Ellis Int'l expands its scope

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Having established a solid reputation as event coordinators and promoters of live theatre and stand-up comedy shows, and after four successful seasons as producers of the popular 'Ity and Fancy Cat' show, Ellis International is extending its work to also operate as the official booking agency for a number of entertainment personalities.

The agency will provide exclusive and non-exclusive booking services for artistes while maintaining a strong working relationship with their managers and publicists. Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Owen 'Blakka' Ellis, director of Ellis International, said he was "very excited" about becoming a booking agency.

He said, "We were very selective of who we choose to represent, and look for promising new talent. I think it's gonna be a very good mix, and we're looking forward to this."

Among those artistes to have already signed to the agency are singer/actor/comedian Donald 'Iceman' Anderson, actress/singer/comedian Kathy (the country helper) Grant, singer Rozah Roze, poet/comedian Michael Abrahams, and classy all-male singing group To-Isis. The company will also represent pioneer dub poet Oku Onuora and poet/martial artist Jawara, as well as MC Dwight Ross, dance experts René Harris and Christina Gonzalez, and model Ronald Horne.

Ellis described how these persons were chosen saying, "Some of them we openly have an interest in their work, like Oku Onuora and To-Isis, who we believe are very underrated, especially seeing the quality of their work. The others are people we know are excellent and want to be seen more often."

The agency will provide a much-needed service to local, regional and international audiences who seek top-quality entertainment for private, public and corporate events. The booking agency is dedicated to providing first-class entertainment services in Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the world.

Speaking about the new arrangement, Oku Onuora said he was inspired by the direction Ellis International was taking. The sometimes-reclusive originator of Jamaican dub poetry added that although he has been approached by many people who are interested in representing him, this is the first time he has signed with an agency, and this is based on his confidence in the work of the Ellis International team.

The company has operated informally as booking agents for a long time. The company has links with many promoters in Jamaica and all over the diaspora, and has been instrumental in connecting artistes to entities and individuals requiring their services, and securing performance contracts locally and internationally for several entertainers - especially stand-up comics.

Ellis International is also the official agents for veteran comedian Blakka Ellis and top comedy duo Ity and Fancy Cat.