Times Arts & Entertainment

GUYANA

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Issue No. 011

Friday, May 2, 2014

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n keeping with the Tourism Ministry’s mandate to bring optimum awareness of Guyana’s diverse cultural heritage and generally the nature of its tourism product, it will embark on a number of initiatives to advance Guyana’s visibility worldwide, thus the hosting of its inaugural, “Guyana Festival”.

This inaugural festival will be a three-day affair set for August 8-10 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence with the main objective of showcasing Guyana’s diverse cultural heritage, locally manufactured products and services and celebrating Guyanese celebrities.

The Ministry anticipates an overwhelming response from exhibitors and visitors locally, regionally and internationally.

The festival will be marketed in North America and the Caribbean with the aim of attracting a large overseas contingent to attend the event. Additionally, there will be numerous pre event activities and promotions to generate maximum awareness of the festival.

The event is expected to take the format of an exhibition during opening hours and concerts in the evening. The exhibition will showcase craft, art, culinary delights, children’s playground, celebrity tents, and demonstration tents, among other.

There will also be a day set aside for games and will see various communities coming out to compete in cricket, football and other sports with the aim of winning trophies and other fabulous prizes. The event will culminate with a culinary cookoff competition of traditional Guyanese cuisine, such as duck curry, pepper pot, cook-up, mettage and black cake, just to name a few.

On another note, entertainment will be at its best. On the first night, Friday, August 8, there will be the opening ceremony which will see a fusion of Guyanese culture.

This will comprise various dramatic performances highlighting the various drama groups and talents in the country.

Other art forms such as craft, poetry, dance and painting will also be highlighted.

On Saturday, August 9, there will be a night for Guyana’s legends. This event will be the “the VIP event of the season” set to raise the bar for local concerts with our very own celebrities which is geared at enhancing the appreciation for Guyanese talent and artistes.

The event will feature renowned celebrities such as Dave Martins, Sammy Baksh, Eddy Grant, Terry Gajraj and others.

On the last day of the festival, there will be a grand concert aimed at promoting the future faces of Guyana’s music industry and help to develop new/young talent. This performance line-up will include Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Adrian Dutchin, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts and others.

There will also be the minting of a “Festival Coin” to commemorate this inaugural festival. It is one that Guyanese would not want to miss. The event is set to be launched at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal this afternoon commencing at 17:00h.

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he stage is set for another mind-blowing performance by Bollywood Playback Singer Sonu Nigam at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday, May 4.

The concert is part of his 2014 world concert tour titled “Klose to My Soul” where all the proceeds will go to the Sabha’s Bal Nivas home for vulnerable children.

The concert will also feature upcoming Bollywood playback singer Jonita Gandhi and from the buzz around is that the show is expected to be epic.

The concert is also being held to commemorate the 176th anniversary of Indian arrival in Guyana and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s 40th anniversary. Sonu will be accompanied by a 25-member troupe from Mumbai, including a large selection of

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rityageet 35 which is slated for this weekend will feature a fusion of dances such as Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, folk and more popular chutney, soca and Guyanese root-based influences and promises a spectacular show that will definitely wow and educate the gathering.

Nrityageet 35 is being held on May 3 and 4 at the National Cultural Centre, commencing at 20:00h. A children’s matinee show is scheduled for May 2 at 13:00h. This year will also see new dancers who are learning and exploring the world of dance, learning from the best while adding their flare for the modern and different.

The young ladies are present-

Bollywood’s best musicians.

He is described as a musical giant and will perform in tribute of musical legends like Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Manna Dey, Lata Mangeshkar, RD Burman and Kishore Kumar, along with a healthy dose of his own chartbusters ranging from up-tempo dance numbers to his latest hit “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin”, a song which swept all of the Indian musical awards last year.

On the other hand, Jonita Gandhi became famous for her title track of “Chennai Express”, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, and has performed with Sonu worldwide.

She has done vocals for the upcoming film “Highway” starring Student of the Year Alia Bhatt, with musical director and Oscar-winner AR Rehman calling the shots.

Tickets cost $1500 (standing), $2500 (general seating), $6000 (VIP reserved seating) and $25,000 (all-inclusive VVIP). Stadium parking costs $1000.

Tickets are available at the Dharmic Kendra in Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgetown; Red Mango

ly being trained by Nadira Shah Berry, Suzanne Shah Nilsson, and Rewattie Datt DaCosta and will be ready to wow their fans come this weekend.

The event will also see the new dancers exploring futuristic dance theatre with ballet and modern dancers blending with influences of traditional styles with the best dancers in Guyana exploring new frontiers in the art form.

Thirty-five years ago, the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe first started celebrating the arrival of the first batch of East Indians to the then British Guiana, with Nrityageet.

Although with an Indian classical, semi-classical and folk dance base, Nrityageet dance

at Robb Street, Georgetown; Bhagwan’s in Water Street, Georgetown; Harinarain and Sons, Regent Street, Georgetown; E-Networks (all locations); M&M Snackette, East Bank Demerara; The Murti Shop, West Coast Demerara; and Spready’s Snackette, Berbice. For more information and ticket inquiries, please call 227-6181, 219-1900 or 641-4270.

As usual, there will be a strict no-alcohol policy.

theatre explores modern ballet, Caribbean and fusion pieces with spectacular costuming, sets and multimedia settings that set the standards for dance and indeed theatre arts presentations in Guyana.

As the month of May approaches, many cultural organisations are in the throes of preparing for marking the month that carries that special day that is significant for remembering our ancestral heritage – Arrival Day, observed on May 5 every year.

Nrityageet presentations have been recognised internationally for its high standards in dance theatre in Europe and the United States, with the prestigious Madame Iffel Award of Barbados

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Nicketa Campbell

icketa Campbell is of the belief that beauty is internal but can be enhanced with the right application of makeup and this New York-based makeup artist with experience spanning over a period of 12 years is headed Guyana’s way.

Born in Guyana, Nicketa gained her first professional experience working for the 2003 Miss Guyana Talented Teen Pageant under the guidance of veteran makeup artist, Paulla DeSouza.

Now, fully established in New York, Campbell is sought after by some of the city’s finest photographers, show producers and even magazine editors for her intrinsic make-up capabilities.

In the past, she has worked for both Plitzs New York City Fashion Week and Couture Fashion Week.

In addition, Nicketa has also worked with Hype Hair Magazine – the number one

for the “Best Traditional Dance”.

The troupe has performed for national and international programmes such as the

hair and beauty source for women of colour. Other notable clients include former Miss Guyana Universe 2012 and Reigning Miss World Guyana 2013 Ruqayyah Boyer, among many others.

As both an experienced make-up artist and print model, Campbell stresses the importance of a good skin-care regimen and also shares the belief that “make-up is just an extension of your natural beauty; it plays up the beauty that you already have.”

It is for this reason that Nicketa is anxious to work her magic on this year’s Miss World Guyana delegates and wishes to thank the Miss World Guyana Organisation for the opportunity. The pageant will see eight beauties vying for the title of Miss Guyana World slated for May 26.

The delegates are already in training and are eagerly waiting pageant night.

Inter-Guiana Cultural Festival, CARIFESTA, World Expo and many other programmes around the world.

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eigning Miss Guyana Jamzone and first runner-up in the Miss Guyana Universe Pageant 2013, Alicia Bess copped the coveted crown of Miss PJD2 Caribbean Queen on Monday last in St Maarten.

Bess, a physically fit young woman with a vibrant personality, outclassed her 16 competitors in stature at the beginning of the contest and then won the hearts of the audience and judges with a comedic monologue for talent, a one of a kind swimsuit made of Guyanese coin currency and an outstanding bejewelled evening gown.

Apart from the crown, Bess also secured the Best Talent award and Best Evening Gown award.

Coming in at first runner-up was St Maarten 2013 Senior Carnival Queen Davinia Brooks who also copped the Best Native Cultural Wear while Raynell Caroll of Antigua and Barbuda was awarded the second runner-up position, Most Photogenic and Best Swimwear prizes.

Miss Aruba, Samantha Robert was selected as Miss

Congeniality by her peers and Miss Dominica Francine Baron won Miss Popularity.

The contestants all competed under the theme: “Confidence, beauty and respect”.

T h e prestigious event had been dormant for the past three years before reappearing on the roster for the 45th annual St Maarten Carnival celebrations.

The five-judge panel comprised Anna Richardson, Deon Gumbs, Minerva Dormoy, Alex Pierre and Iffy Badego. Broadcasters Cedric Peterson and Lady Grace performed the roles of MCs for the night.

In the native cultural wear segment, the judges looked for clarity, diction, content, delivery, originality and creativity. In this segment, Miss Guyana emerged as the queen of the Amazon in tribute to her country’s focus on sustainable development.

In an exciting swimwear

segment, the judges looked for fitness and tone, deportment and modelling skills while in the talent category, contestants were expected to display creativity, natural talent, originality, skill and execution.

Bess performed a comedic performance of “Tantie goes to St Maarten,” highlighting why there is no place like the Caribbean.

In the evening gown segment, focus was placed on poise, posture, carriage of the gown, deportment, fit and suitability. In this segment, Bess appeared in a

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Randy Madray gown titled “Guyana’s emerald”, representing the Amazonian rainforest, which is a wonder to behold and evoked mass applause from a crowded Festival Village.

She was asked ‘If education is the key to the future, what door does it open’ as the final question. She indicated that education opens the door to better paying jobs, positive influences, social elevation and individual success. While not the most articulate of contestants, Guyana forcefully defended her position.

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s a favourite to win, Guyanese Domini Alleyne made light work of a line-up of six Barbadian women and copped the Miss Bridgetown, Barbados fitness championship title on Sunday evening.

The Mister and Miss Bridgetown Bodybuilding Competition was held before a large audience in the Major Noott Hall at Combermere School.

Domini Alleyne won the Miss Senior Fitness Competition. The well shaped red-head was the runaway winner ahead of Kara-Lynn Belle who came second and the curvy Melina LeBlanc placing third.

“I was just focused on hitting all my poses correctly and it worked out well,” she said. Wasting no time she’s already back on her diet from Monday and is already back in the gym since Wednesday. Her prizes include vitamins, protein powders and a trophy.

Imperfect thoughts, she says, are the cause of all of humanity’s ills, including disease, poverty and unhappiness.

“Special thanks to my coach and mentor Ramona Morgan. With her guidance I was able to change my body into something that I couldn’t do on my own”, she said.

She also thanked the International Federation of Body Building Professional Borman Lindo Simon, David Alleyne at Strike Force Gym, Mondale Smith, all her supporters in Guyana and her two supportive brothers; Christopher Mapp and Barry Griffith.

“Ramon Broomes, thanks for the constant check-ins and all of you here,” a gracious Alleyne stated. She also said that all the competitors were amazing at the event and more so, everyone worked very hard so they are all winners.

Meanwhile, Guyanese Glenn Collymore placed first in the Mister Bridgetown Novices competition and third in the overall competition.

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Domini Alleyne

he Linden Town Week will culminate with the reintroduction of the Linden Town Week regatta and boat show set for Sunday, May 4 at River Front, The event is set for the old Aluminium Plant Demerara River.

Patrons will be treated to the power boat and jet ski races with competitors drawn from Bartica, Suriname and Skeldon. They are all excited to be a part of the regatta.

The regatta will feature three open races; three 75hp–90hp races; three 40hp races; three Jet ski races; one swimming race and one paddle boat race. There will be strict supervision

by MARAD, the Power Boat Racing Association and Police. A good day of racing awaits spectators. Admission to the event is absolutely free.

The Linden Town Week of activities commenced with an opening ceremony on April 27 and will culminate on May 4.

The Wismar Creole night will be

held along Burnham Drive and Poker Street, on Friday, May 2 while on May 3, an art exhibition is to be held at the Egbert Benjamin Hall and Conference Centre and this would be followed by the farmers’ exhibition and job fair.

The All Black Party is set Saturday evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club, Basketball Hard Court featuring “Banky Hype” out of Jamaica. On Saturday also, Bank DIH will hosts its “Guinness Greatness in the Streets” slated for Amelia’s Ward -Wisroc bus park. This will be followed by an after party with entertainment provided by Mingles Sound Machine.

On Monday evening, there will be the final event sponsored by ANSA McAL and will feature live performances by the Heatwave Band, but the excitement lies with the wet T-shirt competition, the hot sauce eating competition, the ‘bruk it down’ competition and the after party, which is expected to be filled with energy.

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he “Supa Stylistics” Promotion Group will be hosting the 23rd annual Mother and Daughter Pageant on Saturday, May 10, at the National Cultural Centre.

The Mother and Daughter Pageant is one of Guyana’s oldest and most prestigious beauty and talent events and brings together mothers and their daughters on one stage to showcase their sense of style and the special bond they share with each other.

It is being held under the theme “Love that glitters is gold”. Training has already started with the mothers and their daughters who have entered this year’s event. The show will feature a number of local artistes and entertainers, as well as the creative work and designs by local designers.

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The competition will be divided into three categories: junior, which caters for daughters four to eight years old with their mothers, the middle category caters for daughters nine to 14 with their mothers and the senior category will cater for daughters 15 years and older and their mothers.

Tickets for the event cost $2500, $2000 and $1500 and are available at the National Cultural Centre, Courts, Igloo outlets and the franchise holder, Ingrid Fung. For more information, Contact Ingrid Fung or Sulan Fung on telephone numbers 226-2825.

This week, Guyana Times Entertainment will be featuring the eight mother and daughter teams competing in the junior category of the Mother and Daughter Pageant. They will be attired in party wear under the theme “Princess Party”.

Meet the delegates

Charisma Mearns and Natifah

Renatha Exeter and Azalyah

Tessa Pratt and Ariana

Mia Ritchie and Breann

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Jackie

s part of Linden Town Week celebrations, Devine Entertainment will be hosting its third annual Mega School Concert billed for today at the Linden-Georgetown Bus Park, Republic Avenue, Linden.

The event is used as an opportunity to showcase local talents in the mining community, but this year around, there will be some saucy performances by internationally recognised artistes.

Slated to perform are two-time Carib Soca Monarch and X2 member, Jumo Primo; upcoming duo, Keep Your Day Job (KYDJ); Best Newcomer, Carib Soca Monarch 2013, Kemmy; George Abrams and Jackie Hanover, among others.

There will also be special performances by the Redeemer Gospel Band, SWAG Energy Band and Linden’s own Diana Chapman. There will also be spe-

Ianna Byron and Iriana

Tresha Renee and Talitha

Jennel Lynch Davis and Sade

cial appearance by the newly crowned Miss Fantastic 2013, Josephine Mitchell and Miss Linden Town Week, Luela Figueiria.

This year’s inspiration speech will be given by Miss Guyana World Ruqayyah Boyer. Apart from all the performances, there will be other activities to fully engage students who will participate in the concert. Students will also have the opportunity to have the autograph of their favourite artistes before and after their performances.

The concert is slated to commence at 12:00h and will conclude at 18:00h. The concert is being held under the theme “This is real; this is me”.

Music will be provided by Supreme Sound System and the event is sponsored by Banks DIH soft drink brand Icee. Admission is free and a strict no alcohol policy will be adhered to.

Anora Brown and Shaquanna

Keep Your Day Job

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umar Latchman is the brother of the stunning and talented Shivanie Latchman, Director of the Ishara Dancer Group. It is said when two forces join together an explosion of good vibes and creative pieces will be seen; thus the emergence of one of the most recognised dance troupes in the land.

Kumar, whose passion for the performing arts has been witnessed by thousands in the past 12 years; seven of which he performed in the Sitare Dance Troupe, which was lead by Dimple Mendonca and the remaining as the lead male dancer of the Ishara Dance Troupe.

When asked about the best way to ease his mind after a long day of research as a chemist, he simply said, “If you love dancing as much as I do, even at the end of a hard day’s work, you’ll still find the enthusiasm to indulge in some nice music and dance”.

He started to dance because, he views dancing as not only an expression of human emotion and feeling but as an expression of the macroscopic and microscopic phenomena of the universe. From a tender age, he viewed dancing beyond the borders of a mere hobby.

There was an innate understanding that the art of dancing supersedes the limitation on the physical world and incorporates various elements of spirituality.

“Just like the oral traditions of other belief systems, dancing was a Vedic means of entrusting successive generations with the ancient stories of the creation of the universe, preservation and dissolution through the Tandava of Shiva”, he added.

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His experience as a performer has been wonderful, serving humanity through the Nirvana Society (charitable organisation). “Using art and drama has made dancing an integral part of me; a passion... inseparable from me,” the young man said.

The talented dancer secured a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Guyana and one day hopes to become an expert in renewable energy and harness available sources to propel Guyana towards a more sustainable energy management.

This 25-year-old bachelor likes to study the concepts of cosmology, quantum chemistry and religion through various books and articles. He also enjoys playing table tennis and spending time with his loved ones as well as indulging in movie nights.

His favourite television show is Smallville.

A quote that takes him through life is “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand”.

Guyana Times Entertainment

Top

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appy” has taken over the globe and Guyana Times Entertainment Top 10 is no exclusion, for the second consecutive week, Pharell’s lead single from his latest studio album leads our top 10.

Coming closely behind “Happy” is another track that is quite popular on the radio, “Loyal” from Chris Brown featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga.

Remember, persons can vote up to 10 times per track and can text the name of their favourite track to 592-654-7804 or 592-687-8893 to vote.

As of this week, the voting process will conclude each Wednesday at 15:00h so make sure you get your votes in before that time.

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Pharrell Williams – “Happy” Chris Brown featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga – Loyal (remix)

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John Legend – All of me 4

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Eminem featuring Rihanna – Monster 6

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Jason Derulo – Talk dirty

Kranium – Nobody haffi know 8

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Katy Perry featuring Juicy J – Dark horse

Sam Smith – Stay with me

Big Sean featuring Miguel – Ashley 10

Sam Smith – Money on my mind Keep voting.

Vote: 654- 7804 or 687-8893

Kumar Latchman

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he Indian Monument Garden will come alive on Monday as the Indian Commemoration Trust hosts Pushpanjali 14 in honour of the 175th Anniversary of Indian Arrival to Guyana.

The event commences at 17:00h and will not only see a packed cultural programme but will also be used to honour several persons for their contributions to the Guyanese populace. One such person is the late Jung Bahadur Singh.

With respect to the cultural side of the event, there will be several interesting dance pieces by the Nadira/ Indranie Shaw Dance Troupe; the Ishara Dance Group l e d

by Shivanie Latchman and the skilful and talented dancers of the Indian Cultural Centre Dance Group.

T h e r e will also be a fusion of Indian music performed by some of the best local singers including Ramkissoon Singh, Shiva Nayan, Sookrane Boodhoo, Joan Rankin and many others.

There will also be lots of Indian delicacies on sale.

The public is encouraged to come out on celebrate Indian Arrival Day at the Indian Monument Gardens, Church and Camp Streets, Georgetown.

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ew Yorkers can definitely look forward to welcoming Jamzone Summer Break this year as plans have been confirmed for hosting this event at The Village, Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn, New York City (NYC) on August 9.

The United States is home to the largest number of Guyanese outside of Guyana with a high percentage of the Guyanese-American community living in New York. With this in mind, it is only fitting that we take this home-grown occasion to this area.

Guyanese overseas and foreigners who have never gotten the opportunity to experience Jamzone will finally be able to do so as organisers are in the process of making arrangements for Jamzone on an international stage.

Local entertainment giant Hits and Jams Entertainment’s Chief Executive Officer Rawle Ferguson and Director Kerwin Bollers, along with US based promoters, are yet to release the acts set to perform when Guyana’s biggest event is taken to NYC. By taking the product outside the local market, Hits and Jams Entertainment believes that our country will be promoted on a higher level and the goal of broadening the tourism arena will eventually be reached.

In the start-up period of the business, the small team aimed to create a beach atmosphere and focused their energies on doing just that for the first attempt at Jamzone Summer Break in 2000.

Now, more than a decade later, Jamzone has moved from a simple one-day beach affair to a 10-day long (and soon to be two-week long) string of events, ranging from international pageants to jazz festivals.

International artistes such as John Legend, R Kelly, Trey Songz, Rick Ross, Eve, and Sean Paul have touched these shores to perform at concerts organised by this organisation and today, Hits and Jams Entertainment is highly recognised for the achievement of Jamzone.

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– A force to be reckoned with…

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orn in Salvador, Bahia in 1987, Dorian Obermuller moved with his family to a coastal village in Demerara, Guyana when he was six years old.

At an early age, he began to show interest in the visual arts of drawing and painting and as the years progressed, the skill of his art did as well.

He remembers sitting in class during break and lunch time drawing somewhat of a female figure and shading those drawings as if he was actually clothing them with crayons or wooden coloured pencils, while the other pupils went out to play.

He took a more in-depth approach to art while attending high school as he was then more exposed to it as a subject.

He was also introduced to a new subject area, “clothing and textiles”.

Obermuller was always an all round artist/lover of the arts, whether it was visual, literature or music, but visual arts and fashion were and always will be his passion.

After completing high school in 2004, he was exposed to the tertiary aspect of art education, more so fashion, thus he started attending every workshop he possibly could with the aim of gaining experience.

He started summer courses at Burrowes School of Art until he was able to do parttime studies. The knowledge gained was then applied to his first major gig, after he was hired by the proprietor for the then Simply Royal House of Eloquence, Pamela Dillon, to design and create the costume for the local delegate that was representing Guyana at the Miss Mashramani International Pageant in 2005.

The delegate ended up winning the crown.

After gaining the public’s eye for a job well done, numerous small scale designing jobs were

offered to him.

He went back to the place where the drive for designing was fuelled... “school”, there he became actively involved in the children’s Mashramani competition.

His focus on designing wearable clothing came into play in 2007 when he designed the winning gown and costume for his sister who competed in the Miss Talented Teen Pageant.

In 2009, he auditioned as a designer for a place in a competition that was spearheaded by Guyanese Fashion Icon, Sonia Noel, and produced four winners – the top designer, top stylist and top models (male and female) but to his dismay, he was advised to enter the competition as a stylist instead.

He was furiously upset about that but decided to compete anyway. He went on to win that competition as the top stylist of the nation and was rewarded with styling gigs, trips etc.

This was where he gained most of his knowledge about textiles, tailoring, styling, colour, the do’s and don’ts of fashion and he rubbed shoulders with some of the most influential people.

Later in 2009, he showcased his work as a designer for the first time when he presented both wearable and couture pieces, which were well received by the attendants of that show.

In 2010, the talented designer was invited to contribute his skills to the Rosalind Gabriel children’s carnival band in Trinidad and Tobago where he gave his input as a junior designer. It was there, he learnt the true art of wire bending.

In 2011, he successfully created “Dust”; a section within a 12 section band that participated in the adult carnival parade in Trinidad.

In 2012, he returned to his roots, where he designed the winning costumes for the Diamond Secondary School dubbed “The Golden queen of El Dorado” which again won in 2013 under a new theme “Jahaji bai and the spirit river”.

It was during the course of this year that he also designed for the Education Ministry. This dealt specifically with the enforcement of the fundamental rights of children to be educated. With much success, they placed third with a portrayal of “macunaima the great”.

In 2014, the US band, Honest Illusion hired him as their designer in which he produced a four section band called “Elysium – the garden of fantasy”. Unfortunately due to exploitation, he withdrew from the team as he saw it necessary.

He considers himself to be a well rounded artist, with costume design being his main area of expertise.

Because of his cultural heritage, he finds expression to be easy. “I am influenced everyday by the simple and most conflicting aspects in life... past turmoil, present sadness, happiness, the earth, the sea, the simple grass beneath our feet”.

He will be showcasing yet again his creativity at the Trinidad Carnival in 2015 and awaits the theme of the band that he has been asked to work with.

For the first time, he will be showcasing work in a carnival band in Dominica in 2015. In 2016, his work is also slated to be on display at the Rio Olympics as he assumes his place under a panel of designers chosen to spearhead the production of costumes, but his heart is set on his upcoming fashion show slated for September of this year. This event will be his most satisfactory accomplishment at age the of 27.

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Sneak

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n December 14, 2013, Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan announced the end of their 13-year marriage.

The couple arrived at the Bombay Family Court in Bandra in separate cars, accompanied by their respective advocates, Dipesh Mehta and Mrunalini Deshmukh, and filed for divorce by mutual consent.

A senior official at the court (name withheld on request) told Mirror, “The paperwork was done before the general public started trickling in. The divorce should come through in six months.

Since it is by mutual consent, no hiccups are expected.” While Deshmukh remained unavailable for comment, Mehta revealed that the next hearing will be on October 31, when the couple will be asked to confirm their decision. “If they don’t change their minds by then, the divorce will be granted on the same day,” she said.

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fter making a no show at IIFA Awards 2014 held in the US, Vidya Balan is to skip the Indian film festival of Melbourne of which she is ambassador.

Vidya Balan’s last-minute no-show at IIFA Awards 2014 in the US – apparently due to her ill-health – has now put a question mark on her presence in Australia for a film festival.

The actress has been the ambassador of the annual Indian Film Festival of

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Hrithik and Sussanne had been together for 17 years and have two sons, Hridhaan and Hrehaan. Since the separation, the children have been living with their mother at her flat in Versova.

According to Mehta, Sussanne will have custody of the children.

The buzz is that Hrithik tried his best to reconcile but Sussanne was adamant that they go their separate ways. If she’d had her way, she would have filed for divorce three months ago, when she had told Hrithik they should be “just cordial” with each other. Hrithik made one last-ditch attempt when he turned up for Hrehaan’s birthday at her Versova home earlier this month, but she showed little interest in reconciliation.

Hrithik, however, refused to give in, and his car was often seen parked outside Sussanne’s father Sanjay Khan’s home, where he met her sisters Farah Khan Ali and Simone Arora and discussed the possibility of a

patch-up. The decision to file for divorce was taken just a few days before the actor left for Florida to attend an award function last week.

Hrithik and Sussanne were once Bollywood’s pictureperfect couple. In 2011, when newspapers were abuzz about Hrithik’s alleged closeness with his Kites costar Barbara Mori, his wife, in an exclusive interview to this newspaper, said, “there is nothing wrong in our marriage”.

But according to sources close to the couple, that was the beginning of the end. The final nail was Sussanne’s alleged friendship with a model turned actor. Insiders privy to details of the marriage say that Sussanne’s relationship with Hrithik’s parents, Rakesh and Pinky Roshan, had also been troubled for a long time, and she had long wanted to move out of the family home – Palazzio at Juhu Scheme.

However, Hrithik was not keen to leave his parents and sister

Sunaina.

When he eventually zeroed in on a flat, on the same property as Akshay Kumar, it was too late.

Sussanne had walked out not only from Palazzio but also his life, four months before Krrish 3 hit theatres. Rakesh Roshan has been telling acquaintances that he was shocked when his daughter-inlaw knocked on his door and announced that she was leaving.

He has also been saying that Hrithik pays the rent for Sussanne’s Versova apartment, claiming that a certain common friend caused fissure in the marriage.

Sussanne’s father Sanjay Khan, when contacted, said, “I am sorry.

I cannot comment on this matter.”

However, Chunky Pandey, a friend of the couple, said, “I am shocked beyond words. They looked so cute together. I expected them to reconcile. In fact, I still do.”

Hrithik and Sussanne remained unavailable for comment. (Times of India)

alal comes in court to tell his decision about Maham, he sits proud like a Shehenshah, he ask to bring Maham, he says, “people say that while doing justice emperor should not bring in his emotion, today I will try to control my emotion.” he asks to start the case hearing. (Desi-tashan.com)

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ari brings Shekhar to meet Sulochana and informs her that she is ready to marry Shekhar. (Desi-tashan.com)

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vni and Samarth were sitting together. Raj shouts, he had gotten shock. Avni runs and shouts at him to take care of himself. She makes him drink juice from her hand. Samarth and Bhawna notices this. (Tellyupdates.com)

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unjan comes to Pihu’s room and sees a letter saying she is going with Vicky, as it is important for their family. (Desi-tashan. com)

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Melbourne since its inception in 2012. The festival will be held from May 1-11.

A source says, “There were pregnancy rumours recently after she turned down Sujoy Ghosh’s film, but Vidya quelled these rumours by denying that she was pregnant.

In March this year, she even travelled to the US for inter-city promotions of the event. Strangely though, just days before the ceremony in Florida, she pulled out, citing health reasons.”

alman Khan, who was in Poland filming for Sajid Nadiadwala’s directorial debut “Kick”, is back in town. And Mirror has learnt that the superstar is planning to head straight to his Panvel farmhouse to unwind over the weekend. What is interesting is that Sangeeta Bijlani will be accompanying him.

A source close to the actor revealed: “Sallu spends a lot of time with Sangeeta. She has been a regular at his Bandra residence even after they split but her visits have become in-

Adds the source, “It appears that Vidya is skipping Melbourne for the festival as well due to health reasons.”

B-Town folk expected to attend the festival in Melbourne include Amitabh Bachchan, Konkana Sen Sharma, Malaika Arora Khan and filmmakers Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Vijaykrishna Acharya.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is a Victorian Government initiative to strengthen ties between the

Indian film industry and Victoria.

A spokesperson of the Mumbai representative of the festival says, “Vidya is already back from the festival.

She had gone to Melbourne for the launch of it in March.

The festival will be opened by Amitabh Bachchan.”

Interestingly, Vidya Balan had attended the festival in 2012 and 2013 which also had several Bollywood folks in attendance. Vidya remained unavailable for comment.

(Santabanta.com)

creasingly frequent in the last few months. Salman is still very fond of Sangeeta.” Sangeeta and Salman were a couple for several years till she married cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin. In July 2010, she walked out from Azhar’s life after his alleged involvement with badminton champ Jwala Gutta. After a few months as a recluse, she not only reconnected with her former boyfriend Salman Khan and his family but also moved into a new apartment in Bandra. (Times of India)

ackie Shroff’s journey from Jaikishan Kakubhai Shroff to Jaggu dada and then to Jackie Shroff is nothing less than the script of a typical Bollywood masala film.

Jackie Shroff’s father was a well known astrologer and while Jackie was still a little boy, his father had predicted huge stardom for his son.

On a chat show with Simi Garewal, Jackie spoke about the lesser known facts of his life one of them being how he turned from Jaikishan Kakubhai to Jaggu Dada.

He said, “My brother was the real Jaggu Dada of our chawl. He used to take care of our slum people, look after them when in need. But at a very young age, unfortunately my brother jumped into the sea to save someone. And my brother did not know [how to] swimming so he also started drowning.

I threw a cable line at him, he held onto it, was floating for few seconds but the cable slipped out of his hands.

I was young and scared and I stood there watching him drown. After him, I decided I had to look after my slum people just like he did and then I turned into Jaggu dada.”

Jackie Shroff, who always had an inclination for

style and cooking, tried his luck at Taj as a chef apprentice. Jackie Shroff is a good cook and his ‘baigan ka bhartha’ is famous among Bollywood stars. But Taj rejected him as he fell short of the degrees they wanted.

After this, Jackie tried his luck at Air India for the post of Flight Stuart, but there again he was rejected for falling short of the minimum qualifications. Then one fine day while he was waiting for his bus at a bus stop, a man walked up to him and asked “modelling karega?”. Jackie, who was not earning at that time, quickly asked, “paisa dega kya” and from this moment his journey towards stardom began. (Santabanta.com)

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, may 2, 2014

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op Brandz Distributors and Sean Major Entertainment have joined forces to bring to Guyana “Corona Fest 2014” slated for May 3 and 4. Three days of festivities will happen this weekend at Georgetown’s favourite spot, Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown.

The action kicks off on Saturday with an evening concert featuring Trinidadian soca sensations 5Star Akil and Olatunji.

This will be followed by a pool party and barbecue (BBQ) on Sunday featuring a live performance by soca star Olatunji from Trinidad;

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guest chef from Mexico, Mauro Mendez, who will prepare authentic Mexican dishes on site, and superstar guest deejay Marcus Williams from Trinidad, will definitely spice things up.

Come enjoy the pool/ beach atmosphere at Palm Court with lots of fun which will feature Mexican food, games and fabulous prizes to be won. Make sure to wear your beach attire for this one. Entry is free once you have a wrist band from the first day and arrive before 14:00h.

If you don’t have a wrist band from the night before, you will be required

he Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) will be holding two grand International Melas to commemorate the 176th anniversary of Indian arrival in Guyana, which will be observed on Monday, May 5.

The first will be on Saturday, May 3, at the University of Guyana, Tain Campus, Berbice, commencing at 15:00h. Among the main features will be mesmerising performances by the popular Khalnayak Dance Academy of Trinidad and Tobago. They will be complemented by the talented local Naachgana and Shelita Dance troupes and others from Berbice. In addition, well-known singers from the twin-island republic, Adesh Samaroo and Rasika Dindyal, both with songs leading the regional charts, will join the locals from the Shakti Strings Orchestra for what promises to be an extremely culturally entertaining evening.

The second grand Mela will be on Arrival Day, May 5, at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground and starts at 15:00h. The Ravi B Band from

to pay an admission fee which includes food and entertainment.

Wrapping up the twoday affair will be a ‘Cinco de Mayo’ party featuring DJ Marcus Williams and videographer “Lord Edit” from Trinidad. On this day, the team will be shooting a new commercial for Corona beer starring the patrons at the party. Entry is free for everyone before 22:00h.

So the place to be this weekend is Palm Court for Corona Fest 2014 which promises to be steaming hot. Remember if you who are drinking, “Drink Responsibly”.

Essequibo will accompany the Trinidadian and local singers while in addition to the international and local dance troupes mentioned, a number of performers including dancers from Guyana’s largest county, will be part of the rich cultural programme.

A wide variety of Indian and local cuisine and drinks will be available along with craft and game booths for all age groups. Children will enter free for both events but adults will be asked to contribute a minimal of $200 on entering. As customary with all IAC events which are family oriented, no alcohol would be on sale or allowed.

The IAC would like to take this opportunity to thank GT&T, Banks DIH, DDL and all other organisations that supported these Melas in an effort to ensure that rich cultural traditions brought to these shores

by Indian ancestors are sustained. Also, the IAC would like to extend to all Guyanese best wishes for Arrival Day 2014.

esus is the Answer Ministries presents “Raising the Standards” concert on May 3 at its place of Worship, Lot 27 Second Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, between Cummings and Light Streets.

The concert is held in aid of raising funds to complete the church. The concert will feature renown Guyanese gospel singer Miriam Williams, Renea Winter

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his Saturday, Floyd Mayweather Jr, with his 45-0 career record, will step into the ring as a professional boxer against Argentina’s Marcos Maidana.

After all, Mayweather’s tactical and defensive brilliance are without compare since he created a persona and developed a swagger that has succeeded in making an otherwise cautious counterpuncher the highest-

Rigby, The All Female Gospel Band and singers from Jesus is the Answer Ministries.

There will also be some exciting dance performances by the Dominion Dancers and a special performance by soca/calypso gospel singer, Evris Baptiste.

Patrons will also be treated to dramatic skills, dramatic poetry and other entertaining acts that will leave them spellbound.

paid athlete in all of sport.

Across the ring, doing his best to look menacing yet relaxed, will be Maidana, an Argentine journeyman politely referred to as a “slugger.” However, this fight is a must-see on television.

But if you are looking for suspense, be sure to catch the fight as the bell rings for the first round. Mayweather is listed as an 11-1 favourite.

Boxing fans here in Guyana can watch the bat-

Miriam

Admission to the concert costs $300 in advance and same at the door.

Advance tickets can be purchased from any church member. Come and support a worthy cause and more so, come out and be sanctified.

tle for supremacy live at the Tower poolside in grand style. Watch the match on big screens while you enjoy beer, finger foods and an excellent selection of music by Boom FM deejays.

Remember, it is this Saturday, May 3, at the Tower poolside where GT Beer will be in abundance with four for $1000.

Admission to the venue to be part of history is absolutely free.