Ten years ago three young men started what is now known as the JaKoMa Group.

They were Lamont Robinson, singer and all round entertainer, Darren Herbert, who was in Dream Girls and has a role in the movie 2012, which opens in November, and JT a.k.a. Jonathan Talbot of Tha Underground.

Although Mr. Herbert spends him time acting, he is still involved with the JaKoMa Group, as the CEO, while Mr. Robinson is the Senior CEO.

Mr. Robinson said it was because of their immense love of entertainment that they set out to raise the standards of Bermuda's local productions and artists.

"The aim was so that they could compare or even surpass international talents," he told The Royal Gazette.

"In its first year, JaKoMa made an impact on the fashion industry, which earned us a reputation for being the most dominating fashion company in Bermuda.

"Since then, I used JaKoMa Entertainment as an avenue to produce fashion shows for local businesses and the Bermuda Government, talent shows, fun fairs, plays and art development workshops."

JaKoMa also began to make its mark in the music industry.

"This venture opened up the opportunity for Bermuda's most talented youth to compete in the annual J2k Vocal competition, which is sponsored by Colonial Insurance Group," Mr. Robinson said.

"JaKoMa Entertainment is now preparing to embark on its other areas of expertise, which include the development of artists and talents who are involved in theatre, arts and sports."

The JaKoMa Group's Entertainment and Modelling Agency's primary goal is to help develop Bermuda's artists and showcase their talent to the community.

"It is with this in mind that JaKoMa has put together workshops and grooming sessions to better mould Bermuda's talent," he said.

"The company's long-term achievements, at best, will bring international talent scouts to the Island regularly looking for the world's next 'greatest'.

"Our goal is to make JaKoMa Group Bermuda's number one choice for the development of Bermuda's artists and models."

Over the years, the JaKoMa Group has changed its executive team, but one thing is consistent, said Mr. Robinson.

"JaKoMa consists of a proud group of young adults whose enthusiasm is driven by the desire to assist and mould those who have a love for fashion and entertainment and who want to express and showcase their talents," he said.

"We have selflessly given so much to the community and to the local talents without any desire for recognition or compensation, because we simply love fashion and entertainment."

JaKoMa's present Board of Executives includes Mr. Robinson, Daren Herbert, CEO and co-founder, Jacquelyn Napier, president, Pahn-ya Ratteray, events manager, Cha'Von K. Clarke, public relations, marketing and promotions manager, Tina Caisey, house manager, Wendy Trott, office manager, William Wolffe, stage manager, Christopher Burgess, assistant stage manager, and Mateka Bean and Mariam Smith, both stakeholders.

Mr. Robinson added that on July 19, there will be the registration for the next JaKoMa school intake takes place at the JaKoMa suite, corner of Victoria Street and Cedar Avenue. Sessions start the following Sunday (July 26). Classes only for females 10 and up.

On July 20, JaKoMa will launch the Slique fashion e-magazine.

JaKoMa will host 400th Anniversary event at St. George's square on July 28.

While on August 16, JaKoMa BOLD (Bermuda's Own Local Designers) Fashion Show will take place.

And on November 15, the JaKoMa Snow Winter Fashion Show in on.

Many would have seen the JaKoMa Hair & Makeup Show at Harbournights, but there are three more events planned for the rest of the weekend in celebration of JaKoMa's 10th Anniversary celebrations.

Tonight will see a 10th Anniversary Party at G135, on King Street, Hamilton, which is also JaKoMa's first party.

Tomorrow night there will be JaKoMa's 10th Anniversary Dinner and Public Thank You at the Lighthouse Grill in St. David's. On offer will be a gourmet barbecue, as guests share memories with the JaKoMa family.

On Sunday, everyone is invited to attend the JaKoMa Family Fun Day at Clearwater Beach, which will put the week's celebrations to rest.

Visit www.jakoma.com for ticket information and other details.