The name Ivelaw Campbell may be popular for his Comedic Granny Ivelaw character which is in great demand even for music videos. Now while he’s probably one of Guyana’s better dancers the director/instructor for the Popular ‘Dance Fanatics Theater’ has upped his game yet again to singing.
If you thought that his mosquito soca song was hilarious you need to see the video for his new gig. Not only has he entered but he’s made the Carib soca Monarch shortlist for 2012, and joins 17others hoping to claim the lion’s share of $1.5M plus the best new comer prize.
The 30-year-old who has danced on most stages around Guyana for some of the more major international events is taking his first stint at competitive singing on Saturday February 4 in Linden at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. And his tool is not a regular jump and wave routine he’s actually addressing the feelings of many men when it comes to the ever popular ‘African moods’. Four years ago no matter what was on television he did not have a choice but to please Amanda Evans, the lady in his life who was crazy about ‘African moods.’ “No matter how disinterested he was she always had me watching that stuff” and now I’m singing about it. Strange inspiration ain’t it?
It was from the many conversations he had with other men that he penned the song and according to Granny Ivelaw “Since then it’s like almost every woman I know does throw aside everything, even spend money budgeted for other things on African moods, cause it what it will.”
So after I wrote the song, not for competition, with encouragement from entertainer Ian Johnson I ended up at the Fire-Claan studios. Musician Osley ‘Spider’ Hopkinson heard the song and added his musical magic and it was entered. Admittedly he didn’t know what to expect but when the coordinator Nigel Worrel called him with the news he was more than excited. He says ultimately women would get upset but he’s almost certain that many men would like to have their women prepare more food and less African Moods.
He says he’s walking into the competition with an open mind knowing that the top of the crop includes reigning Banks Soca Monarch Jumo, Three times Carib Soca Monarch Adrian Dutchin and Veteran Calypsonian Sweet Kendingo amongst others.
He hasn’t decided what would be his next step if he wins but he’s sure that he will continue no matter the outcome to be an entertainment ambassador for Guyana to do. Granny Ivelaw is popular for appearing in such videos as Mahenra Ramkillawan’s ‘Mother-in-law,’ Father -In-law and ‘Dem ah watch meh.’ The Character has also appeared in Charmaine Blackman’s ‘is mash video.’ The Granny Character has also made its way to Trinidad as the side show act for Chutney Monarch 2011 and he is due back in the island on February 11 as part of the Hunter presentation in the Trinidad Chuny Monarch 2012.
|
