Guyana Times reporter, artistes recognised at WIMA

Guyana Times entertainment reporter Bhisham Mohamed was among several persons, mostly local music artistes, who received awards at the sixth annual West Indian Music Awards at the Pegasus Poolside, Kingston, Georgetown, last Saturday night.

The spotlight of the evening belonged to three-time road March King Mahendra Ramkellawan who walked away with four awards: best song of the year with “Dem Ah Watch Meh”; best promoter; best chutney/ soca artiste, and best music video.
While he would have copped the awards, his rivals in the respective categories were not revealed to the audience, leaving them with questions.
The “Dem Ah Watch Meh” singer, upon winning the awards, expressed gratitude to his fans and supporters who have been with him in both the good and bad times. He also lauded the organising committee of WIMA for recognising that Guyana has talent, saying the awards will give artistes the impetus to perform at their best.
Mohamed was awarded Best Entertainment Reporter for 2012, outshining three of his other colleagues. He was nominated for the award, along with Alex Wayne of the Guyana Chronicle, Rabindranath Rooplall of Kaieteur News, and Jairo Rodrigues of Stabroek News. Mohamed, in his acceptance speech, thanked his editor, Nigel Williams, for his support; the entire publication team, including the managers; and more importantly, his relatives.
Lindener George Anthony Abrams copped the Best Newcomer prize, beating out his competition Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s jingle and song contest winner Brandon Harding.
The award for Best Television Personality was conferred on Mondale Smith from BTV Channel 2. He was nominated for the award, along with Rawle Ferguson from Hits and Jams Television (HJ) and WR Reaz from National Television Network (NTN).
The Best Band award was given to the Shakti Stings Orchestra, while its founder and leader, Cecelia Samaroo received the Life Achievement Award for her sterling contributions.
Curtis Armstrong (DJ Casual) received the award for Best Radio Deejay, while DJ Stress won the Best Music Deejay award.
While DJ Casual’s triumph was well received, many questioned DJ Stress’s award, saying he is more a promoter than a music DJ. Nevertheless, the award ceremony continued in good spirits, with Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo being adjudged the Best Soca singer; Mystic copped the Best Reggae Singer award, and Adrian Dutchin was given the award for Best Stage Performance.
WR Reaz was recognised as the Best TV Host, while the Classique Dance Company was declared the Best Dance Group, defeating Apsara.
Two other life achievement awards were given for humanitarian services to Pandit Sugrim and Margret Lawrence. In the world of beauty, Miss United Nations Soyini Fraser and Miss Indian Worldwide 2012, Alana Seebarran were recognised as beauty ambassadors.
Meanwhile, before the award ceremony commenced, artistes and dignitaries were given a red carpet welcome and interviewed by various personalities before they were ushered to their seats by models who sported Guyanese fashion icon Sonia Noel’s designs. The venue was beautifully decorated and set up.
Apart from the award ceremony, there were rich cultural presentations. The eventual winner of the Best Newcomer prize, George Anthony Abrams performed his song “Wine Attack”.
There were some spectacular dances by the New York-based Gunguru Dancers, including its founder, Deeraj Diaram; the Classique Dance Company performed an excellent African inspired piece; and the Apsara dancers shone in an invigorating routine. Others enlivening the evening were: two young recording artistes and Mahendra Ramkellawan, who performed a few of his hits, including, “Deh Ah Watch Meh”, “Buss a Tune”, and “One More for the Road”.
However, the night could not have been possible without the kind sponsorship of EZjet, which has been the sole patron of the awards. Chief Executive Officer Sunny Ramdeo was praised for his tremendous contributions towards the initiative.