Dr. Juliet Emanuel & Jamela Edoo showcase Guyanese products
Brooklyn, NY: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 – The Guyana Cultural Association wrapped up its Annual Folk Festival on Sunday. The Festival now in its 10th year has become known for it’s preservation and promotion of Guyanese culture and folklore, this year GCA added a summer day camp for children called Heritage Camp; the young people learned what it means to be of Caribbean and Guyanese heritage and participated in the GCA Awards ceremony which heralds the start to this weeks’ folk festival.
This day boasted a decidedly familial and close-knit atmosphere with squeals of surprise and joy from as many adults as children. I often overheard conversations of attendees exclaiming their delight in seeing family, old friends and enjoying the entertainment of Guyanese performers, people stood, sat and chatted of ‘ole times’ and present times as their children met and experienced some of what they did in their childhood days. Many felt that this was the best festival yet, enjoying KWE-KWE night performances by drummers Akoyaw Rudder and Winston ‘Jeggae’ Hopie. Designer Donna Ramsammy-James enjoyed the accolades for her fashions. Accomplished in her work, she is an icon in international fashion; most recently she was mentioned in Vogue Magazine.
Performers like flautist, Keith Waithe brought joy to the crowds; he arrived f
rom London for the folk festival with his newest CD, Gathering Echoes which is a collection of Jazz and Caribbean folk music. The album was introduced at the Ealing Jazz Festival earlier this year. Guyanese who grew up only hearing his music on radio flocked to speak with the entertainer or to take a photograph with him. He graciously took time to respond and accommodate them; “I’m leaving to fly back to London tomorrow, so I want to enjoy this as much as possible,” he said. This has been a great visit and event, he added. (Keith Waithe & Councilman Mathieu Eugene-Michael Hadaway Image)
A fitting tribute performance of Granny Fit was done in honor of the late Monica Chopperfield aka Lady Guymine who passed away earlier this year. Guyana’s Indo-heritage was showcased with a Tassa Drum performance as well as in the lively and colorful youth dance performances. Adding to the fun of the day was Jamaican performer E. Wayne who guest hosted with Rose October-Edun introducing several acts with humor and bantering.
The highlight of the early afternoon came when Terry Gajraj aka Guyana Baboo took to the stage and got the crowd going with lively performances of soca, reggae and Indo tunes; young people flocked toward the stage in rhythm to the beat then went wild with the surprise appearance of the hottest Soca King out of Guyana Adrian Dutchin. Dutchin drove the crowd to a frenzy with his limber and sexy waist and hip gyrations… he took the dance trembling to greater heights inviting four audience members to join him on stage for a chance to ‘wine’ for his latest CD. (Terry Gajrag & Adrian Dutchin on stage - Michael Hadaway Image)
Guyana’s Consulate General, the Honorable Brentol Evans joined Guyana's Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud amid the crowd and displays of products and food from Guyana and vendors here in New York. Other politicians in attendance included Councilman Mathieu Eugene of District 40; Councilman Kendall Stewart of District 45 and candidates running in next week’s local primary elections, Professor Sam Taitt and Dr. Dexter McKenzie.
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