The Undisputed King of Comedy

Like the skilled hunter he is, John Agitation has the ability to trap audiences with his rib tickling brand of humour. Unknown to many people Agitation, whose real name is Ramdeen Ramjattan is an active hunter.

Furthermore, he was a politician of some note, because he holds the record of being the only comedian in the Commonwealth of Nations to win an election. And if that were not enough, Agi, is a citrus farmer, cultivating 10 acres of land in Cumuto. He attributes his agricultural labour and his hunting as the reasons why he is fit to perform on stage.

The Grandmaster of Comedy is a veteran of over fifty years as a stand up comedian, an activity which he enjoys immensely. 'Once I get people to laugh and feel happy, then I enjoy the same happiness that they do', he explained.

John Agitation said being with people is what life is all about. The ace comedian revealed that he was also a former Senior Paymaster in The Public Service, and has worked in a variety of Government Ministries.

He fashioned his repertoire after the people he grew up with in his community.

'Everytime I used to talk with them, even when I talked about serious issues, they laughed at what I said, so I dicided to develop this talent I had, based on their ideas, values and lifestyles, Agi explained. They inspired me to become a comedian, he revealed that he got support from his mother as well.

John, decided on the stage name John Agitation, because the words rhymed nicely with a script he was working on for his public performance.

With the passage of time, he has become one of the most outstanding TnT and Caribbean comedians. He has traveled extensively thrilling appreciative audiences with his superb brand of comedy. 'Contrary to what many people think, making people laugh is hard work. Creating a joke depends on how you say it, so your thoughts and reflexes have to be quick on stage. To reach this stage, you have to be fit and live a healthy lifestyle, which is why I don't drink at all'. Ramjattan also believes that modern day comedians do not have to be smutty to be good at their profession.

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Nalini Akal is the director of the N9 Dance Co. This school teaches Egyptian Raqs Shar qui, Salsa (various styles), merengue, cha cha cha, East indian Contemporary, Hip hop, Argentinian Tango, Brazillian Samba and Flamenco. She is a trained dancer in these styles as well as a choreographer.

Nalini started at the age of 9 years old at the Caribbean School of Dance and soon involved herself in dance and acting at school being head of the latin dance society and working with the drama club. Her professional career, started with Magdalene Seon the school's latin dance instructor of the Strictly Latin Dance Company who trained her intensely for two years in latin Dance: salsa, merengue, lambada samba and flamenco. She was then trained by karina Rebelho (advanced). nalini has recently finished training for two and a half years in intensive flamenco with Marla D'Lacoste.

Nalini Akal is a member of the Trinidad Theatre Workshop (founded by Derek Walcott Nobel prize laureate) where she received excellent training from Bernard Hazel, Suzanne Hannays Abraham & Albert La Veau.

She has taken part in numerous local plays and recently worked with Derek Walcott for a year in advanced work.

Nalini also won the role as a mean girl called Nadine on West Wood Park (a regional soap opera) she has appeared in numerous advertisements for press and television.

She is an artist having taken part in 9 (group) exhibitions as well as two solo exhibitions for art galleries.

Nalini Akal and N9 Dance Co dance perform for over a hundred shows per year - they are teh premier Belly dance company in Trinidad and Tobago. She opened the N9 dance studio in 2001 and has produced over seven major shows with her company.

The name N9 means always going toward perfection because the N represents teh nth degree and 9 is the perfect number - so we are always trying to get better. The credo of the company is: The spirit of the body is the master of the body.

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Khamrune is originally from Cunupia, Central Trinidad but now resides in Fort Lauderdale.There is a certain simple style and grace that is the hallmark of Khamrune’s performances that have won her the admiration of many music aficionados, especially those who prefer the golden oldies.She has performed at all major venues both here and abroad with stunning success.

She started her career at the tender age of 15. Khamrune entered many competitions with tremendous success. Her crowning glory was in the year 1982 when she copped the first prize in the peoples programme Mastana Bahar. She represented Trinidad in countries such as Surinam, Guyana, Canada, England and off course the United States of America with distinction.

Khamrune was the first performer to enter politics in 1992; she won her seat in the local Government elections on a United National Congress ticket. In 1994 she entered and won the Lata Mangeshkar competition and since there were no similar competitions staged it is safe to say she remains the champion. The successful record producer Donald Singh has just completed a CD of old gems with Khamrune that should be available for the Mother’s Day Concert.

She is very anxious to return home for this event and just can’t wait to hit the stage with the restructured D Rampersad Indian Art Orchestra. If old songs are your desire, Khamrune is sure to captivate your hearts.

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During the 2002 series of Mastana Bahar like a breath of fresh air, a new voice and personality emerged on the cultural scene with stunning impact.

The radio stations and newspapers were inundated with requests for songs of this new singer and information. In October of 2002 she gave a live performance Under the Trees at the Hotel Normandie and excelled. A star was born. Trinidad and Tobago with open arms now welcome another dynamic female singer star in Shaliza Babwah.

Shaliza was born in Felicity. The great grand daughter of Nabijan and Jaitoon Ali of Bengal, themselves classical singers. She attended the Felicity Hindu and Lakshmi Girls Hindu College. Her academic pursuits are quite substantial having pursued advance levels in Business Studies, Law, Marketing and Sales Management. If that was not enough, she obtained a diploma in accounting and finance. She is currently training in Classical Dance, Music, Hindi, Urdu and Acting.

She is also very much into broadcasting. One of her dreams is to join a vibrant radio station where she hopes she can be help to develop and promote Indian culture in a very different way.

Shaliza's early career started with the Baal Vikas School Choir, Lakshmi Girls Choir, The school’s Parang Group and an active member of the Debating and Public Speaking team. Shaliza spent some time with renowned musician/ tutor Mangal Patassar and is presently undergoing training with Guru Aftab Ahamad Ali Khan who incidentally played a major role in grooming artistes such as Sonu Nigam and Alisha Chinoy.

She sizzles on stage with her racy Asha Bhonsle hits but is equally at home with the golden oldies. She just can’t wait to team up with loveman Raymond at the Anchorage on Friday 14th February 2003.

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