Guyanese music icon appointed as visiting artist-in-residence

The University of Guyana recently appointed overseas-based Guyanese Keith Waithe as the Visiting Distinguished Artist-in-Residence.

The appointment was made by Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith.
Waithe has been employed for the period of February 20-April 8, 2017. He is expected to undertake both theoretic and practical engagements of the music department at UG.

Waithe is a flautist with expertise in Guyanese folk music and jazz. Residing in the United Kingdom, the musician serves as a visiting lecturer attached to the University of London and Royal Holloway University of London, as well as other institutions. He is an award-winning composer who leads “The Macusi Players”, known for blending music with origins from the Caribbean, South America, Asia and Africa. Adding to the list, Waithe is a trained educator who holds an enhanced DBS certificate.
His appointment will see him conducting master classes at both the Turkeyen and Tain campuses. He will be focusing on a range of musical genres and styles, using the flute and drumming as the key instruments. Waithe also sits on the planning committee for the forthcoming Diaspora Engagement Conference with the main duties of organising the cultural aspect of the week-long event and mobilising Guyanese of the UK diaspora to participate, adding diversity to the historic affair.
Vice Chancellor Griffith explained that Waithe was an outstanding cultural ambassador of Guyana. He also noted that the flautist was one of the few music leaders who can command respect across racial, cultural and geographical margins. Professor Griffith is pleased to leverage for benefit of both the staff and students Waithe’s presence and welcomed the all-rounder to the University of Guyana as the Visiting Distinguished Artist-in-Residence.