoyed." Born in a Kingston, Jamaica slum in 1951, Isaacs began recording in his teens, and went on to produce scores of albums .

With his sinuous baritone and romantic songs, Isaacs became a leading proponent of the mellow "Lovers Rock" style of reggae. He hit his stride in the mid-1970s with ballads like "Love is Overdue" and "All I Have Is Love."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Caribbean musical legend who I personally grew up listening to, dancing to, amd misunderstanding all the lyrics until I became an adult. Such simple lyrics, yet such a soulful delivery and a splendidly unique voice. I can't believe he's only 59, he seems much older, maybe he was much wiser. RIP....sing in Jah's choir!

some of favorites: Hush Darling

Stranger in Town:

Sad to know you're leaving:

Guyana Fest 2010: London

2010-10-16T23:10:00.004-04:00

Guyana Fest 2010 in London, Sunday November 7th, 2010 at the Jazz Cafe.

First Born Bruk Up: Oh NO!

2010-07-08T22:02:00.004-04:00

According to a "Guyanese Entertainment Website/Blog", First Born are no longer together as a group.

No further details about the actual split, but members Treyon Garrett is making a solo move and will be releasing an album soon.

Troy Azore is also going to be going solo.

I'm sad man, this was a good group and to see them break up without making it bigger is such a shame.

I am not afraid:

Irits:

Better World Better Place:

Junkie:

Headline:

Guyana Cultural Fest: Maryland

2010-07-08T21:02:00.005-04:00

Happening this weekend July 10th, 2010 10am-10pm, Guyana Cultural Fest 1490 General's Highway, Crownsville, Maryland.

Artists straight from Guyana Timeka Marshall, FOJO, Shelly G, Brutal Jammers
Other artists: Terry Gajraj, The Angels Caribbean Band, Wataflo and more

Go if you can.

Gialiani: London Girl

2010-05-29T16:44:00.002-04:00

Gialiani doing himself

2010-05-29T16:41:00.001-04:00

Gialiani has been sort of low key these past few years, even if that was not his intention, but he is on the rap circuit again in search of a record deal and what he believes is some due recognition after “plugging away at it for so long”.

ialiani

He can be credited with being brave; coming out as a rap artiste ready to infiltrate a society which is familiar with foreign rap music and hardly pays attention to local voices trying to be heard. He shot a video and was throwing up dollars in the air, flashing a whole lot of bling and partying with women just like they do it in the videos we are used to seeing. But then he went silent.

“I was still working. I work every day developing my craft because this is my job, this is what I do,” Gialiani said in a recent interview. His tone was sharp, piercing to the point of a decibel [maybe an exaggeration], but he was probably going for convincing. Whatever it was, he was serious about how hard he has been working since his break-out release, “Rude Boi” in 2005.

He is not as obvious anymore, his appearance is like any other guy who is conscious about how he looks, but the baggy clothes and bling are gone; left for the music videos when he said he is allowed to be the rap artiste that he is. So what exactly has he been up to lately?

The rapper is back home for corporate support and to push his latest single, “London Girl”. Corporate support, he said, means somehow getting corporate Guyana to pump money into what he is doing and this is a stretch, but somehow he manages to talk them into sustaining that support. Gialiani has been funding his own projects and he released “London Girl” using his own money. The track is fresh, fun and an improved sound; it is Gialiani reloaded. It is set for release on UK radio stations soon; Gialiani had been in London for several months now pushing his music.

He said it is costly to work out of the UK, but he went because of the interest he said the people pay over there in rap music. “They are accepting of international artistes,” he said, noting that the US is a more competitive market and one he could take years, if ever to break into. Gialiani has been working non-stop since he went to London and according to him; it was hard because he had to build contacts and network starting without any connections.

He has not done any major work yet over there, but performed at a few open mic events and was also invited at a couple of campus jams. He said “London Girl” was done to connect with the London audience and allow them to have something to identify with. “The melody was really important, we found that first and then put lyrics to it, but the song is really strategic,” he noted. Gialiani is hoping the song lands him a solid fan base over there and eventually on an international scale.

Speaking about the song, he said, it is an R&B cross-over and more of “a chill song”. He described it as a laid-back track, which people would definitely want to listen to when it is on. Gialiani collaborated with UK artiste, Haley May, who is also trying to breakout.

Since he has been back there have been bookings, but he is yet to commit to any of it. He said the finances he would pick up from the performances are not “really important right now”, but he is also considering whether the performances can bring him and the song the kind of exposure he is looking for.

Gialiani has plans to collaborate with several artistes plugging away like him in the UK. He said that his tapes are out and are sitting on the desks of people who can make things happen. “I am waiting on them, they have to listen and if they like it that is my break,” he said. He is hoping to shoot a video for “London Girl”, but has to raise the funds to do it.

“I am very serious about my work now, back then I did a lot music that I never really studied that much. I’m a different artiste now, I have grown and I understand now how music can change people,” he added. His focus is now on making music which “relaxes people”. He said his mother could not relate to any of the material he had out previously, but “London Girl” is growing on her. He is largely satisfied with the song, but feels it could have been better; he feels it could have been better lyrically.

He could be really optimistic, but he feels a record deal could be a year away. Previously he had teamed up with a management team out of Barbados after promoting his music on the island but that did not work out. Anyone who is interested in sampling his music can contact him at dongialianigy@gmail.com for a free copy.

Still in his twenties he feels that he has some time, but “not a lot”. He said that he has been up to-date with his music and has been releasing samples on Face book, Twitter and YouTube. He said that those social networking sites have limitations based on where you are.

From Stabroek News

Adrian Dutchin, Jory and Peter Ram on O.M.G Remix

2010-05-29T16:34:00.002-04:00

From Stabroek News:

New kid on the block Jory Hector is going international as he has now teamed up with Barbadian soca star Peter Ram and his Guyanese counterpart Adrian Dutchin to produce a racy piece.

Adrian Dutchin

Peter Ram

The original song, “OMG”, which was sung by Adrian, produced by musical-genius, Keyes and recorded at Kross Kolor Studios, has reportedly been blazing the airwaves. However, the official remix is anticipated to be a definite “chart-topper since these three amazing artistes have added their unique styles to this groovy dancehall mix”.

According to the release, Jory, who is vividly heard in the second verse articulating his appreciation for well-figured women, complements the chorus with eight bars of cunning rhymes, innuendos and slangs that are sure to thrill music lovers everywhere including his budding fan base.

Jory Hector

Video to Follow

Hi friends...

2010-05-29T16:33:00.000-04:00

It's been a while....sorry for neglecting you.

2010 is the year of Jess X

2010-05-28T16:46:00.000-04:00

‘I want this year to be my year’

Tiffny Rhodius

“I want my own identity in music. I really want this year to be my year,” says the talented Jessica Xavier as she prepares to release her latest single with at least three others to follow for the year.

The 24-year-old musician likes to think that her music officially started when she released her first single “Baby Don’t Cry” last year. However, she has been singing for as long as she can remember at benefit concerts and charity dos. Her venture into music started when she was noticed by Danley Major who she says is “pretty much responsible for pushing me in that direction. He and his wife are fantastic.” Major produced and tracked the single, “Baby Don’t Cry”, Xavier said.

The sultry ballad singer admitted that she was sceptical about doing her first single with reggae rhythm but was told by her producer she needed to make a sacrifice. So making the sacrifice, Jessica said, she researched reggae “to feel the music” before she started to work on the song.

Jessica added that she was attacked by nerves her first time recording in the studio. The self-professed perfectionist says that being in a closed box with persons looking on made her nervous but being nervous helped her with achieving her best since she puts “more effort” into what she is doing.

As for a possible video to accompany her first single, a self-conscious Jessica admits that she’s “scared of TV”. Citing harsh critics out there among the reasons, Jessica says, “I hate the attention. Ever since I started singing I rarely go out.” Instead she spends the time with her family and she travels.

Nonetheless, the songbird, noting that she is new in the professional music business, was adamant in pointing out that she was not Megan Vieira who she says she gets mistaken for quite a lot, “I’m not Megan Vieira! I’m Jessica Xavier. I get that too much. I want my own identity in music,” she reaffirmed.

This is likely, as she works towards the release of five songs for the year. The first release, another single is due out soon and the others later on in the year. “I really want this year to be my year,” she adds as she tells of her newest single to be released soon, “A Better Day”.

According to Jessica, “A Better Day” is more of an R&B style single which is being produced by Darrell Pugsley and recorded at Brutal Tracks. Jessica says she is working closely with the producer on the single which is being funded by her.

Meanwhile later in the year Jessica expects to release another single which is being produced in Barbados. The single she says is “R&B mixed with a Caribbean vibe”. Also in the making is a single which she is working on with Dwayne Stephens. All in all, Jessica says she is “looking at three or more tracks for this year”.

But this she note is all dependent on sponsorship. While she is funding her imminent release and she secured sponsorship for the other singles, Jessica stressed the importance of funding if an artist is to make it in the business.

“Music does not pay the bills unless you make it to that level,” she noted. And speaking of achieving a “level” in the music industry, she says all she wants is to be an influence. “The level I’m looking for is not red carpet I want to be an influence. I want to make enough money to give back.

“I like pushing young people,” she adds. Her noble aspirations she says stems from her not being pushed when she needed it even though she was told she was a great singer, she said. But she knows that her aspirations to help other singers can only go so far, the talented songbird says more needs to be done to develop the talents of young singers.

Investing in a music school she says is one way to develop young talent. Everything from vocal training to public speaking she says should be taught. But most importantly, Jessica stressed the importance of an education in the business, which she feels would make achieving one’s dreams more of a reality.

Further, the music industry is too young to be as competitive as it is, she said. Jessica feels there needs to be more collaboration and less competition among artists in the local industry.

Everyone has his/her own style of singing and everyone is trying to make it she notes but it does not require the “fighting” that is currently going on. Using an example, she says that the opening of her upcoming single “A Better Day” has the same line as Tamika Marshall’s “One More Day” single which she hopes does not draw any harsh comparisons or wrong conclusions.

Meanwhile, outside of singing, Jessica heads her own Project Management business. Being self employed, she points out, gives her the opportunity to work on her music on her time. She notes she has been in business before she was in singing but says she works better when music is incorporated in her life and that is how she knew she had to do music as well.

A family oriented person, Jessica likes travelling and spending time with her family who she says has taught her to appreciate the smaller things in life since those are the things that count. The third of 11 siblings, Jessica credits her mother “for doing a great job” and her dad for pushing her.

Her upbringing is why she believes that positive attracts positive and that is why she listens to music with substance and creates music with substance, “When I write I think about who listens to my songs and I think about the message. My songs might be corny and crappy,” she says but she knows that she produces music that will touch someone in a positive way.

From Stabroek News

Always hot Ms. Guyanese Whine

2010-05-28T16:25:00.000-04:00

With talent flowing to her from both sides of the family, Soca singer Michelle ‘Big Red’ King has lots of steam to take her through the busy future she’s planning, which includes thoughts of returning her voice to the church.

Michelle 'Big Red' King

Currently, the plus-size beauty is working on a video for the song “Big Daddy”. The music video, she told The Scene recently, is a remix of the song and she will be working along with Jamaican artiste Empress Lyrics (Denise Williams) to produce it.

Michelle started singing at the age of seven or eight in church. Her favourite hymn was “Ave Maria”.

“It was one of the harder hymns but still I sang it… I loved it,” Michelle said.

She has been singing since then but didn’t go professional until about seven years ago. Michelle’s real singing started with the band Mischievous Guys. It was through them that she was discovered by local producer Bonny Alves. She’s now a part of the Kross Kolour family.

At 37, King is a happy mother of two sons and expects to tie the knot soon. She has churned out hits like “Guyanese Wine” and “On De Road Again”. The latter was a collaboration with Venezuelan singer Joselis Suarez which saw them winning the Road March title in 2008. Michelle is still working actively on her career.

“When I was going to Trinidad a few years ago with a group of artistes and Kross Kolour I had to find a catchy name,” Michelle explained, “and since I was big and hot, well I just had to get something along those lines. I couldn’t call myself Big Hot so I had to I went with Big Red… Red represents the hotness.”

Now Big Red is a name known all across Guyana.

Michelle grew up in Kitty, Georgetown with her adopted mother and Godmother. Her father, she said, was a singer but she’s never met him. However, she spends time with her biological mother, renowned local actress and director and now HIV activist, Desiree Edghill, these days.

“I was an early mother. I was teenage mom,” Michelle explained, “and it wasn’t until after I had my first son that I started singing for Mischievous Guys.”
Being a single mother was extremely difficult, she recalled, and there was a time in her life when she never thought she would be where she is today. In her late teens, Michelle had limited education and was struggling to make a living. It has been singing which had provided for her needs and wants over the years.

“Motherhood at that age takes away some from your childhood… It was really hard. But singing; singing and my children and the other people in my life who I love give me all the joy I could ever want,” she said.

Michelle is an active member of Women Across Differences (WAD), which is a non-profit organisation. It’s never too late, she said, for teenage moms to find something at which they can excel.

“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs to deal with throughout my career,” the singer said, “especially those that arose when I had to be away from home and away from my children. I try when I have spare time to spend it with my kids even though one of them is now an adult.I won’t say I’m the perfect single mom. But my older son always tells me ‘Mom you’ve done a great job’ and that is enough for me.”

In fact, Michelle described her older son as “the man behind my success in many ways”. It was he who wrote the lyrics for the hit “Guyanese Wine”. She recalled taking the track home one day, running it by her son and he said he would write her the song. The lyrics of which include: “… he say Trini//I say Guyanese//he say prove it//I say how babes//he say show me how the GT girls does wine…”

In December 2008, Michelle won Best Groovy Soca (Female) at the Accolade Awards. It wasn’t really shocking to win the title, she recalled, as she was already expecting it.

Next year, Michelle says, she hopes to enter the Calypso and Soca Monarch competitions. Michelle has never entered the Mashramani Calypso competition and she had stopped entering the Soca Monarch contest following the fiasco in 2006, which saw her win, then lose the crown to her now Kross Kolour stable mate Adrian Dutchin after a recount of the judges’ tally.

Despite her success as singer, Michelle said she is still a person like any other. When she’s at home she cooks, cleans and washes like a regular mom. After that’s done she gets busy with the computer games. More recently, she’s started accompanying her mother on walks.

Michelle is sure though, who she has to thank for her talent and for making it thus far. She says: “I’m might be heading right back to God. I want to start singing Gospel again. It’s something I’ve been seriously considering a while now.” This is her way of getting more in tune with her spirituality.

“With God everything is possible,” Michelle stated. “He’s a miracle.”

New Albulm for Solid Youth

2010-05-27T19:53:00.000-04:00

Solid Youth is back! More than four years after his last album, the local gospel star has just released his third album and a new video.

The album ‘Solid as a Rock’ was recently recorded in Jamaica under the Readyback Record Label. The 12-track album includes two collaborations with Jamaican gospel artiste St Matthew–the owner of the Readyback label. The singer also recorded the video to one of his songs “I’m Back”, which is featured on the new album.

Speaking to The Scene, Solid described this as his “best album so far”. According to him, his latest release showcases a different side to his music with his slower reggae rhythms. With a bias towards the “one drop reggae rhythms”, the singer, says that this decision has made his compositions more “worship-like” which he says are very popular among certain sections of his fan base. Since releasing the album Solid Youth, whose real name is David Yasin has partnered with St Matthew in performing at various concerts in the USA and this resulted in welcomed publicity.

The story behind Solid’s latest release is one he describes as a “God appointment”. The duo was supposed to collaborate on a single when St Matthew was in Guyana last year, but this did not materialize as planned. However, what was initially major disappointment for the singer soon turned into a major opportunity when St Matthew later invited him to travel to Jamaica to record an entire album instead. This made him only the second artiste, after St Matthew himself, to record under this music label. And while, in Jamaica, he also decided to produce the video to the song “I’m Back” which is the first track on his new album.

The singer’s latest album is expected to be officially launched at the Easter Jam on Easter Monday. However, interested persons can get a copy of the latest release at Giftland Office Max for a cost of $1000.

Copies of the CD will also be available at the upcoming Gospel Explosion which will be held at the National Cultural Centre on the evening of March 27. Solid is expected to be one of the artistes performing at this event.

Meanwhile, Solid is determined to build on his current musical momentum and is working overtime at promoting his new album. He plans on travelling to New York City, in the USA and to several Caribbean islands where he has traditionally enjoyed a strong following. His two other albums ‘Spiritual Warfare’ and ‘Judgment’ have both won him musical acclaim, while his most popular hit so far is the song “Abstinence”.

And as expected, the singer has his eyes set on producing another album and more videos in the near future.

Bones man is 2010 Soca Monarch!

2010-02-22T22:54:00.001-05:00

From Kaieteurnews.com. Congrats.

While Shelly G’s no show to defend her title proved a disappointment to some, none can complain about the 2010 choice for Soca Monarch.
Before a celebratory crowd, Orlando ‘Bones man’ Johashen, 27, a Berbician of Tempe Village and a worker at the Guyana Forestry Commission, was adjudged the 2010 Soca Monarch.
The artiste who copped the crown from a lineup of nine contestants was true to his Guyanese roots and proudly sang with support from the crowd, “ I don’t care what nobody say Mashramani time is we own… see we jumping…”
From the time he began his performance to his conclusion, the crowd was on fire for him and he did not disappoint with lyrical delivery like that of Trinidad soca sensation Bunji Garlin.
The father of one was a burst of energy and hype, leaving the crowd shouting “Bones man…we want Bones man” long after he exited the stage.

One woman, who is an obvious soca crazy fan, was heard telling others “I’m disappointed that Shelly G did not show up but Bones Man deserved it.”
Appearing as the penultimate performer, the artiste who won the Best Newcomer Prize three years ago, offered a performance that included fireworks and the crowd was with him on Saturday night.
The crowd liked him and his energy was great.
Unique in his delivery, he wore a straw skirt instead of pants under a large white coat.
Amidst performing he shouted, “ya’ll want to see the real Bones man’. As the crowd shouted in the positive, he stripped himself of the coat and the crowd went into a frenzy declaring him the clear winner.
He used the X-factor dancers who added to his energy and they were supported off stage by several Mocha jumbies (stilts walkers).
Tomeka Thomas, the pregnant lady was first up singing about her balloon.
She appeared as a queen and her backup dancers were a bunch of fully pregnant (imitations) women, dressed in leotards prancing around the stage showcasing their balloons proudly.
It was her second shot at the crown and this year she was inspired by last year’s Trinidad Soca Monarch, Fay-Ann Lyons.
Though being eight months pregnant, she took some serious risks to prove that she was fit. However, it must have been an error on the part of the MC not to have announced that she once resided in the ‘Islands’ and this possibly worked against her as her accent was obviously not Guyanese.
But both her and her baby proved entertaining as she imitated her soca inspiration in attitude and singing.
The crowd was moved to laughter as she announced that comedian Chow Pow was her baby father.
The audience was unsure of how to react when she executed a split to conclude her presentation.
B52 the Fireman was up next with ‘We carrying on’ and his was a performance that featured fireworks flying and the flame-throwers on and off stage as well as on the stage’s roof.
He donned a white suit lined with trimmings of the flag and was backed by dancers dressed in red and yellow outfits.
Something about the microphone sound was not as clear and caused him to literally strain his vocals in delivery.
He, like at least three others, including the winner, included the predictable, ‘Somebody missing’ chant but the crowd did show him some love.
Lady B’ (Barbra) was introduced next, and she appeared wearing a Guyana flag mohawk.
Hers was a delivery that stated that she “Want a man who could lift me up.”
That song sounded very familiar. Her backups included dancers who were good but they needed better costumes.
Some dubbed her “a good filler” but were saying when she exited the stage that “she should go home now”.
‘Back wine time’ was probably the energy saver to the first half of the competitors, as Beverly Nedd, using dance fanatics for back up, delivered a scorching performance that proved that age ain’t anything but a number.
She sounded really nice and professionally so too while using the stage well.
The crowd certainly enjoyed her serving of ‘Back wine time’ that made many exclaimed that “granny could entertain and wine.”
That was the performance to beat in the first half of the show but it did earn her third place.
Guyana-born Jamaica-based artiste, Pierre Da Silva, was next up and he came with much energy for his ‘mad, mad, mad’ song.
With sponsorship from Bill Express, he and his dancers donned doctors’ jackets and were full of energy but he somehow did not connect with the audience as he could have.
It was obvious that the crowd couldn’t decide if they should support him or not as for the most part, his delivery was so full of words that it was hard to understand what he was singing but the musical accompaniment was high energy.
His locks were full of sparkles and he too delivered the overplayed ‘somebody missing’ chant which evoked the usual crowd response as he paraded all over the stage.
‘Material things’ done by Tele Cruz who resides in Trinidad was a fairly delivered groovy soca, with dancers who appeared on an ATV imitating lady Gaga.
But the song also bordered on dance hall.
Then a lady whom he described as European came and offered some supposed exotic dancing before he ordered her off the stage because she was offering things that he was not interested in, namely material things.
Then came his dispersal of money (Trinidadian Dollar Bills) into the crowd, followed by him relieving himself of his shirt to reveal a Guyana flag painted on his chest.
While some enjoyed his delivery, many did not find him impressive enough. However, he got the judges’ nod for the Best Newcomer Prize.
His performance included a local steel pan player being invited to the stage to play parts of his song before he got back into the singing groove.
Former reporter turn singer, Jackie Handover, was a great act that presented “Festival time” with a good voice, while some said they saw a whole lot of Charmaine Blackman in her delivery.
She wore a two piece red short pants suit.
While she was energetic, she failed when she tried to interact with the audience by stating that Trinidad has Crop Over and Barbados has Carnival.
With work, some believe that she will be a force to be reckoned with in future competitions.
Vanilla offered an electric performance which earned her second place that encouraged patrons to get ‘High’.
Her presentation included Mocha Jumbies and dancers as well as bodybuilders.
She was dressed in a red jacket and a gold short pants.
She was backed by dancers from the National Dance School, sporting colours of the flag.
Amidst her performance there were several explosions of confetti and fireworks and she tore off her jacket to reveal a body hugging black and gold bodysuit.
And the fireworks exploded even more as dancers dressed in carnival costumes arrived on forklifts.
And before long, she too was on a forklift with support from a gyrating bodybuilder.
Some were loud in praises saying, “big-up Bones Man, he work hard for it for real, now he just got to keep up the hype and energy that he got and big things could happen for he”.

No copyrights, no protection, no $$$!

2010-02-22T22:45:00.000-05:00

Pearl Lewis also known as ‘Precious Pearl’ is fighting to win this year’s calypso crown but she is also fighting to boot a contestant out of this year’s Carib Soca Monarch competition on an accusation that the woman has stolen the words of a song she originally wrote.

Pearl Lewis

But while Precious Pearl is accusing Barbara Nedd known as ‘Lady Barbara’- a finalist in this year’s soca competition- of “criminally and maliciously” stealing her song, Lady Barbara says it is nothing of the sort as while her song titled “I Want a Man” has the same rhythm as a song she and Precious Pearl once collaborated on, the lyrics are not the same.

According to Pearl, she was “completely shocked” when she heard her song titled “24/7 Man” being sung by Barbara on 98.1 fm and she made a valiant attempt to stop her from performing the song at the competition’s semifinal in Linden last weekend.

The Scene contacted the organizers of the competition and they confirmed that a complaint was lodged by Pearl but pointed out that there is not much they can do as there is no intellectual property law in Guyana. Further, it was pointed out that Pearl has no way of proving that the song being sung by Barbara is hers.

“It would be unfair for us to push someone out of the competition based on the allegation of another,” one of the organizers told The Scene.

But Pearl is not letting up and she has labelled the alleged stealing of her song as “banditry” by Barbara with whom she had collaborated in 2005 for a song which saw her being the songwriter and Barbara the performer and which they entered into that year’s Road March Competition. The agreement, according to Pearl, was that should the song win, the prize money would have been divided equally, but the idea was later aborted after Barbara allegedly “started portraying some greedy and covetous traits” and operating as if the song belonged to her. She confirmed that Barbara had added the “small action piece for the road which was inadvertently left out” and which amounted to eight lines.

Barbara Nedd

It’s just the eight lines from the original song that are now part of the song being sung by Barbara who has since told The Scene that she would “feel small to use any words from Precious Pearl.” Barbara, a former police officer who has been singing for 26 years and has written all of her songs in the past, flat out denied the allegations by Pearl and is questioning the motive behind the accusation.

She recalled that Pearl who she met some years ago had said she wanted to become a singer “to add meaning to her life” and the song was originally a poem when Pearl first showed it to her.

“I am not going to tell you any lie they were good words and I just had to put a chorus to it,” she told The Scene. She said she paid for the song to be arranged and she recorded the song and they agreed to enter it into the Road March competition.

“Out of the blue one Sunday morning Miss Pearl Lewis called me and told me that we have to see a lawyer and sign a contract which would say that 60 per cent of any money made from the song will go to her and 40 per cent will go to me. I said ‘No way’ because it is my money use to record it, it is my voice and it when I have to perform is my energy,” the woman told The Scene.

She said it was at that point she decided to pull out and although many persons encouraged her to remain in the competition as it was a good song she wanted no further dealings with Pearl. She said Pearl did refund her a small percentage of the money she used to record the song and she accepted it on the urging of her then boss after Pearl had gone to his office “and behave bad”.

According to Barbara, the song she is singing now does not have any of Pearl’s words but it does have the eight lines she had added to the original song. She challenged Pearl to bring her original song to compare it with the one she is now singing.

And while Pearl is calling on the soca organizers to get rid of Barbara, the woman said she plans to continue on the competition and is looking towards winning the crown. She suggested that Pearl channel her energy towards winning her competition also instead of attempting to get her thrown out of soca competition.

“Why is this woman doing this to me, what have I done to her?” a bewildered sounding Barbara questioned.

From Stabroek News

Shelly is a no show!!

2010-02-22T22:41:00.002-05:00

After this:

Reigning Carib Soca Monarch Shellon ‘Shelly-G’ Garraway is asking where is her competition for this year’s event since she believes that her tune this year “All That” really is all that and will see her holding on to the coveted title.

Last weekend at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground in Linden, nine contestants booked their tickets for the final which will be held on February 20 at the National Park.

Shelly-G was a no-show in Linden and though it was not mandatory for her to be there, it is customary that the champions would have a look at what they would be up against.

Prior to that, there was much speculation as regards the Soca Monarch’s participation this year but when The Scene caught up with Shelly-G her response was: “Well the last time I checked I was still in the competition, so yeah, I will be taking part”.

She added, “I haven’t really heard anyone yet who I think would give me a real challenge. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that they are not good or anything like that but I don’t think they will defeat me. But, I think Beverly has a good song. I think they say she scored the highest in Linden and then there are the usual people who are normally good.”

Asked if she thinks that her song for this year is better composed and better received publicly than her winning track last year, the mother of one noted, “Well honestly, it hasn’t really been playing as much as the other songs so I can’t say about that yet. But see, when I write a song, I always put a lot into it and I always say to myself that it has that winning tune. But we have a video out for the song now and I’m looking forward to this year’s competition.”

Comes this:

One woman, who is an obvious soca crazy fan, was heard telling others “I’m disappointed that Shelly G did not show up but Bones Man deserved it.”

This is shameful Shelly!! Shameful, where's Adrian when you need him?

2010 Soca Monarch

2010-02-22T22:24:00.000-05:00

She was seven months pregnant. No less. But Antigua-based Guyanese, Tomeka Thomas did not let this hinder her stage performance as she set the Mackenzie Sports Club alight to secure her spot in the finals of the 2010 Soca Monarch competition in Linden on Saturday.

She moved and she grooved and gyrated and jumped. There were cries of anxiety because of her condition but nonetheless she turned out to be the night’s favourite sending the crowd wild with her piece titled ‘Balloon’. It was apparently a ladies night and judging from the crowd’s response, the second in line was mother of five, Beverly ‘Little B’ Williams whose piece, “Back Wine Time” was dubbed as the new name for ‘back ball’. While sporting costumes was not common among the contestants on Saturday night, Little B’s colourful halter top and tiny, black “popcorn pants” suited her performance eminently well.

Back wine - Beverly Williams demonstrating the title of her song

The pregnant Tomeka Thomas flouncing on stage

The night was highly favourable for most of the female performers but the crowd failed to find any flavour in reigning Road March queen Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts. She was the last to take the stage and despite her dazzling, golden flouncy short skirt and matching bustier her ‘High’ failed to lift the crowd.

Not many of the male competitors hit it off with the crowd though Orlando ‘Bonesman’ Johashen had everyone on their feet when he took to the stage doing his piece ‘Is We Own’. The first competitor Atiola ‘Attie’ Peters performed ‘Leave me alone’ and the crowd left him alone. Patrons had high expectations of the lone Lindener, Jermaine “Cyclone” Bailey but despite his valiant effort to get the crowd moving with his song “Celebration time” almost everyone in the audience took their seats and were quiet as mice.

The semi-final of the competition was well attended by Lindeners and persons from across Guyana. Popular entertainers Jomo and Chow Pow amused the crowd with comedy and a Soca medley before the first contestant took to the stage.

The twelve who participated in the semi-finals were Barbara ‘Lady Barbara’ Nedd performing “I Want a man”; Jackie Hanover performing “Festival Time”; Simeon Sam performing “Love Over Hate”; Bailey performing “Celebration Time”; Thomas performing “Balloon”; Peters performing “Leave Me Alone”; Pierre Da Silva performing “Mad! Mad! Mad!”; Williams performing “Back Wine Time”; Roberts performing “High”; Wilbur ‘B52’ Levans performing “Carrying On”, Johashen performing “Is We Own” and Tiele “Tele Cruz” Thorne doing “Material Things”.

Only nine of the twelve competitors have made it to the finals and eliminated are Peters, Bailey and Sam. This years’ contest saw three overseas-based Guyanese performers: Peters, who resides in Barba-dos; Da Silva living in Jamaica; and Thorne based in Trinidad and Tobago.

Festival Time - Newcomer Jackie Hanover during her performance

Is We Own- Orlando Johashen doing his thing on Saturday night

Bringing the curtains down on the Saturday show which was dubbed by most as “a very good show” was Linden’s own, Malika Boyd –the winner of the GT&T’s 2009 jingle and song competition. After the show all twelve of the competitors along with Jomo and Chow Pow kept the party spirit alive at popular Linden night spot, the Library Club.

Chutney Monarch 2010: Fiona

2010-02-22T22:22:00.000-05:00

Fiona Singh, who rose to fame as a member of the Sugar Cake Girls entertainment group, was adjudged Chutney Queen early yesterday morning despite strong competition from Mahendra Ramkellawan who delighted the crowd with an elaborate theatrical performance featuring men on stilts and a cantankerous granny as his mother-in-law.

The tantalising Fiona performs “Besab a Suriyabay” which won her the title of 2010 Chutney Queen.

Ramkellawan’s song about how his mother-in-law is always accusing of him about being a “Lah-ma-ta” (a physically handicapped person) was appreciated by the audience. He obviously thought he should have won, and so walked off the stage as soon as it was announced that he was in second place.

“Mahendra? Mahendra?” the MC called out, but he was long gone off the stage. The crowd nevertheless congratulated him.

It took a good few seconds before Fiona realised she had won the National Chutney Singing Competition, which featured a staggering 13 judges split up in three panels!

She soon overcame the shock of it all and belted out once more her winning song “Besab a Suriyabay.” Don’t try to understand what that means. It has no meaning at all. It was just something she came up with, much the same like Chris Garcia came with “Janay Burgay-Jaane” for the incredibly wicked “Chutney Bachanal.”

However, once the “Besab a Suriyabay” chorus line was gone, you realised Fiona’s song was about the need for an aggressive sexual partner – and it was put in equally aggressive language: “Ah want a Wukkah-man to wuk meh everyday.”

The song had a good melody to it, bordering on the sort of stuff Babla and Kanchan produced, but the raw raunchy lyrics might prevent the song from becoming popular.

Fiona added to her performance six male Afro-Guyanese dancers from the immensely popular X-Factor Dance Group. It was her way of being “different” and stepping away from the Indian girls with long hair and skirts.

The effort obviously paid off and Fiona walked away with the prize of $550,000.

Four-time monarch, Haresh Singh, failed to impress the judges, even though his song was refreshing and a departure from the popular Chutney theme. He won third place. His song “Din Ta Din” is a true story of how he was challenged by a Trinidadian into a competition.

Two contestants who sought to bring something different to the night were Karen Benneth and Suraj Narine.

Benneth was the only Afro-Guyanese performer in the competition and sought to rope in some Soca with her song “Chutney Soca Fever.” She delivered smoothly and her song was likeable, with a nice groovy, feel-good rhythm. However, the judges didn’t give her a place.

Suraj Narine’s song took on a Punjabi flavour with both rhythm and antics and the occasional “Bale Bale” but the judges also did not think he deserved a place in the finals.

Belly dancer Sandella Craig who delivered strong performances in the previous two competitions did not impress. Her song “My best friend’s wedding” was weak in content and the drama she sought to create on stage was somehow lost in the presentation.

Mahendra Ramkellan performs his song “Lah-ma-ta” which won him second place in the 2010 National Chutney Singing Competition.

Sandella’s story was about how she prepared to “shake it and show them all” at her best friend’s wedding only to find that the Dulaha (groom) is her sweetheart.

Bunty Singh, whose song dropped into the common “rum” theme won him the $100,000 prize as the most promising artiste.

Annandale market vendor, Beesham Jairam, who was last year named the Most Promising Artiste, failed to live up to the potential the judges saw in him last year.

From Mahaicony, his dream is of winning the calypso monarchy. However, Beesham’s performance of “Getaway thing” only provided laughter for the audience and nothing else.

The competition this year was a definite improvement over last year, though some pre-screening of the contestants could have kept some of them off the stage.

Owing to a string of poor attendances, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport which hosted the event as part of the country’s 40th Republic Anniversary celebrations, roped in Trinidad Rikki Jai to bring in the crowd.

In addition, King’s Duck Curry added flavour to the event. An estimated 1,000 persons waited to see Fiona take home the title.

Rikki Jai also served as one of the judges of the completion. He opened the show with the popular “Mor Tor” and then in the end belted out some of the more popular Chutney songs of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Ministry had also brought in Trinidad and Tobago music arranger Rishi Gayadeen, who has worked with the likes of Rikki Jai and Adesh Samaroo, to help the competitors.

Apart from the 15 Guyanese selected to take part, three overseas-based Guyanese also competed.

However, in the end, it was Fiona, a mother of two, who proved that she had what it takes to be Queen of Chutney.

Struckroot: Guyana is more than Jim Jones!!!

2010-01-21T20:41:00.005-05:00

From the comment section, Andre of Stuckroot responding to my post where the only thing they can say about Guyana is Jim Jones.

A friend of mine just brought this post to my attention which i would like to comment on since it's very inaccurate and the writer took no time to even find out more about the band by sending them an email which was located under the Bio of the band on myspace.com/struckroot

If you would take a look, you would see my first post about Struckroot was written since May 2008. It included the bio you had on your myspace then. A much better written bio.

First, StruckRoot at the time that Bio was written was not a Guyanese rock band. When that bio was written, two of its members were from Sao Paulo, Brazil, one was from Angola and one from Guyana, which is me.

I guess I'll stop promoting you then.

As the Bio stated the band was formed in Guyana and from Sao Paulo where it was based. This is important for people in the music business to know where we are located when they need to make contact with the band.

Not saying nay.

If you ever traveled outside of Guyana a lot you would know people have no idea where Guyana is. In Sao Paulo, people don't know of Guyana, they think it's French Guiana we're speaking about when they ask where I am from. You tell them Jim Jones and everyone remembers, so you tell me what is wrong about that!

I make it my duty to tell them where it is without mentioning Jim Jones. After all you may not realize that they still do not know where Guyana is after telling them about Jim Jones, they only remember the Jim Jones story and maybe pictures of people living in the jungle, but not Guyana! How about you tell them something about present day Guyana, Jim Jones happened how many years ago? The younger generation probably don't even know much about it anyway. How about telling them Guyana is in South America, between Venezuela, Suriname and just above Brazil? How about it lies 6° 50' N 58° 12' W. How about you tell them to google it? That Jim Jones business is pure laziness and I hope that does not translate over to your music.

Well my friend, StruckRoot wasn't formed to promote Guyana or write songs about Guyana. Our agenda is to promote our musical abilities and hopefully attract a few fans along the way. Instead of attacking bands/people maybe can use your blog to promote them and that will help our country along the way, because if the bands/artists get recognition, our country will be known less for Jonestown.

Timeka Marshall doesn't sing to promote Guyanese music, but she represents Guyana, Eddie Neblett sings gospel not Guyanese music but he represents Guyana, Natural Black is a reggae artist but he represents Guyana where ever he goes so please don't bring this lame ass argument to me. I am calling you out on your foolishness not attacking you. As I said before I have written positively about you since May 08. This is what this whole blog is about, positivity about Guyanese artists, but I will not let you get away with that Jim Jones laziness. I think you like mentioning Jim Jones, that might give you more 'gothic' cred.

This is Guyana: Beautiful Guyana.

New Music: Timeka Marshall - Girls gone wild

2010-01-21T20:29:00.000-05:00

Malika Boyd: Can she make it?

2009-12-29T23:06:00.003-05:00

I haven't heard her in her fullness in a complete song, so I really cannot judge her talent right now.
From Kaieteur News

Cellink Malika Boyd music video for January 2010 launch

Malika Boyd on set

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 I am in love with this song and am hoping that you will too Guyana”.

Guyanese on the rise

2009-12-29T22:54:00.003-05:00

This is Nhojj, who kinda looks like Eddie Grant, could be his long lost son :)

This is from Kaieteur News

Wins US 2009 Outstanding R&B/Soul Song Award

Singer Nhojj

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.

Merry Christmas - Happy New Year

2009-12-26T17:11:00.000-05:00

Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Nothing beats a GT Christmas: Black cake, sorrel, pepperpot, the very best lunch. Picked baby onions, garlic pork (for those who indulge) and just good will and peace. Besides after opening your presents you can walk down the street and go play with your friends, pop off some squibs and have a real good time. Boxing Day you might visit some relatives or they may come by you and the fun goes on til New Years. I love Christmas, but I can't enjoy it in this cold cold place.

A Christmas song for you:
Adrian Dutchin

New Music: Gialiani - Out of Love

2009-12-11T23:13:00.000-05:00

I like it, I think it's his best song yet!

Wine til you Drop 5 for release

2009-12-11T23:01:00.002-05:00

From Stabroek News

Kross Kolor Records (KKR) will shortly pre-release four tracks off its just completed ‘Wine Till Yuh Drop 5’ album on the ‘Devil Doer Rhythm’.

According to a press release from (KKR) producer Burchmore Simon the album features Vanilla, Adrian Dutchin, Jumo, Compton Hodge, Big Red, B 52, G Money and Passion.

The release said that Peter Ram of Barbados is working on his track and “Qupid of St Lucia” is completing hers, while “Guyana Baboo Terry Gajraj is also excited about the Devil Doer.”

Simon has previously produced albums on the Sasparilla, Koction, Capadulla and Teasam rhythms. He said in the release that these were all names of herbs as is the current rhythm Devil Doer.

And like the previous rhythms, a video medley will compliment the release of the album, the release said.

Meanwhile, another press release from KKR said that Vanilla released a single entitled “Pressure”, which is played regularly on local radio and is receiving steady rotation in the Caribbean.

The two times Road March Queen and second place winner in this year’s Soca Monarch competition is to release three more songs as well as supporting videos for Mashramani 2010, just two months away and is reported to be eagerly looking forward to entering the Soca Monarch and Road March competitions.

Vanilla also has five songs on an album titled ‘Tropical Caribbean Party’ featuring 15 tracks by various Kross Kolor artistes and released in Amsterdam, Holland in September 2009.

Black Watah

2009-12-11T22:39:00.001-05:00

I've heard one song by Benji about a yr ago, I wasn't too impressed, I hope to hear bettwe from this union.

From Stabroek News

Benji Diamond and Gadkin, two talented Guyanese musicians, aim to live their dreams and use their music to rebuild the “moral breakdown” while providing listeners with a blast of culture.

Gadkin and Diamond

In a recent interview with The Scene, Marlon ‘Benji Diamond’ Sansculotte said that he and his partner have sung over twenty songs over the last seven years. Benji Diamond of Bagotsville, Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara, like most artistes serious about their trade, fell in love with singing as a youth in church.

He has moved through various groups ranging from the Marcus Family to Ghetto Vibes. Benji Diamond and Gadkin, though being acquainted for years, got serious about “linking up” during the time they spent in the group, Marcus Family. The duo has been performing together for about seven years.

“Good music is available out there,” Benji Diamond told The Scene, “but the lyrics are all negative and send out negative messages to our youths. Through our music we aim to rebuild this moral breakdown caused in society, especially among our youths, by this negative music.”

Black Watah’s music is deep culture first written in the form of lyrics and then weaved into works of art using two powerful voices and lively reggae beats and it does not confine itself only to Guyanese or Caribbean people. Benji Diamond says Black Watah’s music will be marketed internationally and is for everyone.

“We are not targeting just Guyanese, the Caribbean and the Diaspora,” Benji Diamond stressed, “but we are targeting everyone who has an ear for reggae because we want our messages to reach as many people as possible.”

Benji Diamond is passionate about his music; he loves it and he’s bold about his feelings. He is an independent Agriculture Officer who graduated from the Guyana School of Agriculture with a Diploma. However, Benji Diamond says music is what he loves and he will always pursue it above other professional endeavours.

Travis Carter also known as Gadkin, the other half of Black Watah hopes that the group’s music will inspire listeners to have “strength, faith and patience and not rush things in life” and remember that “the Most High lives.”

Gadkin who grew up in Good Intent Village on the West Bank Demerara recalls singing since he was seven. He fell in love with the vibes when he witnessed his uncle and his “tinning-cup band” (or tin-cup band) perform at a neighbour’s residence when he was about seven and, “Well I just love the vibes ya know, just love it.” (For the uninitiated, a tin-cup band uses tin cans – the ones that come with milk, beans, sardines etc to make music. The musicians beat out tunes on the empty tins using short sticks, sometimes knitting needles depending on the sound they want. Sometimes they place small stones in the tins for a different sound. The Scene has been informed that the result is usually quite melodious.)

Eventually Gadkin and his young “brethren” in the area created their own tin-cup band. He nurtured his love for music never missing a chance at any school function. He attended the Wales Community High.

Today the 28-year-old’s love has turned into a full-time occupation, “Music is really, really important to me. I don’t do anything else except music.” The music he says is “consciousness” and they do not promote violence rather, he explains, the music encourages people to seek out their “roots, culture, everything except violence”. He tells of his journey to Black Watah.

After his tin-cup band days, through a mutual acquaintance Gadkin says he was introduced to Benji, his Black Watah partner, and along with two others they formed a group called Marcus Family. They caught their first break on the Mark Benschop show and after several songs and a few years the group split and as Gadkin puts it, “Everyone hold on a level”.

Then came Ian Johnson’s Talent Exclusive show where Gadkin was a one time winner. The show searched out new talent live on television. Later, he said, he reconnected with Benji and again they formed a group performing on Talent Exclusive.

The duo then decided to form a group again and with the name Truly Blessed, created a 15-song untitled album and Gadkin explained that the music was released overseas.

It was the feedback from the release that led to them changing their name from Truly Blessed to the now Black Watah and now the twosome is hoping to conquer the world and showcase Guyanese talent.

Gadkin says he draws his inspiration for the music from “the things we go through and the Most High”.

Having finished their personal accounts Benji Diamond and Gadkin kicked back and sang a verse from their song “Beautiful” for The Scene.

Their voices were really something to listen to; soothing almost and are sure to remind many of “back home” as well as intrigue others about the Guyanese culture.

“These women are beautiful”, the Black Watah song repeats and encourages women to be independent, focused, trust themselves and be the best.

Finally, Benji Diamond, expanding on why they changed from Truly Blessed to Black Watah, said the initial title portrayed them as Gospel singers. They opted for Black Watah, a more cultural title, which also reflects one of the things which makes Guyana beautiful and the group’s reggae essence.

“We believe in the Most High,” Benji said, “and some of our songs will show you that belief, but we’re reggae; culture music.”

Let down

2009-12-11T22:37:00.001-05:00

I have really not had enough time anymore to dedicate to this blog. I still love my Guyanese artists and support you still 100%. I feel like I'm letting you down.

I have some new music out of Brutal Tracks, they are yummy!

New Music:Tiffany Issacs - Want me back

2009-11-17T22:45:00.000-05:00

A nice one from Ms. Tiffany Isaacs aka Bliss. I enjoyed listening to this throwback sound. Groovy!

X2: Jumo and Adrian - Album Launch

2009-11-16T22:57:00.000-05:00

Taken in full from Stabroek News

In a searching sort of way the question can be asked whether the Kross Kolor duo of Adrian Dutchin and Jumo Primo has really set the standard in Guyanese music and manager Burchmore Simon would eagerly say yes, but whether the singers have or not a new kind of interest is certainly there.

“They have set it… the history and the record will show that they have set the standard because prior to the release of ‘Krazy’ Guyanese music was actually d-e-a-d. And I know I might be chastised for this but that is the truth,” Simon said at a pre-launch on Thursday for the group’s first studio album. Simon believes that the track, “Krazy” was the beginning of a beautiful revelation in local music.

The Bonny Alves and Eze Rockcliffes among others are well respected and recognized for the trail they blazed, but Simon is of the opinion that Jomo and Adrian revolutionized the way Guyanese music has connected to audiences here and abroad; that basically they have changed the game.

The frenzy that X2 (Jumo and Adrian) creates serves as the rationale for what Simon has said.

It has been five years, longer than it actually seems, since X2 first released the single “Krazy” and created an interest that previously was not there. Simon feels that they have “brought Kross Kolor and Guyana intense recognition” saying they now have a fan base in Europe. Incidentally, the duo will tour Europe next year following a request from a producer in Amsterdam who heard their sound and was fascinated. Simon disclosed on Thursday that the producer is spending some 35,000 euros on pre-tour promotional activities alone.

The success story that is X2 unfolds to a new chapter tonight when the album, ‘Kross Roads’ is officially launched at Duke Lodge. The album is the end of five years’ work beginning from the release of first single, offering a taste of a few songs previously recorded and 12 new tracks. It also includes a reggae remix of ‘Krazy’. Prior to the album launch X2 had released ten singles.

“Well you know this is who!” Jumo exclaimed on Thursday in his signature style before he went on to explain that the album embodies what they have represented over the years.

Jumo represents the raw energy of the group and his waist action is highly rated. According to him, they each bring a different style to the sound when it is combined.

Adrian, the showman of X2, was quick to point out that the album is fresh saying that it also celebrates what is local. “The album is there for people to judge. Hopefully people will go out and buy it, listen to it, love it and spread the word,” Adrian added. He said the journey over the years “was not easy”, adding that people never get to see the struggles.

In breaking down the new album, Simon said the basic ingredient which makes it fresh “is how the guys sound”. He said the album also moves away from digitalizing the sound and more emphasis has been placed on indigenous sounds given that a few percussion instruments were used. He also said that the sound is more acoustic.

As for a favourite track, he said, there is something for everyone including R&B and reggae, but Simon feels a little more connected to the track titled, “They Don’t Know’. According to him, it is a slow ballad type song which brings out the struggles of X2, “this is the track that has the least going on in it but it tells the real story,” he said.

X2 was one of the first local groups to be signed by corporate Guyana when it entered into a contract with U-Mobile and today it continues a relationship with Digicel.

Donovan White, Marketing Director at Digicel commended the group for developing Guyanese music to the level where it is on the crest of “great opportunities”. He noted that the home-grown talent of Adrian and Jumo has reached other Caribbean territories through their exploits with two regional bands. Jumo has been performing with Bryon Lee and the Dragonnaries while Adrian linked up with Krosfyah.

“I dare you to go out and buy the album,” White urged yesterday. “Don’t pirate it. Don’t beg them. Don’t steal their work. This is their blood, sweat and tears. They have done it because of you to put Guyana on the map.”

Simon, who is the Executive Producer on the album, explained that he has travelled and heard the music of X2 being played on New York streets. He said too that the Amsterdam producer who is linking up with the group next year actually heard the X2 sound coming from a café and investigated. The producer emailed Simon repeatedly, but the mails were ignored because they were in Dutch. The producer later visited Suriname and met another producer who knows Simon.

X2 album launch has been touted as the biggest to hit the country and the first in High Definition television. It gets underway tonight at around 10 o’clock. (ianaseales@yahoo.com)

Gospel: Vision

2009-11-07T22:45:00.002-05:00

Vision is an all female group from the Eccles Assemblies of God. These ladies rock.

Lion of Judah (I like this one)

You lifted me:

Struck Root (sigh)

2009-11-02T22:47:00.002-05:00

I was listening to this band todat after a long time and was thinking that their first 3 songs that they promoted were pretty damn good. So I decided to check them out on myspace and see what they are up to and what new music they have, then I read this shit:

StruckRoot is a four piece rock band from Sao Paulo, Brazil. The current lineup comprises Ricardo Dupret - Vocals, Andre Rahaman - Guitars, Rawle Staunton - Bass and Samuel Constantine - Drums.
The band was formed in Guyana (a country known mostly for the Jim Jones tragedy and located north of Brazil) March 2004 by Andre Rahaman. The original members consisted of Andre, Ricardo, drummer Jude Mendonca and bassist Romeo Yong.

This is all these ingrates can say about their homeland Guyana, Jim Jones? That's it?? So sad, they have to be fakers to sell themselves, we're from Brazil, that gives you so much cred doesn't it. Unpatriotic bastards!!

Is Dancehall going to the dogs?

2009-10-14T21:33:00.006-04:00

With every generation comes change. Ever generation tries to outdo the previous generation. When Rock and Roll hit on the scene there was outcry that the world is going to hell in a handbasket. That didn't happen and it still will not. God music lasts and the others are forgotten. I don't know why dancehall is being picked on, if you look at the tv shows these days, everything is more racy and raunchy, vampire series, bachelor dating 12 women to find the perfect one, gay-couples match making, Kate and Jon.

Dancehall is Jamaica's contribution to the world, why would you want to even think of banning it? What/Who is behind this censorship? Who don't like it don't listen. These artists need to come together and stand up for their rights. Instead of calling for the banning also of Soca, they have their own artist association that will say ( as a jamaican would say) "if ona na like it, go suck yu ... Sex is a part of life and if as a parent you allow music to be your child's only teacher of things of a sexual nature, you have the lay the blame for their wayward behaviour on yourself. The onus in son you.

Other views - Letter to the Editor this week in the Stabroek News.

Dear Editor,

Change is inevitable. Everything changes over time, even music. And so we would have seen that within all the genres of music, there are changes in composition and delivery. This does not necessarily mean that the foundations of the different genres of music has changed, but just that subtle changes would have been made probably to phrasing, timing, harmony, or lyrical composition.
[...]
Reggae is a musical genre which was created here in the Caribbean in Jamaica and is one which has evolved and which continues to evolve. Reggae by right originated out of two other genres known as Ska and Rock-steady. Tempo wise it fits snugly in the middle of the two for it is slower than Ska and faster than Rocksteady.

Lyrically Reggae deals with a plethora of issues ranging from love, religion, drugs, poverty, colonialism, racism, and general third world politics. The genre also covers a lot of Pop music coming out of the United States and Europe.

But in the way that Reggae evolved from Ska, Reggae gave birth to Dancehall Reggae.

Discovered more or less by accident in the late 1970s, Dancehall Reggae, or Dub as it is popularly known, began simply with Disc Jockeys (DJs) chanting over the B side of Reggae 45 rpm records at Dances.

The lyrics for Dancehall were far less serious than those used in Reggae. A lot of emphasis was placed on the more socially appealing themes at that time, like the everyday Rude Bwoy, Area Dons or Donman, and a reverence for sexual dexterity in men and women.
[...]
Even though interspersed were some songs that glorified and promoted violence and also exposed the vulgar side of some artistes, it was not enough to taint the entire genre. People still rocked on to the Pepper Seed, Action, Medicine, Bogle, World Dance and the Stink Riddims, to name a few. Everyone got up and danced when Second Class Love came on with Carol Gonzalez and Buju Banton. That remains an all-time Dancehall classic!

Sadly the Dancehall arena has now changed drastically for the worst. Today the King Jammys and the Sly and Robbies of old have been replaced by producers like Stephen ‘Di Genius’ Mc Greggor, Not Nice and Daseca Productions. Beenie Man and Buju are still present, but they are now overshadowed by the likes of Movado, Vybz Kartel, Bugle, Demarco and Busy Signal just to name a few. Beautiful rhythmical Dancehall Reggae has been replaced by robotic heavily syncopated break beats and copious overdoses of synthesized keyboards. The poetic deliverance of messages of sexual grandeur and the often funny lines that dealt with strategies on how to get and keep a man or woman have all been replaced with hardcore verbal pornography! Many Dancehall artistes today have taken the themes of sex and violence way overboard. Absolutely nothing is left to the imagination.

The depiction of violence in modern Dancehall Reggae is as gruesome as it gets. And people go to parties to listen to this sewage of lyrics and actually claim to have fun. I am sorry for the generation of youth growing up on this filth called Dancehall Reggae. I often wonder what music this generation would play for their children as examples of music from their time.

Read the rest here. Also this video talks academically of the proposed banning.

Lyrics: Timeka Marshall - The Way You Love Me

2009-10-09T22:19:00.003-04:00

This is her best song writing so far. Best line is "But on it's retreat It found it's corresponding beat."

THE WAY YOU LOVE ME

Never thought I'd Go through this again
My heart has been Sitting on a shelf
Never looking for anything
But on it's retreat
It found it's corresponding beat
Never thought I'd give it another try
But this love is taking over me
Can't hide

It's just the way you love love love love love me
Makes me wanna try again baby
The way you love love love love love me
Got me flying high

Summer aint summer
If it goes without it's shine
My days are winter
If I don't see you smile
Give me butterflies
Lift me right off my feet
Then sink right back to ground
Cause babe you make me weak

REPEAT CHORUS

I wasn't looking for no sweet love
But you came around and showed me some real love, yea
You give my heart an unfamiliar beat
You make my bitter sweet
You teach me to care
I wasn't looking for no sweet love
But you came around and showed me some real love, yea
You give my heart an unfamiliar beat
You make my bitter sweet
Erased all my fears

New Video: Timeka & Busy Signal-Feel Fah

2009-09-27T15:13:00.001-04:00

It's here. iLike.

It's T-I-M-E-K-A!

2009-09-26T22:29:00.003-04:00

So, Ms. Marshall's video with Busy Signal is premiering tonight on Jamaican tv, so youtube should have it in a few days or maybe by tomorrow.

Anyway, this is an interview in Kaieteur News with Busy Signal, in which he praises her talent.

The other side of Busy Signal - ‘Timeka is image and talent rolled up in one’

The name Busy Signal is taking the Caribbean reggae and dance hall music scene by storm. His music has attracted wide appeal from all ages, and the situation is not different on the local shores. While the artiste is known for some of the raunchier dancehall presentations, which he treated his Guyanese fans to during the recent Jamzone Summer Break Weeken, many fans argued that Busy Signal knows how to sing and make the ladies scream his name in wild abandon. On August 28, thanks to the Hits and Jams Entertainment group Guyanese Reggae and Dance Hall music lovers had a full dose of the artiste at the Jamzone Reggae splash and some are still talking about his performance.

Busy Signal, during a one-on-one interview with Kaieteur News Entertainment (KNE), said he is set to release a double album of Reggae and Dance Hall music in November and he promised that it will be a real collector’s item.

While he’s an energetic artiste there is another more positive side to Busy Signal the man as we discovered during a one-on-one interview.

KNE: Most people are of the opinion that youth cannot amount to much. As an artiste what have you to say to that?

Busy signal: As an artiste I can say for sure music for me is a blessing from God and I use it to uplift the youths and encourage them to keep out of trouble and to stay positive. I also encourage them to stay away from the bad side of the law and don’t get involved in the troubles and influences of the street.

KNE: What does ‘Busy’ use for inspiration in writing music?
Busy Signal: I use life and the people. I also look at the system and how people are treated.

KNE: You’ve been involved in the music industry for just about four and a half years. What have you learnt and what is the message to budding artistes?
Busy Signal: It eventually brings hype and bling but more than that, it’s a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice. It is not about you; it’s about the people and giving them what they want to earn their love.

KNE: Where to from here musically?
Busy Signal: It’s just higher heights; no limits. I’m working on a double album that would feature one side reggae and another full of dance hall tracks for release in November.

KNE: You’ve worked with Guyanese artiste Timeka Marshall on the song ‘Feel fah’. What are your impressions of her as an artiste and her chances in the music industry?
Busy Signal: Image and talent rolled up in one. To me, she already got the image and not just taking for talking sake. I say she’s great, got a lot of talent and I recommend that she gets more songs out and showcase her creativity. For me, iIf she didn’t have talent I wouldn’t be on a song with her cause I don’t do joke stuff with my music and to me she’s not watered down. To me people have to really get their thing sought out for me to even listen, and when I heard her and realised her abilities as writer I say she’s one to look out for from Guyana and the Caribbean in time to come.

Gully vs Gaza

2009-09-26T21:35:00.002-04:00

Well not exactly, but it's Jory vs Mr. Limpy.

I've been watching drama unfold with increasing interest since there are so many responses and chat backs.

In a nutshell Jory feels wronged by a promoter that has supposedly not paid him his monies for his performances. Using one of the promoter's faults, Jory successfully gets his point across without calling any names, lyrically it's brilliant, musically it's a lasting piece. Like any seh-seh story someone always have their piece to say, in jumps Fojo who used names and called both Jory and the promoter "Cry Baby." I didn't like this butting in, too many names being called. I guess I wasn't the only one because Ilaman jumps in with chat bout, where he calls Fojo a woman for getting into the seh-seh story. Alabama jumps in to attack with 2 songs, "Pay me" which was alright, it didn't seem like he took any sides just stating his position on being paid, however he butt back in with "What Jo don't know," heavily dissing Jory, calling him badminded and ungrateful, and possibly gay since he don't have a baby mother. Musically it sucked. Fire Fred, who I haven't heard in a while ain't tekking lef, he comes out swinging at Alabama. Alabama you in for a fight, try deh.

The art of fighting these musical wars is not using any names, which only Jory and Ilaman does, so I give it to them for this. The others need to watch it before somebody gets seriously hurt.

Why are both Alabama and Fire Fred dissing on Timeka?? What does she have to do with this? Yall don't try to pull down my girl, her video with Busy Signal premieres tonight in Jamaica. Can't wait.

New Music: Kester Deane & Friends

2009-09-25T22:46:00.001-04:00

Live: Jory @ Movado in Guyana

2009-09-25T22:39:00.001-04:00

Adrian Dutchin 'Finally' Releases an album

2009-09-18T23:46:00.004-04:00

Adrian Dutchin the three times soca monarch has released an 17 track album appropriately titled "Finally."

According to gtvibes.com, this is a "collection of some of his work he compiled in response to public demand." It features a mixture of soca, chutney and a hint of RnB coming from Promises remix.

The album features collaborations with Peter Ram (For Me), Terry Gadraj (Rum Drinkers) and De Hitman

Also reported on GTvibes.com, Dutchin said he's very ready and feeling happy and excited about his fans having an original copy of the album in their hands and is also excited about being nominated for the 2009 Accolade awards in several categories.

Additionally, next year he might be back to regain his crown in the 2010 Soca Monarch competition. Good Luck.

New Music: Envy Riddim

2009-09-11T20:24:00.005-04:00

New Riddim out of Brutal Tracks

Position Artist My Rank
1. Roger 7
2. Natural Black 4
3. Ilaman 3
4. Mystic 2
5. Tiffany 6
6. Lil J (our own Guyanese Sean Kingston) 2
7. Jory 1
8. Kester Gospel on this riddim is a lil weird but hey gospel taking over. 5

I really like Ilaman and Mystic is such a unique character. Good job.

Labor Day Events

2009-09-05T23:51:00.003-04:00

It's labor day weekend in NY. This year's parade is expected to pull nearly 2 million spectators and revellers. We I will not be on the parkway and have not been there for about 5 yrs. I can't deal with all those people, I'm patience is thin. I might pass around by the Guyanese corner. Yes, Guyanese corner, which leads me to to this, why Guyanese people can't get their sh*t together?

Come on, every year there's a big gathering at the Guyanese corner, why hasn't anyone organized this thing and make it meaningful. Ask the city for a permit and put it in the park next door. Have a lil donation going to send money to some home in Guyana or something man, geez Guyanese yall does make me feel so ashamed sometime.

What happen to Guyana Day, they organized this thing yet?

Secondly, with all our stars, why don't we have a float not a Trinidadian float with a Guyanese flag, a big Guyanese float, with out stars man, geez, do I ave to come up with some money and do this myself? Why don't we have fetes with these artists, Adrian and Jumo, Natural Black, even Timeka, wasn't she suppose to have performed in Maryland about 2 weeks ago? I just ain't even able type anymore, I vex!

Anyway there is the Guyanese folk festival this weekend. Go out and support we people.

Re: Timeka is a video girl

2009-08-18T23:19:00.003-04:00

From the comment section:

Anonymous said...
are you really going to make a whole article from the fact she was a video girl now even though she did not sing a note. we need to develop our own star and stop getting all excited because Timeka is trying to be a Jamaican reggae personality.

I say and read carefully:

If you were paying close attention, you will realize that this is the pre-quel to Hush/Secrets. This is how they meet and then the result.

Besides she is not just a video girl in this shoot, she is THE video girl, this is not fade in fade out shots, you can see her fully face, body everything. It's intended to give her more face time in an industry where if you aren't seen you're forgotten about. She is the spotlight in the video, there aren't any other girls vying for a booty shot. Besides As talented as Peetah is, he's isn't much of a looker.

Re: What else will she be? Guyana has no independent music genre except for the unknown Shanto, so where ever she goes, she will be falling into a mold whether it be Jamaican reggae, Trinidadian soca, American pop or RnB. Fact is she's trying and making waves doing it. Don't knock her hustle!

Come back and check for her video with Busy Signal.

The 2009 Accolade Awards

2009-08-16T21:52:00.002-04:00

The Accolade Nominations Panel is currently considering the 2009 roll that will showcase various genres of music and highlight supportive personalities in the local music industry. Accolade Music Awards of Guyana is billed for November 21, 2009.

The Panel will review submissions from over 20 primary contributors in the form of Local Music Producers/Recording Studios, Disc Jockeys, Record Bars and Media Entertainment Personalities to determine the nominations roll in 40 categories covering the period January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2009.

This nomination period is way too broad. I understood the last period was the catch up period well it seemed so in my mind but hey, I guess next yr it will be July09-June10.

In all the categories, excluding those identified for special awards, no less than three (3), no more than four (4) artiste will be chosen for each and then presented to the public for voting using website and SMS text messaging.

Local Disc Jockeys, Media Entertainment Personalities, Music Producers/Recording Studios, Record Bars and the public participation at large will also feature prominently in the various tiers of voting to determine the winners who will be known and announced for the first time at the Awards Show. The entire voting process will be supervised and managed by a reputable audit firm.

If there was any rigging who would really care enough to take it to court?

An eligible artiste for the purpose of these nominations is considered as a person who was either born in Guyana; or attain naturalization status and or; a person who has lived in Guyana for the full eligibility period (January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2009).

Artiste may be eligible for any number of general categories. Where there are fewer than the minimum required amount of eligible entries the panel may use deliberate judgment, including making the entry automatically eligible in the same category for the following year.

I think I might live in GT for a yr and win an award, see you next yr :)
The Accolade website is better this year, but on all the promos they failed to put the url there. come on guys, no 1/2 stepping on this thing. Go all out even if you buss..

Golden Brown Skin

2009-08-14T21:46:00.002-04:00

Timeka is featured as the leading lady in Peetah Morgan's Golden Brown Skin video. Nice song, Timeka looks good, but really with that high yellow color is that golden brown skinned?

Lyrics: Eddie Neblett - Anointed

2009-08-13T23:23:00.003-04:00

Blessed are those who have a clean heart
Oh and worship the lamb upon the thrown

Oh I believe that I will prosper
and will succeed in all my ways of life God knows
And no matter how many evil come my way God knows
I will make it with my head up high
For the lord has lift mine eyes onto a higher place
And he said if I believe I’ll live by his grace

I’ve been anointed to prosper
I’ve been anointed to rise on high
I’ve been anointed as an overcomer
Nothing that form against me will prosper

Take heed brother man less you falter oh no
Let not the pleasure of this world full your eyes
Just be kind to one another one another yeah
And let the glorious light of the father shine
For he’s sited at the right hand of the father
Making petition for his people here on earth yeah

It is written in the Holy Scriptures
Seek ye first the kingdom of the father and his righteousness and I say
And all other things will be added unto you
With faith in your heart you‘ve got to believe that the father will see you through
For he’s sited at the right hand of the father
Making petition for his people here on earth

I’ve been anointed to prosper
I’ve been anointed to rise on high oh well
I’ve been anointed as an overcomer
Nothing that form against me will prosper
I’ve been anointed yeah I’ve been anointed yeah
I’ve been anointed yeah yeah you know to rise on high
I’ve been anointed you’ve been anointed yeah
You’ve been anointed oh well yeah you know to rise on high
You’ve been anointed oh to rise yeah anointed to prosper
You’ve been anointed yeah ooohhh oh well and I say
You’ve been anointed oh to rise on high it’s in you.

Bighombre you the man!

Lyrics: Eddie Neblett - Mr. Musician

2009-08-13T23:21:00.001-04:00

Father guide I and I, oooohh yeahhhh ohhhh wooooo !!

So much times I’ve tried teach the youths them how to live

Together, as one with everyone woooyy

But so many contradicting music they are hearing

And are following each verse in every song….woooooyy

Mr. Musician, what is your intention

Is it just the millions or is it the nations

Why there’s so many violent lyrics in your song.. ohhh

For us to move along, this can’t go on

Youths are looking up to us for their direction

And follow in our footsteps everyday

God knows yeahh

The road that they travel, will decide their destiny

As role models, don’t let the youths be lead astray woooow

So Mr. Musician, what is your intention

Is it the millions or is it the nations

Why there’s so many violent lyrics in your song…. woooooo !!

For us to move along, this can’t go on

Teach the youths the truth and the right

Teach the youths the truth and the right

Every man has a right to decide his destiny

But children will adapt to everything they hear and see

So teach all the children only love can set us free wooooy

And we all can live in love and harmony

Mr. Musician, it’s our responsibility

Mr. Musician, there is no reason

For those violent lyrics within your song….yeahhhh

For us to move along, this cant go on.

What about humbleness, what about reality ooooi !!

Tell me what about teaching the youths their history

What about teaching them education is the key, yeah !!

Teach them of the father, he reigns in majesty oohh well

Cause that’s the only way Mr. Musician, hear what I say

There’s no reason there’s no reason ohhh

So I say

For us to move along, this can’t go on.

Thanks to bighombre again!

Lyrics: Eddie Neblett - Love N Unity

2009-08-13T23:12:00.003-04:00

Edward Neblett pon the microphone stand
Check the trend yow hey hey hey hey Yeah
Well it’s all about love and unity
Peace and harmony
Respect in every aspect
You see wuh me a seh, check this.

What happen to the days when we use to
come together and use to live as one
When love use to flow through every girl and woman
And every boy and man
Now there’s so much war and crime and
destruction roaming through this land

But all the youths them come to turn that around
So we go suh then.
Every body stop the fuss and the fighting
Cause this a the time for uniting
All uh me breddrin and sistrin
Whole heap uh love we sharing, hear we sing.

Love and unity, peace and harmony………………… love and unity hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Love and unity, peace and harmony………………… love and unity hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Right ya now me come tell you something
The war and crime it nah fun thing
Put down the knife and the gun thing
Leave that fe hunting hear we sing
We want the war them fi end
Right ya now we come set the trend
Cause we want a better future for we family and friend them
So we guh suh then
We nah kay where you come from and what’s your name
One blood alone a run through we vein
Unity you know say that is the game
Everybody come lets join the love train
Wave all the hands them from left to right
Cause you done know how to unite
Everybody jump in a line come on and sing the punch line, in time.

Love and unity, peace and harmony………………… love and unity hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Love and unity, peace and harmony………………… love and unity hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Just let all the love them show
Cause we nah want the war them no
Unity a the best way to go
Lets go lets go lets go lets go
Only father can set we free
From all mental slavery
So we can live in harmony
You and me in harmony

Say inna me brain and inna me mouth and inna me hand
Me know me have the skills to set me foundation
Nobody coulda ever stray me off of me plan
Me stand up pon toppa deh riddim and siddown pon toppa deh version
Cause me put me trust inna the almighty one
Ah him gimme knowledge not to mention wisdom
Ccause him gimme guidance and protection
That is why I can stand and say.

Love and unity, peace and harmony………………… love and unity hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Love and unity, peace and harmony………………… love and unity hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

What happen to the days when we use to come together and use to live as one
When love use to flow through every girl and woman and every boy and man
Now there’s so much war and crime and destruction roaming through this land
But all the youths them come to turn that around
Then we go so then.
Every body stop the fuss and the fighting
Cause this a the time for uniting
All uh me breddrin and sistrin
Whole heap uh love we sharing hear we sing.

Love and unity, peace and harmony………………… love and unity hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
Love and unity, peace and harmony………………… love and unity hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Love and unity, peace and harmony………………… love and unity hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Love and unity, peace and harmony………………… love and unity hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Timeka in Maryland: Aug 29th 2K9

2009-08-08T23:00:00.004-04:00

Karib Nation, Inc.
in association with Good Times
Presents
Timeka Marshall Live & Direct from Guyana!
4103 Baltimore Avenue, Bladenburg Maryland

Music by Bobby's Music Machine
Hosted by Neil Mattei of WPFW

Restaurant & Lounge
Doors Open 10pm

Blogging ain't easy for people who got others thing to do

2009-08-08T22:40:00.006-04:00

It's summer in NY and I'm enjoying it outside not sitting infront of a computer..But I'm here to keep the people informed..

Timeka is on the grind and I don't fault you at all girl, work it, work it! I'm really looking forward to see the "Feel Fah" video with Busy. It's Timeka..

Some photos from the shoot and a promo.

If I had died...........

2009-07-31T23:47:00.001-04:00

That means no one would have missed me :(

My tribute to MJ

2009-06-27T00:40:00.002-04:00

I just spent my time looking over some of Michael Jackson’s video and to add to the chorus, he’s definitely up there in the stars.

My favorites videos are Remember the Time, the whole Egyptian theme gets me all the time. It’s always strange to see MJ interact with women, it always seem so awkward, I think it’s because he was so shy.

The imagery he evokes in his music and videos are just out of this world. Stranger in Moscow with the Black and White and the rain, just bring out the struggle to find yourself in a world that seems so lonely. In you are not alone he starts the video with him walking alone past the paparazzi and the cameras are flashing with him looking oh so sad. I honestly believe that Michael was a lonely man. I enjoy Liberian girl, with all the celebrities, it’s just out of here, especially with him making fun of all the stars, how important they think they are. The child that is trapped in him always comes out.
One of my favorites for content and video is “They don’t care about us” filmed in Brazil, the drums beating, the harmony, the colors (I love that red shirt I want one), the way it’s performed, below the beat! The message is more intriguing.

Beat me, hate me
You can never break me
Will me, thrill me
You can never kill me
Jew me, Sue me
Everybody do me
Kick me, kike me
Don't you black or white me

Weather skin disease or skin bleach, although he embraced all cultures of the world, his African-ness was still alive although he wished not to be defined by it. The same message was echoed in “Black or White. He incorporated dances from all around the world in 1 video. I especially liked the Indian woman and him in the streets.

Can’t forget “You rock my world”, his character reminds me of Jim Carey in the Mask. He’s always fusing different cultural elements in his work. I believe to some extent he was very academic about his music. For instance we see Chris Tucker is used in this video, it could almost be an off shoot of Rush Hour with the Chinese element and Chris seems to be a big MJ fan from him doing the musical number in the movie. How brilliant was making all the sounds of the movement of the life of the club coincide with the beat of the song. I loved that.

The best dance move for me was the extended spin and the lean, whenever I see it I’m still amazed. His best look for me is his “Don’t stop til you get enough” video look. That was when he was a handsome young man.

Thriller scared the scrap out of me when I was younger, but I couldn’t stop watching it. The man, the legend, the rumors. No other what they say about him, there will not come another like him in my lifetime. It’s so sad it came as such a price to his emotional balance. There’s so much to say good and bad, but only God will be the final judge of a man. Rest in Peace.

New Music:Timeka Marshall feat Busy Signal: Feel Fah

2009-06-26T19:30:00.004-04:00

I like this one. She's improving, which is very good thing, beat is tight. The vocals sound very smooth. The only thing I don't like is the T-I-M-E-K-A and the "song finish" on the end. I guess this song is to get her name out there...it's Timeka!

FEEL FAH- - TIMEKA MARSHALL feat. BUSY SIGNAL

The world's greatest musician

2009-06-25T23:42:00.004-04:00

LOS ANGELES -Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop" who once moonwalked above the music world, died Thursday as he prepared for a comeback bid to vanquish nightmare years of sexual scandal and financial calamity. He was 50.

Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his rented home in Holmby Hills. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him at his home for nearly three-quarters of an hour, then rushed him to the hospital, where doctors continued to work on him.

"It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known," his brother Jermaine said. Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases.

~~~~

I kinda didn't want to post anything until tomorrow when this has really set in. At this poing I still don't believe it.

Oakleys Baby!

2009-06-19T22:11:00.002-04:00

Is this how Timeka will look when she wears her Oakleys. She will be the official Caribbean spokes person/model for the brand which usually targets athletes.

New Music: Gialiani and Fojo: Remember the Time

2009-06-18T23:00:00.001-04:00

Fojo is releasing alot of music this year, some very good stuff...however, Michael Jackson is broke and might sue you for this one, he wants his share of the Cuffy Bob that you will make off of this.

Remember The Time - Don Gialiani feat. Fojo

Spotlight: Gialaini

2009-06-17T23:04:00.001-04:00

Written by him.

Born and raised in the capital city Georgetown, Guyana as Carlton Jevaun Washington referred to as "Gialaini" developed an early love for music listening to records and cassette tapes of music greats from my dad's collection. the release of Jay Z' 'Reasonable Doubt' in '96 and Mase's 'Harlem World' album in '97 completely turned my attention and focus on hip-hop music. (my rap influences are: Jay Z, Mase, Nas, Biggie Smalls, Tupac, Juelz Santana and Kanye West). From there on, making beats on desk tops, freestyling and song writing was practically a regular day for me in the early years of high school. After high school, a few friends and i formed a group called 'Ragz to Richez' in around 2002, and thats when my recording career began. Our group was short lived but we did make a few hits ( After Party & V.I.P ) which were very incouraging even after we were no longer together. I then began my solo career working with popular producer, singer, song-writer 'Fojo' of 'Platinum Studio' and the song titled "Rude Boi" featuring Fojo was an instant hit. The music video premiered on every local television station simultaneouly and got great reviews in Ent. newspapers, magazines and websites. The releases of dancehall crossover 'Get Down' featuring Typheon and Malo and rock crossover 'Escape' featuring Andrew soon followed and were both recorded at the 'Brutal Tracks Studio'. Im currently working on a video for "Escape" after completing the "Mr. Universe" video which was done for a freestyle track and im also working over time to complete my album titled "Destined" as soon as possible.

Contacts
http://gialiani.imeem.com
DonGialiani@Gmail.com

New Music from Timeka Marshall

2009-06-16T22:06:00.003-04:00

Ms. Marshall is pumping them out. New singles were released this week.

1. The way you love me: A mellow reggae-soul number.

The Way You Love Me - Timeka Marshall - Timeka Marshall

2. Doesn't Matter on the Grease Money Riddim. A mix between reggae and pop, very uptempo. A dance tune.

Doesnt Matter (Grease Monkey Riddim) 2k9 - Timeka Marshall

I don't like it as much. Her voice sits too high on the the riddim, it doesn't ride it. It would be better without the "dub." Also it seems to be along the same line as her previous release LOVE, which I like better.

Can't wait for her and Busy Signal.

Christ-like Soldiers (CLS)

2009-06-15T22:07:00.000-04:00

About a year ago The Scene had identified Christ-like Soldiers as an ‘up and coming’ local gospel group that was looking “to spread the message of Christ in various musical genres”.

The soldiers, Joshua Benn and Sheldon McKinnon, remain passionate about what they are doing.

During the interview last year Joshua and Sheldon disclosed that they had produced a few singles and videos with their songs “Check Your Life” and “Christ-like Soldiers Doing their Best” being two of their earliest releases.

They have since been taking steady steps, which both members hope will be the launching pad for much bigger things. They have since recorded the video for their song “Too Blessed to be Stressed” and were able to record their single “Abomination”. Preparations are now being made for them to shoot a video for this song.

New management

In their search for success, the soldiers have changed their management and are now under the watchful eye of Edge Management Association (EMA). This management group headed by Eworth Williams and Kencil Banwarie caters specifically for promoting the performing arts locally.

Kencil told The Scene that Christ-like Soldiers approached EMA for management, and the firm agreed because it sees potential in Joshua and Sheldon. “We recognise that these two guys have potential and that they can have a future in music. They are humble and genuine and they love what they do,” Kencil said.

He said that the priority right now is “trying to establish a fan base in Guyana by exposing the group to concerts”. He also identified the creation of music videos and new songs as being important. Consequently, he disclosed that the management is working with the two singers in compiling an album, which they hope to complete early next year. He also said that the group is making efforts to have its music digitized.

Meanwhile, the duo is doing a lot of promotion on the internet and has an official artiste’s page www.myspace.com/sheldonandjoshua. Videos are also on You-Tube.

According to Kencil, EMA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Righteous Records Entertainment of Trinidad, which has agreed to help any group that comes under EMA management with its music production. He was optimistic that Christ-like Soldiers would be able to benefit from this agreement and said that they are looking for a corporate sponsor who would assist in funding for the video.

Now on board with EMA, the Christ-like Soldiers seems to have added even more ammunition to its plan to do its best.

Meanwhile, both Joshua and Sheldon are continuing pursuing their other career goals. Joshua is continuing his studies in Sociology at the University of Guyana. Sheldon is currently employed at Habit International Supply and is pursuing studies in accounting and theology. And he’s now preparing to get married later this year.

However, their dreams “to make it big” in the gospel industry are still very much alive.

Source

To Blessed

Doing our best

Christ Like Soldiers: Too Blessed

2009-06-15T22:04:00.000-04:00

Christ Like Soldiers: Doing our best

2009-06-15T22:02:00.002-04:00

This is how to keep your man

2009-06-11T21:37:00.003-04:00

I've been told that this song is making the rounds on the airwaves of Barbados. A Guyanese woman advises Bajan women how to keep their Bajan men. This is very ironic considering the current state of affairs in Barbados where our Guyanese brothers and sisters are being harassed, those who are legal, even those who are just passing through on their way to Guyana or other nations. Thanks to Lloyda for posting it. The quality is not great as it is recorded off the radio. I sure got a kick out of it.

New Music: Redemption Voice and Enth-Ya - When I look around

2009-06-10T23:29:00.001-04:00

Vote for StruckRoot

2009-06-09T23:43:00.001-04:00

Struckroot needs your vote:

We need your help to keep StruckRoot at the top of the MMA Music Battle Finals on indiesolo.com! Here's how: Go to www.indiesolo.com/mma as frequently as possible over the next seven weeks and vote for StruckRoot in any of the MMA Music Battles. Your votes will help keep the band at the top of the charts. To vote just click Draw for the bands that we're not competing against until StruckRoot shows up in the battle then click on the three stars for us. Please be patient since this might take a few minutes before the band shows up in a battle. Rules For MMA Music Battles Voting for the Championship Round begins May 15, 2009 at 12:00 AM EST and ends July 31, at 11:59PM EST.
The system only allows you to vote for the same song battle only once. For example, if Band A vs Band B appears as a battle, you cannot vote for this battle again. Once you vote for all the possible battle combinations, the system will not allow you to vote anymore. The system is designed to create fair band battles by randomly creating equal song battles. The system allows you to vote for which song you like the best and by how much. Each voting scale is weighted according to the number of stars. A three star win rating is worth more than a two star win rating and so forth. The band that has the top song as of 11:59pm on July 31, 2009 will win the grand prize package. Your support makes all the difference! Every vote counts. Thanks to everyone who takes an active part in this.

www.myspace.com/struckroot

Music & Politics: Jory vs the Rapist

2009-06-07T16:25:00.003-04:00

I heard it through the grapevine that back in the day someone slapped Jory for singing about him. Turns out that man is now before the courts for allegedly raping a young woman. Jory responds:

Upcoming Event:Brooklyn Music Festival

2009-06-03T22:56:00.003-04:00

Natural Black performing, June 21, 2009.

What's wrong with this flyer?

2009-06-02T23:16:00.002-04:00

Melanie Fiona: Sad Songs

2009-05-31T14:49:00.002-04:00

This young woman voice raises the hairs on my skin in a good way...

Melanie Fiona: Teach Him

2009-05-31T14:44:00.002-04:00

Featured in the recent movie "Obsessed" Starring Beyonce.

Lady Guymine passes on!

2009-05-30T11:07:00.001-04:00

Our most prominent female performers, known specifically for her "Granny Fit" number has died at 76.

Remembered as a very competitive person, cultural icon Monica Chopperfield better known as ‘Lady Guymine’ was saluted by those who knew her following her passing on Thursday at age 76.

Opposition party, the PNCR said that Chopperfield was one of the country’s outstanding citizens and cultural ambassadors.

Her fellow Calypsonian Geoffrey ‘Mighty Rebel’ Phillips recalled that he was in many contests with her and she was very competitive and always felt that her compositions were good enough to win. He recalled that they used to go around in caravans and she “used to be the granny of the team”. The calypsonian noted that Chopperfield, along with other members of the local calypso fraternity, was a member of the People’s Culture Corps, a band that was based in Sophia under the PNC government.

Philips recalled that at one point in their careers, they were at loggerheads but this was eventually resolved and they became friends again. He stated that he showed her the respect that she deserved and on a visit to the United States in 2007, he urged her to return home. “I said to her ‘grandmother, you getting old, it time for you to come home’,” he recounted.

Chopperfield returned to Guyana last February and Philips said that he had last spoken with her last week. He recalled that recently he hosted a programme on Channel Two to honour her and the Mighty Kaieteur but she could not attend owing to ill-health. He stated that though she was very competitive, they always had a “nice” relationship.

Meantime, the PNC stated that Guyana should be grateful to Lady Guymine for, she not only extracted what was best from the world of music but she also brought those unique qualities of a Guyanese to different parts of the world and won the respect of many who crossed her path. “Death has brought to a close an outstanding musical career that began in Guyana and took her further afield to the Caribbean and North America. In her career path, Lady Guymine rubbed shoulders with some of the leading musical figures of the day, especially the great West Indian Calypsonians, the Mighty Sparrow, Lord Nelson and others. Her talent was a match for theirs,” the PNC said.

The party noted that it was only in 1966, when she participated in the Mashramani celebrations as Lady Guybau, that she entered the world of calypso. After being noticed by the legendary calypsonian, the Mighty Sparrow, she was invited to tour Trinidad and remained in his tent for two years. “As a calypsonian she entertained Guyanese, West Indians and the Diaspora. ‘Granny Fit’ was one of the most loved renditions. She was ranked fourth in the 1985 World Calypso Competition,” the PNC recalled.

The party noted that Chopperfield was not confined to any single musical genre and in her early career she was known as a ballad singer and, along with one of her contemporaries, Annie Haynes, became one of the early purveyors of innovative jazz and swing vocals. The party extended heartfelt condolences to the members of her sorrowing family.

Chopperfield was born on July 31, 1932, in Berbice and has lived in Georgetown, Linden, and New York. Her performing career started in a show produced by Zelda Martindale at the roofless Olympic Cinema on Lombard Street. For that show she was billed as “Baby Monica”. She would go on to sing across Guyana, in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, and the United States.

--How come all this info is coming from the PNC, doesn't Guyana have a single archive on all our great citizens?

Lady GuyMine: Granny Fit

2009-05-30T11:00:00.002-04:00

1994 @ Brooklyn College:

More recently:

??Guess What:??

2009-05-28T23:05:00.004-04:00

#1 Timeka's All Night was submitted by her Barbados-based management team to be the theme song for CSI Miami....so go choke on it!

#2 Pyramid Entertainment, you copied these lyrics from me...I should charge yall, I should be copying it off of your site. Now fix the all night lyrics, that's my best guess for some of those words.

#3 I like the remix of Shelly G and Fojo - Bolo Bolo. Go check on it.

New Music: Fojo - If you had no choice

2009-05-25T17:29:00.001-04:00

New Music: Fojo & Natural Black - Money

2009-05-25T15:39:00.000-04:00

New Music: Wolf in sheep clothing

2009-05-25T15:37:00.000-04:00

4th Annual school concert

2009-05-20T22:18:00.002-04:00

While I defend Shelly G's use of the word daggering in her Soca Monarch winning entry, I however condemn the fact that she will be performing at the school concert. None of Shelly G's songs are for kids, maybe with the exception of "Only love can set us free." Just imagine our little pre-teens and just smelling themselves school children singing: Touch Me, Wuk me right, Freaky Freaky, Bruk me up, Bag girl, A Want a man, Jook Jook, Never Never (in which she is fighting a woman for her man but without the class of Brandy and Monica, The Boy is Mine.

Burchmore, your judgement was wrong on this one. Shelly G is an adult entertainer.

School children are once again being given an opportunity to see some of the popular local artistes on stage for a small fee, compliments of Kross Kolor Records (KKR).

KKR hosts its fourth annual school show at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Saturday, May 23.

Among those scheduled to perform are X2, Vanilla, Shelly G - the reigning Soca Queen, X Factor, B52, Ossie O, Big Red, Tennicia, Rajesh Dubraj and HRC who are all expected to give electrifying performances. Well known television personality Basil Bradshaw is slated to be the master of ceremonies (MC).

Source

Timeka Marshall is #1

2009-05-19T22:11:00.003-04:00

and # 10...read it and weep haters!

RE-TV Music Video Countdown

1 ALL NIGHT -TIMEKA MARSHALL
2 MISSING YOU RIGHT NOW - DA'VILLE
3 PHENOMENAL - XINYU
4 I AM BLESSED - MR. VEGAS
5 ARGUMENTS PROTOJE
6 HEAD ABOVE WATER- CAPLETON
7 BAD TO THE BONE - BRICK AND LACE
8 BELLY WINE - RAINE SEVILLE
9 MAKE UP TO BREAK UP- RESSURE
10 SECRETS-HUSH- PEETAH AND TIMEKA MARSHALL

Texting now comes to Guyana

2009-05-17T17:33:00.002-04:00

Not really: The two major companies are not interconnecting when customers can text to every other country in the world. Not residing there currently, I never knew there was a barrier...

Digicel and Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) subscribers will finally be able to interconnect via Short Messaging Service (SMS) from next month.

A joint release issued yesterday said “Digicel and GT&T are pleased to announce that they have come to an agreement to enable cross-network mobile texting in Guyana”

“Customers of each network will from June 1st, 2009, for the first time, be able to text customers of the other network”, the brief release added.

The issue has been contentious and one which Digicel had been plugging for a long time. GT&T had indicated its willingness to facilitate the move but reportedly had some concerns it wanted to iron out. A senior official within GT&T had said that the agreement was something that the company stood to benefit significantly from but stated that there were issues that had not been properly addressed.

Source

No more hating

2009-05-17T17:09:00.003-04:00

I think I've had enough of all the hating on Timeka. There's a difference between a critique which is based on pros and cons and just saying negative things that have no basis in the truth. Saying her lyrics sucks is one thing, but I think some have crossed the line, who she sleeps with is her business. It's mindless, spineless(since no one had even signed their names to it), childish and unpatriotic!

I will not accept any more of those comments!
Let us give our artists a chance.

Nudie Rihanna

2009-05-12T22:56:00.002-04:00

schuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuppppppppppppppsssssssss

What's all the fuss about?

Recording Studios: KrossKolor Records

2009-05-07T23:55:00.000-04:00

Burchmore Simon

Despite back and forth arguments about the success of Mashramani 2009, outstanding achievements by local musicians, artistes and producers who have dedicated their time and energies to the development of music especially for the season.

Over the years Kross Kolor Records, like so many other local recording studios has made a sterling contribution to the development of the 'sleeping giant' of a local music and mash industry, the KKR bunch stands out from the crowd.

Looking back to 2004, Dutchin copped the third place spot at the Inaugural Carib Soca Monarch competition.

The following year, 2005, the KKR artiste with Simon's full input upped his game and was crowned king of both the Soca Monarch and the Road march competitions and remained on top of both events in 2006.

Also in 2006 KKR team member Tennicia De Freitas was crowned Children's calypso monarch.

In 2007 the KKR crew lost the Soca Monarch title to Malo but copped the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th places as well as the best new comer prize through Lilman, Bonesman, Adrian Dutchin and Vanilla respectively.

That year too, the Road March title was won by Vanilla while the Junior calypso crown was won by - Tennicia Defrietas .

In 2008 Dutchin re-captured the soca monarch crown while his team member Lil-man held onto the second spot. That year team member Michelle Big Red King was crowned Raod March queen while De Freitas held on yet again to the school's Childrens' Calypso monarchy for yet another year.

The KKR crew's winning ways continued this year with Vanilla copping the soca monarch second place Lil-Man (B52) placing third and, Bones man copping the 4th spot. Vanilla also copped the road March crown while De Freitas placed 3rd in the junior calypso Monarch. The addition this year is the 2009 Chutney Monarch won by Rajesh Dubraj.

That stated it shows that Kross Kolor and its artistes have always been in the top three of the main mash music competitions for the past six years, and this some opine has to be as a result of dedication and hard work by all.

Simon has said a great part of the success at Kross Kolor records is the unique ability to get all the artistes to work on behalf and support each other.

He said the key is corporation at the artistes' level, "They help plan each other's presentations and ensure that on competition night or day they help out each other, celebrate each other's successes and encourage each other when they underperform."

He described his Kross Kolor team as "fearless and not afraid of a challenge," and stated that his group's first aim always is to focus on the development of Guyanese music.

Another reason given for the KKR successes is that "a lot of emphasis is placed on personal development and artistes and their success, failure is never an option" Simon said.

He categorically noted that whenever someone performs below par an immediate postmortem is done and remedial steps taken. "The future of each team member is planned and each one knows the plans for each other so that petty jealousies are eliminated as much as possible," Simon noted.

As the curtain is drawn on Mash 2009 activities Simon says planning has already begun to ensure that only the best is presented for Mash 2010 as Guyana observes its 40 republic anniversary. And while it has not been confirmed chances are three time monarch Adrian Dutchin will be back in the competition saddle for 2010.

I believe this came from StabroekNews

Models: Darknluvly

2009-05-07T22:52:00.002-04:00

http://www.myspace.com/darknluvly757

From the comment section: Big Hombre Views

2009-05-06T11:04:00.002-04:00

Re: Kester D and Entertainer Rawle in the ER

What fascinated me most about Imran's comments was the fact that he never even mentioned Eddie Neblett in that very long article, but mentioned just about every other guyanese artiste.

The "disrespect" that Eddie receives from most guyanese online, in print and on the streets is astounding as far as lack of recognition is concerned...and i am speaking here mostly of guyanese in Guyana.

I have done an inordinate amount of research on guyanese's reaction to Mr Neblett.

I wrote to Imran and he acknowledged his oversight but then couched it nicely in an explanation where he said he also forgot to mention Jessica Xavier. There we go again......someone "deliberately?" missing the point that the other guyanese artistes are not in the same league as Eddie.

There is no comparison between Eddie and Jessica.........and Kester D. Kester may have been the pioneer and Jessica now starting, but there is no comparison NOW in respect of originality, lyrical content,showmanship and voice.

He should have just stopped short and acknowledged his oversight.

All one has to do is listen to Eddie's album "Prophecies"...no-one has a BODY OF WORK even coming close to that...and when you include tunes like Intensive Situation, Hope, River, New Life to the 12 on the CD, we have 16 top notch tunes there.

What guyanese artiste even comes CLOSE to matching that?? I have been listening to reggae for decades and this guy stands head and shoulders above ALL the others.

Fojo?? Kester D?? Gimme a break....maybe 2 or 3 tunes that are okay but nothing that can compare to at least 10 of Eddie's tunes.........in my humble opinion anyway.

And listen, Eddie's soca-style tunes like Love N Unity can match anything that X2 has put out. For that matter, Eddie should have won the accolade for Tune of the Year with Love N Unity and also the accolade for best gospel tune for Anointed......CLEARLY.

In 20 years, radio stations will be playing Love N Unity.....Tic Tac is already a tune of the past, along with Krazy...no-one will remember those in 2 years, much less 20. Love N Unity gets much more airplay and TV play today in GT.

But i will credit Imran with this.......he gave the real reason why guyanese wherever, and obviously himself too, put Eddie in a little box and marginalise him.

To them, Eddie is "GOSPEL"...so he is acknowledged as talented yes, but he is "gospel"........and most people are not interested in gospel. I aint saying that gospel does not have it's fans, but it's "gospel" to a wider population.

I was speaking with 4 guys all over 40 about Eddie at a jerk chicken spot in Duncan Street.
They live in Guyana but know very little of Eddie(yes, folks). They think he is only "Love N Unity"... I explained to them that Eddie had a CD with 12 big tunes on it and told them i had it in my car and could bring it for them to hear at least 5 tunes which no-one will consider "gospel" tunes.

Their response was "no man, we dont want to change our vibe". That summed it all up for me after 5 months of research.....they were listening to Shurwin Winchaster or someone and Shelley G. They were not even interested in giving Eddie's music a chance........even tho they did not know it. They just were....not......interested. Why? Because he is "gospel" to them.

But like i said, u can play at least 5 songs on his album to a secular crowd of 100 overseas peeps who never heard of him, and none will walk away thinking he is gospel.

Guyanese have marginalised Eddie Neblett in their thinking because of that gospel tag.

I can tell you honestly that i arbitrarily and at random must have asked at least 30 guyanese ranging from 30 to 55, if they knew Edward neblett andthey said no....when i asked them if they know the name from Love N Unity, they would say "AAAAH yes, i know it".

I say this because i have been seeing videos to Wrong Decision, We Can Make It, Love for Humanity, Anointed for at least 3 years on TV in Guyana. So these people never saw these videos and noticed the name?

Well, they have but it's not Sean Paul or Serani or Machel or Sherwin or some overseas artiste.sothey dont take note.

Contrarily, if u check Eddie's popularity on the international scene,you would be shocked at how he is being embraced in the UK, Holland and the USA. I have the evidence but a taste of it can be had by looking at the comments to his videos on YouTube.

Guyanese, especially in Guyana, are waiting to get word of that international recognition before they embrace him.....it'sthe sheep mentality.

In conclusion, if you can find me any guyanese artist with just 5 songs that could match Eddie's album, i would be only too willing to listen to him/her with whomever finds that artiste....except of course you bring music by the other Eddie...yes that one who also suffered the same "eyepass" from guyanese and decided to just stay away from Guyana.

Best regards to all my fellow guyanese in Guyana.

Timeka Marshall All Night Lyrics

2009-05-05T12:03:00.003-04:00

My brain hurts after listening this song for about the 100th time to figure out these lyrics. Ms. Marshall you wrote some complicated lyrics here, at least it's not the usual fair. The ____ means I was completely unable to figure that out: if you figure it out...let me know.

Timeka Marshall - All Night Lyrics

First let me start with some teasing
Let me excite you with some revealing
I’ll turn the lights down, guaranteed no need to frown
The chair that I place in the corner
Why don’t you have a seat, cause you’re in for a treat
Oh baby you’re about to feel the heat
Now 1 step 2 step unhooking my bustier, corset
Anything that you want you’re sure to get
Hips moving slowly, garments no longer on my body

Chorus
I’m going to be you've always dreamt to rock your world
I’m going to show you everything that makes me a bad girl
I wanted you for so long, but I think you knew that all along
Getting together tonight boy, there’s nothing that can go wrong
All night it’s gonna be all right
All night it’s gonna be all right
All night it’s gonna be all right
All night it’s gonna be all right

Now you gotta back me up into the wall, there’s no rule at all
Everything is just make the call
Up against you rising and fall
Over and over until I feel that something get taller
Oh geez I can feel my knees go weak, there’s no stability left for me
Although your hands were busy, you still lifted me off my feet…

Let’s switch things up, lets start from the floor, start from the floor
To me we have a field trip and you’re a kid on the bus getting a tour
I know you will be tired, when it’s time to walk out my door
I know what’s on your mind, it’s getting more

-----
Don't steal my lyrics and pretend you sat there and wrote it you hear???

Imeem Expert

2009-05-05T09:44:00.001-04:00

Any Imeem experts out there? How come all the songs I add to playlists are only playing 30 sec of the song now? It wasn't always that way....What do I have to do to make it play the full length of the song?

Thanks

Eye Candy: Jess X

2009-05-01T23:39:00.003-04:00

More on Hush/Secrets collab

2009-05-01T18:58:00.000-04:00

In addition to recently working on their first project together - the music video Secrets/Hush - Timeka Marshall and Peetah Morgan, have other things in common. They both want to get their names out as solo artistes even if they're coming from opposite directions.
Twenty-year-old Marshall, a former high school beauty queen from Guyana, is in the formative stages of what is promising to be a successful career as a solo artiste. Morgan made his name as lead singer in the world-famous Morgan Heritage, comprised of the children of singer Denroy Morgan.

They stop promoting Gt&T by calling her a former beauty queen not the jingle winner?

Marshall's current focus is on producing music that will get her recognised and provide the foundation for what she hopes will be a stellar career. She is currently working with Jukebox Production house that features big names like producer Shane Brown and artiste Busy Signal.
"For me, personally, I'm just trying to get some popular singles out there, create that stir, create that name and then definitely an album will come after," said Marshall.
Morgan, also a talented singer, believes Timeka has the talent to go all the way. And when the public hears her next single, Feel For, they may be inclined to believe the same.

Feel for, I'm waiting for it.

Peetah Morgan really needs no introduction to the music world. As lead singer of Morgan Heritage, he has established himself as one of the best singers around, no matter the genre. But after seven studio albums and two live albums with the group, he and his siblings decided to take a break so that each could pursue their own individual goals.
"Everything I have done my whole life has been Morgan Heritage, so we have to create a brand for me as an individual," he said. "And that's gonna be done by doing a lot of singles right now."
Following the release of those singles and when the expected demand comes for a Peetah Morgan album, he says modestly, only then will one be produced.
Both have plans to work on other projects together but even as they do so, they have their eyes firmly set on their individual destinies.

Source

Some ice water on Ms. Marshall

2009-04-30T21:50:00.002-04:00

It concerns the lyrics of Hush:

The chorus seems to have a contradiction:

Should I hush OR should i keep living a double life. The two are one and the same. OR implies a choice of not the same things.

None of the people working with you caught that?

Kester D & Entertainer Rawle in the ER

2009-04-30T12:52:00.001-04:00

Here is a segment of the feud between Kester D and Rawl on Entertainment Reel or is it In the Mix?

My views:
1. I agree with both Kester D and Rawle. It's a catch 22 position though, they need the financial support to help them get to the top, but they will not get the top billings if they are not a top performer.
2. DJs and radio do make hits by playing the song, I once heard Rihanna's Please don't stop the music 5 times in 2 hrs on the radio and it's a song that I do not particularly like.
3. I think alot of artists don't know who they are, they don't have a style they are just trying a thing that they see.
4. The old formula of relying on CD sales can't work anymore for up and coming artists, they have to rely on bookings which leads back to the same situation.
5. A law won't solve the problem as Kester D suggests, but the govt as well as the private sector can financially support talented artists.
6. Copy right is a big problem as the case of Adrian advertising for a bootlegging company which is the norm in Guyana. What's holding up the copyright law?

Jessica Xavier sounded great live! We ought to leave Charmaine Blackman alone, after 19 years in the industry she is not going to change, she's our living legacy :)

I believe the industry will get better in time. We will have better artists that will raise the bar and the not so good ones will have to shape up or ship out. I believe, I believe, now believe it with me!

Make me some curry

2009-04-30T12:25:00.003-04:00

Youtube, I love youtube...and I love this:

The recording is a bit bad as it is a child, but this has pretty good lyrics...if people could sing about rum and make it, why not curry.

Radica or Savitree? Foreign or local?

2009-04-29T12:15:00.004-04:00

I heard this song Radica by Kenneth Salick is mashing up Guyana, so i decided to listen and it's just an average song, average singing, the video is very low budget. Why this song is getting so much attention when a similar song Savitree by Guyanese Super Markie doesn't get the same attention?

Foreign-mindedness of my Guyanese people? Could be possible. The only thing that is better about Radica is the smoother recording, is it that simple?

Spotlight: Jessica Xavier

2009-04-28T06:44:00.002-04:00

I heard her song Don't Cry and I like the vibes. She has Tessanne Chin kinda feel.

I have limited info on her...

Jessica Xavier is 24 years old former student St. Roses/Bishops’ High student.

Jessica stated that her inspiration is derived from so many things and as such depending on the mood and the circumstance, inspiration for her, is possible at anytime. Jessica truly believes that music has a profound effect on people when they listen to it and her ultimate goal is to try and create a positive vibe and sound that people can relate to when they listen to her songs.
Apart from singing, Jessica also writes the majority of her songs as well as work along with Danley Major, CEO of KF Record Productions and Mr. Brian Cummerbatch. Regarding her popular single “Don’t Cry”, Jessica noted that she wrote this song two years ago for a relative and this song tells a story of a young woman losing her love, and the only comfort she finds is in his memory, his things.

From Guyanalime.

Dont Cry - Jessica Xavier

War of the Music

2009-04-27T15:58:00.003-04:00

This is a copy of an article posted over at: Imran Khan, the new media critic. This article is copied in full. The last time I saw an interesting article about Guyanese music, before I could copy it, the site went kaput. I've been hearing about this war of words in bits and pieces and someone has finally put it all together. Imran seems to have lots of time on his hands, thanks, saves me some time.

The big local music imbroglio

I have been following an intense and sometimes rancorous debate which has begun to rage on local television (specifically HBTV Channel 9 and STVS/HJTV Channel 72) and to a lesser extent NCN radio channel 98.1 HOT FM about the local music industry. The genesis of the debate lies in comments made by gospel artiste Kester Deane on a Brutal Tracks (the recording studio aligned to Swansea Telecommunications) programme on 98.1.

Though Deane did not refer to anyone or any group by name, Rawle Ferguson of Hits and Jams Entertainment took it upon himself to respond to Deane’s comments on his (Ferguson’s) live call in Hitsville programme on HJTV. Ferguson took Deane to task to which Deane responded in a subsequent programme (Swansea Information Hour) on HBTV.

Deane had initially said that promoters in Guyana were not booking enough local artistes on their shows, opting instead to dominate their line up with foreigners. Deane also said that there is no need for promoters to bring in overseas artistes when there is a full compliment of local artistes who have large repertoires of songs and who are capable of bringing in large crowds. Deane threw his corn and Ferguson picked.

Ferguson responded by saying that the quality of the music produced by locals, in general, is just not good enough to bring people through the gates but that H&J was doing what it could within the various constraints to promote locals who showed some promise. Entertainer Rawle (formerly DJ Rawle) said that the few locals who had produced good enough music - of course in the estimation of H&J - were in fact booked on various shows. At later stages the H&J boys (Ferguson plus his partner Entertainer Kerwin Bollers) challenged anyone to prove that there has been any H&J show which did not include at least three local artistes in the line up. No one has yet been able to disprove their claim.

Deane then fired back, saying that in his view, H&J was not doing enough to promote local music and local artistes by not booking enough of them on their shows and were not giving them enough airtime on their radio programmes and television station. He charged that H&J has never promoted a major show (with the requisite pervasive advertising and marketing) with exclusively local artistes and that there is enough talent in Guyana for them to so do. The passionate Deane, popularly known as Kester D, said that H&J were only interested in money as opposed to promoting local artistes and local music and they were conspiring to export money through booking various overseas artistes while the struggling locals were left to pick up crumbs.

Part II

After the initial exchanges between Deane and Ferguson, Ian Johnson, aka Mr. Dynamix of Dynamix Studios, took up the mantle and broadened the discourse on his What’s Hot Guyana show on HBTV. As guests, he had Kester Deane, music producer and music video director Bonny Alves of Signal Studios and journalist Gordon Moseley, who is also producer of the Entertainment Reel (which reviews and previews artistes and the local entertainment scene and is part of his HJTV In Da Mix programme).

The late night programme was perhaps the most contentious seen on local television. In one corner was Moseley and in the other corner Alves with Deane as his back up as Johnson moderated or perhaps, more accurately, refereed.

Moseley fired first. He uncompromisingly chastised local artistes for not being serious about their chosen profession. The journalist/producer accused them of being lazy and lacking a proactive/go getting approach and that they were largely content with mediocrity.

Alves responded by saying that resources, particularly financial, were limited or not available and that the lack of copyright laws in Guyana was a huge bugbear. Alves pointed out that Guyanese artistes had done well overseas yet they were not being accorded respect locally by promoters such as H&J (though he did not identify them by name). He gave the example of Charmaine Blackman having topped the charts in Guam.

Moseley dismissed Alves with contempt, saying that Blackman’s chart topping in ‘little’ Guam was meaningless and irrelevant, that Guam was essentially a musical non-entity that no one cared about. This incensed Alves (who is Blackman’s producer) and he flew into a rage, condemning Moseley in no uncertain terms.

All the callers to the programme supported Moseley’s views. One caller spoke frankly about the quality of Blackman’s singing and music videos (all of which were produced and directed by Alves) which she described as a ‘joke’. Many others, both calling in to the programme, and elsewhere have expressed the view that Blackman’s singing is atrocious and that her music videos belong in the trash, a view that one would find difficult to oppose.

Deane supported Alves for the most part and went on to call for national legislation to stipulate that local promoters must have at least five local artistes in their line up for every show. Moseley derisively rubbished Deane’s suggestion as discriminatory and being a laughable proposal. Moseley repeated his thoughts on Deane’s suggestion on ER which he subsequently uploaded to Facebook and which has elicited a firestorm of comments.

Part III

In the interim Bonny Alves, who hosts a Music Industry Association of Guyana (MIAG) programme on NCN television, lashed out once again and was supported by Malcolm Ferreira who is a radio personality. Alves continued to repeat that local artistes do not have the finances to allow them to produce quality work to compare to international artistes and that the technical support for them locally left much to be desired. This point is somewhat flawed as locals such as First Born, Fojo, Timeka Marshall, Celeste David, Shelly G and others have all recorded songs which can compare favourably with works recorded regionally and internationally. Alves should have clarified that the studios which he uses locally have inferior equipment but not all local studios can be so described.

Alves and Kester Deane are of the view that the general public and promoters and producers in particular must support local more. They believe that we have to be more receptive to the work of our own even if it is lacking a little in quality. Because it is local, they say, we must be proud. This is a view that I vehemently oppose as it subscribes to the school of thought which suggests that we must settle for mediocrity. That is unadulterated nonsense. We should support quality music regardless of where it emanates from. If it happens to be local, then we will all be proud. Those local artistes who have produced quality have been heralded and have received rewards, financial and otherwise. The Guyanese listening public has matured and has demonstrated that it has become unafraid of embracing local music with the only stipulation being that it must be of a certain acceptable quality. Shelly G has recently achieved the benchmark and her song is receiving non-stop airplay both on television and radio. Those who continue to fall below par will continue to struggle a la Blackman and Alves.

For persons to argue that Guyanese, being Guyanese, must settle for less than the best is an insult to the nation. For them to argue that some obviously third rate songs, videos and artistes are better than they are (which Alves has consistently done) and thus be supported when the vast majority of the listening, viewing and paying public rejects them is being preposterous and hypocritical.

However Alves’ point that Guyana should have modern copyright laws which are stringently enforced and until such a time there will continue to be underdevelopment in the Guyanese music industry is one which must not be treated flippantly - as has been the case - by Gordon Moseley, Rawle Ferguson and Kerwin Bollers.

Part IV

Ian Johnson then continued the debate by having Rawle Ferguson and Kerwin Bollers appear on a subsequent What’s Hot Guyana programme. Ferguson repeated earlier comments, including that for Kester Deane and others to suggest that H&J and other producers are deliberately ‘keeping down’ local artistes makes no practical sense. He detailed the enormous economic benefits which would be accrued from booking local artistes. He said that if a promoter could be guaranteed a large turnout for a show which featured exclusively local artistes then promoters would rush for that option as they would have no airfares, hotel charges, per diems etc to cover thus their investments would be smaller and returns larger. He said that the only reason all the larger Guyanese promoters bring in overseas artistes is economic - that the overseas artistes are the ones who pull the crowds.

Ferguson, always making a conscious effort to appear graceful and not bearing malice, said that overall he respects Deane, Bonny Alves and Charmaine Blackman as they are all pioneers who have their hearts in the right place. He however advised that Alves and Blackman discontinue pursuing careers in certain aspects of the music industry and take up other areas which will be more rewarding to their skills and collective zeal. Ferguson, during a discourse with one of his callers, also said Deane is “ignorant” of many aspects of the music business.

In arguing that H&J decisions are based on business in the first instance, as opposed to patriotism, Ferguson said that one local artiste submitted a music video to HJTV which was played by the station and they received a deluge of phone calls from viewers saying it was of poor quality and ought to be removed. He said that since they were fearful of losing viewership they were forced to discontinue showing the video. He did not name the artiste but it would not take someone of advanced intellect to surmise that it was Blackman and thus the video was directed by Alves who is notorious for producing music videos of appalling quality.

Part V

Among several points, Kerwin Bollers, who is also manager and producer of the modestly talented but stunningly beautiful Timeka Marshall, said that too many local artistes have poor attitudes. He said that many of them have one hit song and behave as though they have arrived, they do not interact with fans and feel that they are obligated to be repeatedly booked on shows even long after their one hit would have lost popularity. Noting that volume of content is a problem Bollers urged them to produce more songs but acknowledged the financial challenges in so doing. I could not help thinking that he was referring to artistes - such as Typheon and Gialiani* - out of Jonathan Beepat’s Wildfire camp.

Perhaps this is just my overactive mind even though it is commonly known that the H&J and Wildfire camps have been unable to get along on any level and there were several rumours and accusations flying around after international R&B artiste TPain pulled out of an H&J promotion saying that he had received credible information from a promotions group in Guyana that if he traveled to this country he would be kidnapped and killed (H&J is currently suing TPain in the US for breach of contract).

Bollers repeated several of Gordon Moseley’s comments that some of the artistes are unprofessional and gave the example of one local artiste who was booked to appear on a H&J show featuring Akon, yet he did not turn up nor did he call to inform the promoters that he would be unavailable and only apologised months after. Johnson then accused Bollers and Ferguson of penalizing the artiste (who he suggested to be Fojo) by not showing his videos extensively on HJTV.

Entertainer Kerwin also said that Kross Kolor Studios managed by Burchmore Simon is of a high standard which can compare to anything regionally and encouraged locals to utilize the services but called on all studios to have more flexible opening hours. He went on to plead with the local artistes, as did Moseley, to use the internet to promote themselves more widely, noting that such an avenue is available to them for free. That though, is not altogether true. While signing up and hosting videos and other information with websites such as MySpace, YouTube and Facebook (the ones he and Moseley identified) are all free, one still has to have a computer and access to the internet, all of which cost money.

From the reports I have had the vast majority of local artistes do not own their own computers, do not have personal access to the internet, are not internet savvy and in many instances are not even computer literate and are only semi-literate on the whole. Of course they can ask persons to assist them or they can seek the services of one of the many internet cafes but this will cost money albeit not an exorbitant sum. However it cannot be claimed that it is ‘free’ as Bollers and Moseley have both suggested.

*Gialiani is no longer with Wildfire.

Part VI

Kerwin Bollers said he was mystified as to why various stakeholders within the industry were avoiding mentioning publicly that there are major divisions in the industry to the extent that artistes are unable to record in one studio or another. He said this was a significant problem which needs to be addressed as the cliquish behaviour was not helping the industry.

The former DJ further said that the local studios need to fashion themselves after the Jamaican model where artistes do not always have to foot the bill for recording songs. Bollers suggested that studios should work out arrangements with the various artistes so that they can record for free and the studios take a cut of whatever profits are forthcoming. There is a major loophole in his argument though. He failed to address how studios should recoup costs in the event, as is more often the case in Guyana, artistes make no or negligible profits. While in theory his proposal seem plausible, in practice it is far from feasible for the studios in particular.

In responding to the accusations leveled by some that he is not supporting local as he is utilizing almost exclusively Jamaican resources in recording Timeka Marshall’s music and shooting her videos, Bollers said it was a strict business decision. He reasoned that if he records in local studios and uses local music video producers (in my estimation, none of whom can produce high quality work) once the works are complete he still has to spend much time and resources to promote it regionally and internationally. Whereupon if he records in internationally acclaimed Jamaican studios and utilizes the services of notable music video directors such as Jay Will once the song and videos are complete radio and television stations need no convincing to play it. In fact they clamour for it.

Bollers confessed to relying heavily on the Jamaican model as it is the one he is most familiar with but some of his suggestions seem not to have been well thought through. While the Jamaican studios can survive on partnering with various artistes that is not at all practical here in Guyana.

What he failed to explain was that there are dozens of the major artistes in Jamaica who utilize the services of the studios but who prefer not to enter into a business arrangement with said studio with regard to profits from their songs. The artistes pay the studios upfront for services and they hold on to whatever profits are had. Of course they have the financial resources of backing to so do. The studios are therefore in a financially stable position to partner with lesser known artistes to assist in the blossoming of their careers.

Secondly the artistes who do record in Jamaican studios for free operate in a larger and more lucrative market where their chances of ‘making it’ are much higher than their counterparts in Guyana. While there might be a 50% chance of making a decent profit in Jamaica, there is only a 5% chance of making a significantly lesser profit in Guyana so the both the risk is higher for the studio in Guyana and the return on investment lower. Economically it will not work in the current environment.

And the third fact that Bollers skillfully neglected to mention is that there are literally hundreds (if not thousands) of artistes who studios in Jamaica simply refuse to enter into agreements with leaving those artistes to find the money to pay the studio for any services they wish to acquire. He painted the picture as if anyone off the street with a few lyrics can walk into any studio and record for free once they agree to give the studio a cut of the profits. That is simple not the case. Very, very few artistes in Jamaica are fortunate enough to convince a studio to enter into an arrangement with them. So on this point Bollers was being cunningly duplicitous.

The debate now requires Ian Johnson (or some other host) to do the natural thing and put Rawle Ferguson and Bollers alongside Bonny Alves and Kester Deane on the same panel and let them face off against each other. Both sides can put their respective arguments to each other and the other side can rebut and debunk whatever they feel is not worthy. This will not bring an end to the debate but it will enliven it further and both sides will show maturity in participating rather than them sitting on their own programmes and mouthing off and appearing to the public as if they are afraid of talking face to face and man to man. Both sides believe they have valid points and that the other side has indefensible positions. Let them discuss it in person.

Merundoi: A serial Drama

2009-04-27T15:22:00.002-04:00

I like Merundoi, I don't know how come I have not mentioned it yet but I do. I am not a fan of soap opera drama, Young and the Restless, Bold and the Beautiful, but I like Merundoi.

It's the absolute Guyanese-ness of it. The lingo, the tek-ups but most of all for me, the music. All the latest music is featured on the show. I hope the artists are getting royalties for the use of their music.

Merundoi is a fictional village somewhere in Guyana. Its residents are living normal lives and normal obstacles, but most importantly they are encountering situations in which they can be infected with an STI(sexually transmitted infection)and they have to make a choice to protect themselves. It's basically a STI mainly HIV/AIDs awareness series.

My favorite characters are Suhendranauth and Bibi Singh, the rascal James William, Rhonda (when played by Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett) and Lawrence Moore.

Check them out sometime:
http://www.merundoi.org.gy

Redemption Voice: Live

2009-04-25T16:32:00.002-04:00

Live at the 2008 Independence Day Celebration in CPAC, Bklyn NY