| Established in April 2014, Enigma Entertainment Productions is an all-Guyanese group who have over the years broken various barriers to promote positive youth lifestyles through arts and entertainment.The Founder/Director of the group, Lynn Medford.The Founder/Director of the group, 29-year-old Lynn Medford, strongly believes that entertainment plays a vital role in moulding the minds of the young generation and at the same time, eliminates the negative influence which she said, can pose a threat to communities, families and individual development.“It is all around us; some develop a dependency to it, whether it’s the internet, radio, television station or live performances we look to entertainment to releases stress and learn of other cultures. Therefore, it would be the perfect tool for promoting positive youth lifestyle here in Guyana.” Medford said.Medford is a well-known Dancer /Choreographer. She has been in the industry of performing arts for just under 12 years.She is the third of five siblings and is of Guyanese and Bajan backgrounds. She likes to think of herself as being a trust humanitarian, an advocate for youth and women protection and development.She is also a tourism graduate from the University of Guyana and a trained dancer, choreographer and fitness instructor.“We can speak to many cultures and so many different forms by using one language, one approach – the Arts. It’s a beautiful thing,Cheap NFL Jerseys Stitched, my inspiration comes from my love for performing and I will continue to use the performing arts as a tool in fuelling my cause”Medford is also a former model and fashionista who also happens to own a shoe store, E Fashion.What makes the group different from other entertainment entities, the 29-year-old said, is the fact that the group is exclusively Guyanese; young Guyanese.A recent dancing performance by members of the Enigma Group.She continued that Guyana’s entertainment industry is in dire need of a “revolution”.“…And that can only happen if we start from the bottom up – the youths. This concept of promoting young local performers is very much alive our newly launched GYAF -Guyana Youth Arts Festival which was launched in December 2015.”GYAF is a yearlong programme involving training, workshop outreach programs and prep performances.Last year’s event saw the participation of over 70 performers in dance, music, drama, poetry, and other forms of the visual arts. The festival is a preliminary event to the IYAF – international Youth Arts Festival held in the UK each year.Last year’s participants are currently preparing to make an appearance at that festival with performances depicting the rich Guyanese culture.Medford stated that persons interested in a part of the program in preparation for the festival can contact the group at their Regent Street office or call 2260012 or visit their website www.gyafgy.com for more info.Medford believes that the performing arts play an important part in selling Guyana as a spectacular tourist attraction especially in the year of our Golden Jubilee.In preparation for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations, the group is teaming up with the new 592 Hub, to produce GYAF @592Hub, with the aim of making the location the only one where exclusively young local talent can be found.Also, the group is aiming to launch its Open mic and Competitions Nights on February 13 from 7pm at the 592 Hub (formerly Jerry’s Snackette, Waterloo Street, Georgetown). Registrations are opened to dance crews, singers, poets and anyone who thinks they have what it takes are eligible to compete.“The programme seeks to create awareness of the wealth of young talent Guyana has and the need to nurture then as they grow. Guyanese performers are faced with a lack of respect for their hard work and therefore aren’t encouraged enough to strive for a better quality of work since it’s just not appreciated. Enigma Entertainment Group wants to change that perception – that we need an overseas artiste in order to have crowd support at any event. If we focus more on our youths who have the potential, and invest in their development, Guyana will go a far way in the entertainment arena”There is also a public awareness and interactive component, “GYAF It Out”, a television programme aired once a week on NCN which gives youths a platform to speak on issues affecting their development in schools and communities where they will be presented possible, workable solutions.The show also features the work the group is doing in the various areas across the country. |
