WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO NICKY PORTER

Author, Singer, Writer, Actor, Director, Religious Elder.        

By Andréa Powell

Nicky Porter born in Guyana is known today in the religious community as Elder Shadrock. He is currently the master teacher of the Israelite Nation World Wide ministries. This open supporter of the reparations movement, has spear-headed countless historical, fact driven seminars, and multi-media presentations about and for the children of slavery in the Americas. His unwavering emphasis on factual education and identity has gained him a reputation as a no-nonsense truth be told teacher. His teachings have gained him both harsh criticisms and praise. However, none have been able to disprove his historical and biblical claims as of yet.

Shadrock Porter was born and raised in British Guyana. As a child, his older relatives told him stories of his ancestors. They told him that they were the mighty men and women of the Congo. Young Shadrock then known as Malcolm and/or Nicky was instilled with strong sense of pride in his Congo background and was introduced to his biological connection with the people of the bible, who are Israelites. A thirst for knowledge was created in young Shadrock. This thirst was nourished when he began his work in the Guyanese Ministry of Information as a documentary soundman, and as a production officer in the department of culture.

These positions allowed him to spend countless hours studying history and culture. His reputation as a tireless worker for the Government of Guyana, allowed him the opportunity to travel through out the Caribbean. He was able to glean much information during his travels, Shadrock had discovered along life’s journey, that he could sing. This talent brought him fame as a Guyanese soul artist. Some of his old records can still be heard playing on the radio in the Caribbean today. Shadrock's love for the arts led him to Canada, where he began working immediately, in film, theatre, and music.  In Films Shadrock worked with stars such as Charles Bronson in “Family of Cops”  Al Pacino, Burt Reynolds and many others, worked in Commercials for Budweiser Beer, Federal Express and many others, TV shows such as Top Cops and some clips. During his time in theatre, Shadrock won the coveted Dora Mava Moore Award, (the Canadian equivalent of the Tony's), in 1983 for the lead role of Nick Bottom in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', with Black Theatre Canada. Since devoting his life to the restoration of the historical knowledge, identity, culture, and religious practices of the Israelites, Shadrock has accomplished much.

Shadrock Porter (Shadrock) has written and directed a number of plays, such as, "The Story of Ruth'', "For Heaven Sake!" and "A Tribute To Our Freedom Fighters". As Nicky Porter he has written “The Spirit the Passion and The Blood”

He also wrote and produced "The Shadow of the Slaves". This very popular black historical dramatic play has been sold out locally in Toronto for the past four years.

This theatrical masterpiece captures the plight of six runaway slaves and an abolitionist Quaker, who helps them along their way through the Underground Railroad. Their hardships and misfortunes are met with both tears and gladness as they travel to Canada.

He is the Founder and President of 'Seven Branch Theatre Production'. He is also responsible for forming his own theatrical and artistic training school for young artists, named, 'The Israelite Academy of Performing Arts', (I.A.P.A.). Now known as Genesis Academy of Performing Arts (GAPA)  In this school, students learn the secrets and nuances of the arts.

As Elder of the Israelite Nation world Wide Ministries, Shadrock has turned his attention to the spiritual side of life. He has now become an authority on the Holy Bible, and has successfully uncovered the truth about the authentic lineage of the Israelites. As a motivational speaker he toured North America, the Caribbean and England including Howard University in Washington DC and Carlton University in Ottawa Canada.

Shadrock has helped to change many lives, inspiring and uplifting, through personal interaction as well as through his writings.  Shadrock has authored several books, which have been top sellers within the African American community, and are now selling abroad as well. Two of them are: “The Truth The Lie and The Bible III” This is a book that reveals through biblical proof of the self-destruction of the children of slavery.

“The Forgotten Israelites” In this book the children of slavery. will be able to confirm their identity, and trace their ancestry back to the ancient Israelites written about in the scriptures.  It also outlines the steps that are necessary for them to take, in order to regain the greatness they once had.

Whether he is Nicky Porter, Shadrock Porter or Elder Shadrock he is one that many people considers being an asset to the human race through his music, his acting, his spoken words, or his religious and historical teachings especially those with an African background.

Andrea Powell

Public Relation Officer

INWWM

info@Israelitenation.com

The following was sent to the Chronicle and Kaieteur News in 2006

I was just given a magazine called "Celebrating African Achievement". I think the concept is great, more of this type of Mag should be circulating outside of Guyana. I do think it should be a regular magazine of information and some more about the root of Guyana's present day culture. Pictures in the issue I received are  too many photographs of Politicians.  One singer (Eddie Grant) and the King's Tassa group. But I did learn about the Tamarind tree.

The following may help you to understand where I am coming from. Here is an example of people who shaped the vision and destiny of today's Guyana's pop culture.

Gora Singh, Dolly Baksh dancers, Pancho Carew, Matthew Allen, Berthie Chancellor, Hugh chumbley DJs / Announcers, Nicky Porter, Ivor Lynch, Johnny Braff, Eddie Hooper, King Fighter, Lord Canary, and a few other singers / Entertainers.

I recently spoke to Nicky Porter at our church meeting, and he had a lot to say:  He was the first Guyanese singer to have his own independent record label (Penper) He was founder and chairman of Musicians and Entertainers cooperative Society (MECS) He wrote part time for the Chronicle. Was a sound recordist for the Ministry of Information Film Division. Worked on one of Guyana's early Movies "Agro Siezeman" as a sound man.

In Canada he has written four non fiction books,  one Auto Biography, and has recently released his first fiction novel “Who’s Pampers are these?” He is the founder of The Israelite Nation World Wide Ministries.

He is also a lecturer on Black History, Philosophy and Religion  He is a professional Actor, He worked with great Actors like Burt Reynolds, and  Al Pacino, He has done countless TV. shows and was the Principal Actor in two episodes of "Top Cops". He won the Dora Mava Moore Award for playing the lead as Nick Bottom in Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night Dream" on stage.

He wrote and directed four successful plays in Toronto, "The Shadow of the Slaves" to be made into a movie, The story of Ruth, The Lie on Trial and Tribute to our Freedom Fighters. And there is much more of Nicky Porter or Shadrock as he is called these days. I am also sure that there is much more to all the names I mentioned. Do not let these icons just pass on , let the children have someone culturally to look up to. Nicky was born in Grove on the East Bank of Demerara and grew up at twenty two Calendar Street Albuoystown. If he could have done it, then there is hope for our today's youth. He was recently in Guyana to spend time with his daughter Anastasia (Stacey).