The sounds of the drums will come alive with great pump and ceremony this June, as the first ever “Drum Fest 2018” will be held in Guyana. It will see drummers of our many different cultures vying for a chance to win some $1.5 million in cash and prizes, while relishing in the heritage of our country.
Initiated by the CFW Entertainment, the fest is being brought to the platter out of the need for greater and more impacting recognition for the art of drumming in Guyana.
Drum Fest 2018 is also geared at bringing all drummers in Guyana together in
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unity, while ensuring that the tradition stays alive.
New talents will be discovered and unleashed, while the art of drumming will be promoted and revitalised, as drummers from as little as 5 years old are expected to perform.
Steel pan, Tassa and African drums would be expected out of groups such as African Amazon, Otishka, Den Amstel Drumming Group, Fodoko Players, and many more.
Corwyn Williams of the CFW Entertainment has noted that greater importance should be placed on drumming in Guyana.
“I am of the view that, with the right heads, minds and hands fused together, “Drum Fest 2018” can become the platform to promote Guyana, not only as the Land of many Waters, but also as a Land of Pulsating Drums” he said.
He revealed that drummer in Guyana are saddened by how lightly their art is being treated.
“Drummers around Guyana are of the opinion that this tradition is treated too lightly. As a result, we see drummers in the streets and byways desperately trying to sustain the art form. This is the reason why we initiated this event, which is going to not only handsomely reward the participants, but will be made an annual event at various locations in Guyana,” Williams announced.
Enthusiastic for the event, Williams assured drummers, “We will ensure that this tradition is escalated to the very top of the recognition ladder, where it rightly fully belongs!”
Public Relations officer of the Drum Fest, Alex Wayne, shared similar sentiments as he reminded that drumming is not only of importance to our culture, but also should be taken to the next level in Guyana.
Wayne assured that this first-ever drum festival in Guyana can be expected to be a phenomenal one.
One drummer promised to bring a fusion of Queh-Queh, swarie and dubay, which will be incorporating various cultures.
“We are very excited and from Berbice. We are going to be ten members strong, and we will definitely be hitting the place with music, so that is to be expected from us” said the African Amazon member.
Another drummer will be bringing not only drumming, but the singing of songs alike to the table.
The Tourism and Hospitality Association (THAG) is in full support of the venture, and will be a major sponsor of same.
The location of the event, which will be called either the National or Durban Park, will be announced later.
