Guyana to host first African Music Festival

For one night only immerse yourself in the sounds of modern Africa with a night of music, dance, food, comedy and drama at the first ever African Music Festival which will take over the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Tarmac  on December 17. 

More than 20 musicians and artists from the African continent and the Caribbean will give attendees a genuine taste, feel, and sense of the cultural wealth of Africa.

Hosted by Peks Band, the concert will unveil new performances by RWCC and RCCG Potters House drama group and special guest appearances by several Guyanese artistes including, Samuel Medas, Melissa Vandeyar, Shawn English, Allan Petty Jr, Kester Deane, among others.

Director of Peks Band Peculiar Ihunwo explained that the group was formed in 2013 by mostly Nigerian medical students residing in Guyana.

The Band started as five African instrumentalists ministering in African folk music and they developed into the only full African Gospel Musical Fellowship band in the Caribbean.

Peculiar said the festival is a mixture of Africa as it reflects the cultures of different countries across the continent.

“I know a lot of people think that African music is one particular type but it is more than that, it is harmony and that is what we train ourselves for when we are little…Africans love drama, even when we sing, we don’t just do the harmonies, we add our own drama, we have our own behaviours when we sing.”

Local gospel singer Shawn English is excited to be a part of the festival and emphasised that attendees will be given the chance to learn more about the African culture: “You don’t have to fly all the way to Africa to experience it because it’s going to be great representation and you will be getting a full taste and feel of what Africa truly is.”