Barbadian photographer Jaryd Niles and model Gigi Ma’at have been chosen as photographer and model for Honey Jam Canada’s national promotional campaign. The Honey Jam showcase, started by Barbadian in Toronto in 1995, is celebrating it’s 16th year. The all female multicultural, multi-genre, artist showcase is produced by her company PhemPhat Entertainment Group, a non-profit organization in Canada which boasts Nelly Furtado as their most famus alum. They also provide educational and mentoring opportunities for young artists and also raise funds for and promote the YWCA’s programs for women and girls.

Producer states: “I take the part of the pledge “and by my living to do credit to my Nation wherever I may go…” to heart, and so I feel it is my duty to do what I can to represent Barbados well and to provide opportunities when I can to other Barbadians. We have so much world class talent here – I’m so proud to feature Jaryd and Gigi in our campaign.”

• Photographer: JARYD NILES

Jaryd started taking pictures while he was at art school in Barbados. “My love really manifested because as an illustrator I liked to draw people and interesting characters and photography just was such an instant medium. I could think it and shoot it, so I began to get into it more and more. . Some people say I am about glamour, some say fashion. I just like to say I simply enjoy photographing people whether in studio or outdoors.”

Jaryd also enjoys still life and fine art photography, but making people come across as larger than life, making them jump off the page..or screen is where his love currently lies.

His work has been featured in a some local Barbadian magazines and ad campaigns as well as internationally in the UK Sunday Times and People Magazine.

“Of course I love helping out Honey Jam and supporting the work they are doing for female artists in Canada and here. It’s a great opportunity. With this shoot I wanted to give Honey Jam that badass, edgy kind of vibe, kinda do it in my style…sexy, mysterious, sophisticated and a little dark.”

Jaryd Niles’ website is 540itt.com He explains “540 is a philosophy that means keep on going when you come the full 360, don’t stop there!”

• Model: GIGI MA’AT

Featured Model, makeup artist, hairstylist and fashion stylist for the shoot was the multi-talented Gigi Ma’at who is also an aspiring artist and songwriter who performed in February’s Taste of Honey Jam Barbados showcase. A melange of flavours, a plethora of expression and a believer in no artistic limitations, her musical inspiration stems from artist such as Billie Holiday and Buju Banton to Erykah Badu and Prince. With an insatiable musical appetite and a passion for putting pen to paper she uses music as a medium to express her true emotions, both vocally and as a writer. Vocally she meshes blues, classic jazz, pop, soul and a whole lot of “flava” … as a performer she bares her soul. A born artist, an evolving vocalist and an entertainer to say the least. Gigi Ma’at – The Enigma you will always want to explore!