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The talented Granny Ivy whose passion for dance started as a child
Entertainer of the Week
By: Davina Bagot
The troublesome Granny Ivelaw ready for action
Kaieteur News- We have all at some point heard Granny Ivy on the radios, or seen her perform on stage, but the hidden personality behind the character has always shared a passion for the arts, long before Granny was birthed.
Ivelaw Carlton Dansford Campbell, a singer, dancer, actor, Disc Jockey (DJ) and all round performer, knew he loved entertainment since his school days.
The talented character behind the Granny Ivelaw personality, Ivelaw Campbell
Ivelaw told The Waterfalls, “Incidentally, it was my ability to love anything that brings fun and joy to people…In school I was part of every activity and even tried my hands at athletics. I watched professional dancers perform and always felt I can do the same, or better, once fate permitted me.”
The entertainer said so far he has capitalized on what he learnt, and even added his own touch of spice.
Granny Ivy was a character birthed about 22 years ago while he was interacting with some dancers. According to Ivelaw, “The current Granny Ivy is a rebranded version of the original Granny, and this time acting and singing have been added to back up the dancing.”
Interestingly, Ivelaw’s passion for dancing led him to launch his own dance school. Around 2005, he opened the doors to the Dance Fanatics Theatre, at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground in Georgetown. The institution helps to develop the skills and passion of dancers from age four and older.
The entertainer said he feels privileged to have been able to build a wealth of experience during local performances, before moving on to an overseas audience. He explained, “I’ve been a significant part of activities at Mashramani, Independence, Emancipation Festival, the Motor Cycle Show and many other entertaining activities locally. I’ve also provided stress relief for audiences in the USA, St. Maarten, Barbados, Trinidad and Suriname.”
Granny Ivy during an electrifying performance in St. Maarten a few years ago
Without the help of promoters, the local star said he could not have been as successful as he is today. These promoters made opportunities available to him to perform while there were also a few “middle men” who recommended him to promoters and organizers of shows and programmes.
As a young man, he recalled staying focused on ensuring he lived up to the expectations of those who expressed confidence in him. “From there, things moved progressively upward,” he said.
According to the entertainer, “There have been, and still are, attempts to make things difficult but I wouldn’t label them as difficulties. That’s because I don’t even pay attention to negativity. One small challenge is the stigma that is associated with the character, but because I know the majority of people with better sense know better and I’m provided with a workable income, it really doesn’t make any impact on me and my work.”
His advice to those passionate about the arts is to not allow anyone to distract you from your purpose, especially if you are on the path to success. “But this entails hard work, lots of sacrifice and staying focused,” the entertainer urged.
To book any of the services offered by Granny Ivy, contact 677-4977 or 672 – 2828.
(The talented Granny Ivy whose passion for dance started as a child)
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