Monday, January 14, 2013
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
Ansa McAl kicks off Carib Soca Monarch competition
Ansa McAl kicks off Carib Soca Monarch competition
January 10, 2013 | By KNews | Filed Under News
http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2013/01/10/ansa-mcal-kicks-off-carib-soca-monarch-competition/
Beverage giant, Ansa McAl, yesterday launched its ninth edition of the “Carib Soca Monarch”. This year’s competition will see some 22 contestants trying to get their hands on that $1.5M cash price.
Organizers of the event also disclosed, yesterday, that they are seriously considering adding a motorcar as another prize for the winner.
Ansa McAl’s Marketing Manager, Troy Cadogan, said that the reason they keep the competition is because they have realized that music is the life of carnival festival. He said that in the formative years of the Soca monarchy the music was not at a particular level.
Cadogan said that after sponsoring for a few years, the company recognized that although the impetus was there (prize money) one would still hear foreign music on Mash Day.
He said that contestants were treated to a music workshop with renowned artistes from around the Caribbean. He said that they have had the highest number of entries, 33. He explained that those entries were shortlisted to 22.
Cadogan further noted that this year’s competition will return with the quarterfinal leg. He said that the last time the quarterfinal was held was way back in 2007. This according to the organizers will no doubt augur well for the future of the competition and the further development of both the artiste and the local music industry since it allows for more participation and wider reach.
From a total of 33 entries, which matched last year’s record, the in-house judging team has selected 22 for the quarterfinal which is scheduled for February 2, 2013 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden. Of the 22 quarterfinalists, 12 are first time entrants to the competition.
This stage of the competition will see five contestants being eliminated. Those remaining will advance to the semifinal on February 9, 2013 at the Area H Ground, Rose Hall, Corentyne where a further five will be dropped.
The remaining 12 will be joined by the reigning monarch, Jumo Primo, for the grand finale at the National Park on February 16, 2013.
It was explained that the submitted entries were judged on the following components- lyrics, melody, rendition, diction and musical arrangement/party appeal.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Brazil, Suriname, Trinidad interested in Mash 2013
Brazil, Suriname, Trinidad interested in Mash 2013
January 9, 2013 | By KNews | Filed Under News
http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2013/01/09/brazil-suriname-trinidad-interested-in-mash-2013/
Brazil, Suriname and Trinidad have shown an interest in participating in Mashramani 2013, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
Minister with the portfolio, Irfaan Ali, said that one of the main initiatives is the launch of a visitor plan for 2013 for the Mashramani celebrations in February. The programme will be designed to target the needs of all visitors, particularly those from Brazil, Suriname and Trinidad.
He explained, “One of the main initiatives is the launch of a visitor plan for 2013, you will know that we have a lot of Guyanese returning home for Mashramani but we have not, in a structured way, been able to target the potential of our neighbours.”
In this regard, the Ministry will focus its energies on attracting the participation of a 30-member Brazilian Samba Band, which has the potential to attract as much as 400 ‘followers’ to Guyana.
“This will be utilised as the vehicle through which we can attract an average of 400 tourists. We are working with the state of Roraima and tourism agencies within the State to promote and sell packages,” Minister Ali explained.
In addition, there is also strong interest from a Surinamese delegation from the Aptijt (pronounced Uptake) Band , which is one of the leading Bands in that country with a following of at least 500 persons.
Alluding to the benefits of these and other interests, Ali said, “We are already working to make this happen. In addition to this, there is also strong interest from Trinidad, where persons will also be celebrating Carnival close to Mashramani. We want to target that population and offer Guyana as the potential destination that they can visit. We are going to promote our eco lodges and resorts and river tours.”
The Tourism Minister said that a massive ‘Street Celebration’ is being conceptualised as part of the plan to attract more persons for the upcoming Mashramani celebrations and to magnify the significance of the occasion.
He said, “We are planning a street celebration on Brickdam on the eve of Mashramani so that the celebrations can lead all the way into the main celebration.”
Mashramani 2013 will be celebrated under the theme ‘Reflecting creativity, Embracing Diversity’ and as is customary, the occasion is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the world.
The word ‘Mashramani’ is derived also from the Amerindian language and in translation means “the celebration of a job well done”. It is sometimes referred to as “Mash”, and is observed on February 23- Guyana’s Republic Day – to commemorate the “Birth of the Republic”.
Chutney Monarch 2013
The Chutney Monarch has been crowned and he isn't even Indian :)~
Mashramani 2013 kicked off on Saturday evening last with its National Chutney Competition which was held at the National Culture Centre, and saw the first ever Afro-Guyanese winning the first prize and a chance to compete in the much anticipated International Chutney/ Soca Monarch Competition in Trinidad and Tobago for TT$1M.
Young Bill Rogers, the reigning Calypso Monarch copped the first place prize of $550,000, a trophy, and is guaranteed US $10,000 for representing Guyana in the Twin-Island Republic.
Roger’s performance was about a man coming from India to sing a chutney song for his “larki” (Hindi word for girl).
His song was titled “Chutney for my larki”.
He was the only African Guyanese who performed last Saturday and judging from the reaction of the audience it was soon clear that he was one of the favourites to cart off the crown.
However when his name was announced as the winner, it was greeted with some amount of displeasure by some who had their own choice.
After being named the winner a few minutes before midnight, Young Bill Rogers told the media that he is very much elated, especially since it was a different genre of music that he is accustomed to.
He explained that he has always been a fan of chutney music. While this is his first time competing in the Mashramani Chutney Competition, Rogers had participated in two other competitions before.
He has promised to up his game as he heads to Trinidad and Tobago for the International Chutney/ Soca Monarch Competition slated for January 26.
“I’ll have to up my game because the Trinidadians are very competitive…even in their own country. I’ll have to have extra armory to go over there and do my thing. But I am well prepared for it…I have many chutney tapes home and I have been looking at Chutney for a long time,” Roger’s said.
Read more:http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2013/01/07/reigning-calypso-monarch-wins-national-chutney-competition-2013/
See the performance here:
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Pamela Maynard has died :(
Guyanese singer Pamela Maynard loses battle to cancer
November 26, 2012 | By KNews | Filed Under News
Canada-based Guyanese singer, Pamela Maynard succumbed yesterday to a long battle with breast cancer. The former member of the Guyana Defence Force was one of Guyana’s singing icons who was versatile in Reggae, Gospel, Soul, R&B, Calypso, Jazz and Soca.
Born in Georgetown, she was the daughter of Guyanese singer/songwriter Mavis Maynard, who wrote Pamela’s debut hit Lost, Lonely and Helpless. She performed alongside Eddy Grant at a memorable show in their hometown. After leaving school in 1976, she joined the army where she sang for visiting dignitaries such as Fidel Castro. She also represented Guyana at song festivals from the age of 15.
She performed with artistes such as Ben E King, the Platters, the Drifters and Ray Charles; also top JA acts such as Jimmy Cliff, Hopeton Lewis, John Holt, Byron Lee and The Dragonaires and Boris Gardner as well as calypsonian giants Lord Kitchener, the Mighty Sparrow, Shadow and Baron.
After a year in Barbados between 1977-78, where she sang at most of the island’s top venues and hotel resorts, she then joined a well known Trinidadian group called the Troubadours, enjoying considerable acclaim in the process.
The following year she became lead singer in soca creator Lord Shorty’s band, with whom she toured Canada. It was to prove a memorable experience since the group split up just a year later, with the band members being left stranded far from home.
Undaunted by their predicament and confident in her ability to pull through, she began performing both solo and with bands (including Aubrey Mann’s on the Canadian club and talent show circuit). A real highlight of her Canadian stay was singing at the Guyanese Consulate in Toronto.
more on Ms. Maynard: http://gtlyrics.blogspot.com/search/label/pamela%20maynard
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Timeka Marshall is wukking hard
She has released a multitude of new songs for 2012.
My broken heart
See how mi hot
Under Cover Lady
Thursday, February 9, 2012
New Music: Kes and the Band and Timeka Marshall - Tagging along
How Tamika get on a track with the hottest soca artist and she still ain't break out schups...what they doing with this girl...
2012 Soca Monarch Competition: Semifinals
I have to say....Guyana sucks when it comes to news of the soca monarch competition.
The order of the winners would be Adrian, Jumo, Vanilla.
13 heading to Soca Finals
Written by Abigail Semple
Monday, 06 February 2012 20:01
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Thirteen contestants, including Adrian Dutchin, Jumo "Rubber Waist" Primo, Melissa "Vanilla" Roberts, Granny Ivelaw, and King Shepherd, will be competing for the coveted Soca Monarch crown, at the Finals slated for February 18 at the National Park.
The others are Beverly Little B Smith, George Abrams, Young Bill Rogers, Kendingo, King Shepherd, Wilburg B52 Levans , Roger Bowen and Jonathan “Lil Red.”
The ending of the semi finals, sponsored by Ansa Mc Al, held in the bauxite mining town of Linden Saturday night saw Michelle "Big Red" King's son Jonathan "Lil Red" making it into the finals by the hair of his skin; as a wild card.
The first contestants to hit the stage of the penultimate musical battle, which commenced at approximately 10:30pm, were the Mysterious and Tropical Guys. This duo entertained the large crowd, seated in the stands at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, with their song titled "Regardless". Though they did not manage to garner much crowd response, the two men succeeded, perhaps with their energy, to make it into the finals.
soca_vanilla
Melissa "Vanilla" Roberts
Next came first-timer Christine McKoy, who, equipped with her energetic backup dancers and colourful costumes, sang "Mashramani Time Again". She too did not appeal much to the crowd and as such was one of the five to be sent home.
Immediately following McKoy was three-time calypso monarch winner "Sweet Kendingo" Kennard, who entertained with "We going till morning". Unlike his first two rivals, Kendingo managed to capture a portion of the crowd's attention with his skillful foot movements. Though he managed to make it into the finals, his performance to the crowd was viewed as a bit lukewarm.
Next came "Attie" Attiola Peters, who came all the way from Berbice to perform his piece "Whole night ah searching". This contestant's song was catchy to say the least, and, responding to his lyrics of "Ah want you to wine and shake", a section of the audience yelled for him to follow his own instructions. He was given a good sendoff by the crowd, but unfortunately he was unable to win the judges' favor and was thus sent home.
After Peters' departure from the stage, Linden's own George Anthony Abrams, called "Chinee Bai" was a breath of fresh air and had the crowd in a cheerful uproar with his song "Thyme, Tomato, Celery, Seasoning Wine Up". With his high energy that was immediately transferred to the crowd, the first-timer, at the end of his song recalled one of his two exuberant dancers (whom he labelled "Celery"). She returned to the stage, ripped of the singer's T-shirt and showed him what she was made of. Abrams was a definite success in securing a place for the finals.
Wilburg B52 Levans, formerly known as the "Fireman", was next to come onstage with his "Highly Flammable" piece. Dressed in red and black and backed by his "Fire-starters" this contestant sent forth the message of burning "bad mind". He apparently succeeded as he was able to win the "good mind(s)" of the judges and copped a place among the thirteen finalists.
Vanilla's "Rage" was next in line and the renowned Soca queen entered the stage dressed in a skintight catsuit (literally)and proceeded to shake and tremble to the beat of the drums as she sang a song about her African roots.
Next came the long anticipated performance from Lil Red, who moved about the stage with a transferable energy singing "Hold me tight and don’t let go". He garnered a reasonable response from the crowd.
After that, the Mackenzie audience was thrilled at the appearance of the much loved Granny Ivelaw; a first-timer to the Soca stage. Doing it differently from his usual cross-dresser granny performance, Ivelaw sang "African Moods". In the lyrics of this catchy song, this contestant complained unendingly about the extent to which his "wife" was addicted to the popular moods. This song drew the crowd's attention and had them screaming in favor of both lyrics and performer.
Next came patriotic Adrian Dutchin with his song "Guyanese", and he sang of representing his country in all places at all times. He, at intervals, engaged the crowd
on who they are and if they are proud to be Guyanese and the audience sang along.
Young Bill Rogers followed with "Behind a band", and then stepping on stage was Roger Bowen, who sang "Fire truck/Water". The former appealed to the crowd somewhat, while the latter engaged crowd.
More energy was in the making and it soon had the crowd going as King Shepherd ran onstage with "Wuk up on it". The Berbician, who has been performing in other Caribbean islands, was, after his spectacular performance, lifted and carried offstage by his followers.
Bartician "Corn Daddy" was not a crowd favourite with his song titled "Soca Morning". The first-timer, whose costume entailed a sweat suit with Guyana flags and red, gold n green rags sewn on, did not win much support from the judges.
Abigail AJ James came on next with her "Breakfast" song, which dovetailed a double meaning. Though she won much crowd appeal and was vibrant in her performance, it was apparently not enough to earn her a place among the finalists.
Agricola "The Chemist" DaSilva largely failed in his bid to engage the audience with "Mash up the place".
The long awaited Rubber Waist Primo followed with his popular "One People One Nation". As he sang, Jumo had the crowd's undivided attention, especially when he paused to engage them and to showoff his ability to dance like all six of the Guyanese races.
"On d road again" followed Jumo's performance, in the likeness of Beverly Little B Smith, who had entered the competition before back in 2010. This last competitive performance appealed to both crowd and judges and thus earned the police woman a spot among the finalists.
As the judges tallied their scores and made their final decision, the ready-to-retire crowd was entertained by GT&T's Jingle competition winner Brandon Harding.
The performances were judged by Linden Unionist Charles Samson, writer/producer Michael James, Gadwick Edwards, Wanda Richmond, Vivian Boyd of "Throw it over yuh shoulder"fame, Robert Holden, radio announcer Malcolm Fereira, and Mash Coordinator and Chief Judge Lennox Canterbury.
Lyrics, Party appeal, stage performance, The requirements for winning the judges favor comprised body language and gestures to communicate the song, crowd response, use of the stage, among others.
Due to the very late start the final results were revealed after midnight, but it was worth the wait.
taken from:http://www.demerarawaves.com/index.php/201202073268/Latest/13-heading-to-soca-finals.html
The order of the winners would be Adrian, Jumo, Vanilla.
13 heading to Soca Finals
Written by Abigail Semple
Monday, 06 February 2012 20:01
AddThis Social Bookmark Button
Thirteen contestants, including Adrian Dutchin, Jumo "Rubber Waist" Primo, Melissa "Vanilla" Roberts, Granny Ivelaw, and King Shepherd, will be competing for the coveted Soca Monarch crown, at the Finals slated for February 18 at the National Park.
The others are Beverly Little B Smith, George Abrams, Young Bill Rogers, Kendingo, King Shepherd, Wilburg B52 Levans , Roger Bowen and Jonathan “Lil Red.”
The ending of the semi finals, sponsored by Ansa Mc Al, held in the bauxite mining town of Linden Saturday night saw Michelle "Big Red" King's son Jonathan "Lil Red" making it into the finals by the hair of his skin; as a wild card.
The first contestants to hit the stage of the penultimate musical battle, which commenced at approximately 10:30pm, were the Mysterious and Tropical Guys. This duo entertained the large crowd, seated in the stands at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, with their song titled "Regardless". Though they did not manage to garner much crowd response, the two men succeeded, perhaps with their energy, to make it into the finals.
soca_vanilla
Melissa "Vanilla" Roberts
Next came first-timer Christine McKoy, who, equipped with her energetic backup dancers and colourful costumes, sang "Mashramani Time Again". She too did not appeal much to the crowd and as such was one of the five to be sent home.
Immediately following McKoy was three-time calypso monarch winner "Sweet Kendingo" Kennard, who entertained with "We going till morning". Unlike his first two rivals, Kendingo managed to capture a portion of the crowd's attention with his skillful foot movements. Though he managed to make it into the finals, his performance to the crowd was viewed as a bit lukewarm.
Next came "Attie" Attiola Peters, who came all the way from Berbice to perform his piece "Whole night ah searching". This contestant's song was catchy to say the least, and, responding to his lyrics of "Ah want you to wine and shake", a section of the audience yelled for him to follow his own instructions. He was given a good sendoff by the crowd, but unfortunately he was unable to win the judges' favor and was thus sent home.
After Peters' departure from the stage, Linden's own George Anthony Abrams, called "Chinee Bai" was a breath of fresh air and had the crowd in a cheerful uproar with his song "Thyme, Tomato, Celery, Seasoning Wine Up". With his high energy that was immediately transferred to the crowd, the first-timer, at the end of his song recalled one of his two exuberant dancers (whom he labelled "Celery"). She returned to the stage, ripped of the singer's T-shirt and showed him what she was made of. Abrams was a definite success in securing a place for the finals.
Wilburg B52 Levans, formerly known as the "Fireman", was next to come onstage with his "Highly Flammable" piece. Dressed in red and black and backed by his "Fire-starters" this contestant sent forth the message of burning "bad mind". He apparently succeeded as he was able to win the "good mind(s)" of the judges and copped a place among the thirteen finalists.
Vanilla's "Rage" was next in line and the renowned Soca queen entered the stage dressed in a skintight catsuit (literally)and proceeded to shake and tremble to the beat of the drums as she sang a song about her African roots.
Next came the long anticipated performance from Lil Red, who moved about the stage with a transferable energy singing "Hold me tight and don’t let go". He garnered a reasonable response from the crowd.
After that, the Mackenzie audience was thrilled at the appearance of the much loved Granny Ivelaw; a first-timer to the Soca stage. Doing it differently from his usual cross-dresser granny performance, Ivelaw sang "African Moods". In the lyrics of this catchy song, this contestant complained unendingly about the extent to which his "wife" was addicted to the popular moods. This song drew the crowd's attention and had them screaming in favor of both lyrics and performer.
Next came patriotic Adrian Dutchin with his song "Guyanese", and he sang of representing his country in all places at all times. He, at intervals, engaged the crowd
on who they are and if they are proud to be Guyanese and the audience sang along.
Young Bill Rogers followed with "Behind a band", and then stepping on stage was Roger Bowen, who sang "Fire truck/Water". The former appealed to the crowd somewhat, while the latter engaged crowd.
More energy was in the making and it soon had the crowd going as King Shepherd ran onstage with "Wuk up on it". The Berbician, who has been performing in other Caribbean islands, was, after his spectacular performance, lifted and carried offstage by his followers.
Bartician "Corn Daddy" was not a crowd favourite with his song titled "Soca Morning". The first-timer, whose costume entailed a sweat suit with Guyana flags and red, gold n green rags sewn on, did not win much support from the judges.
Abigail AJ James came on next with her "Breakfast" song, which dovetailed a double meaning. Though she won much crowd appeal and was vibrant in her performance, it was apparently not enough to earn her a place among the finalists.
Agricola "The Chemist" DaSilva largely failed in his bid to engage the audience with "Mash up the place".
The long awaited Rubber Waist Primo followed with his popular "One People One Nation". As he sang, Jumo had the crowd's undivided attention, especially when he paused to engage them and to showoff his ability to dance like all six of the Guyanese races.
"On d road again" followed Jumo's performance, in the likeness of Beverly Little B Smith, who had entered the competition before back in 2010. This last competitive performance appealed to both crowd and judges and thus earned the police woman a spot among the finalists.
As the judges tallied their scores and made their final decision, the ready-to-retire crowd was entertained by GT&T's Jingle competition winner Brandon Harding.
The performances were judged by Linden Unionist Charles Samson, writer/producer Michael James, Gadwick Edwards, Wanda Richmond, Vivian Boyd of "Throw it over yuh shoulder"fame, Robert Holden, radio announcer Malcolm Fereira, and Mash Coordinator and Chief Judge Lennox Canterbury.
Lyrics, Party appeal, stage performance, The requirements for winning the judges favor comprised body language and gestures to communicate the song, crowd response, use of the stage, among others.
Due to the very late start the final results were revealed after midnight, but it was worth the wait.
taken from:http://www.demerarawaves.com/index.php/201202073268/Latest/13-heading-to-soca-finals.html
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Guyana Freestyle Cypher:
I'm surprised. Wish I could hear more rapping in the Guyanese accent. It would have added a unique flavor to it.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
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