Sparkly, colourful, topical, relevant and cute were among the words used to describe the unfolding yesterday when the nation’s tots, teens and young adults from the eleven education districts took to the streets of Georgetown for the 2010 children’s Mashramani Road parade.
The conclusion of the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts Children’s Mashramani competition was a showcase of pageantry and fun filled gyrations, prancing and dancing as they addressed issues of climate change, the Low Carbon Development Strategy from the youth perspective and preserving marine life.
But above all the youth parade would not have been completed without, Mythical characters, legends and folklore as well as fantasy and fairy tales galore and there was an abundance of those too while others were serious about Rain forest preservation and education.
From about 9:00hrs thousands lined the parade route to get a glimpse of the many contingents of youths on parade in mostly full costumes. Some cheered their favourites on while others zeroed in on those who were a brazen and bold in their gyrations. Among those watching the jollification from the road side were some youngsters who were not going to be left out of the spot light. Some aged as young as three literally ran into the many groups of frenzied revellers and show them just how they should dance and do their thing.
In the nursery band from a line up of nine contingents the beauty of El Dorado was among the more attractive of showcases as was the legend of Gold but the energetic Miss Republic was also one to beat. For the most part the youths were very much in time with the music but few opted out as sleep seemed to have a greater pull on them.
In the primary band section more than eleven contingents were on the road and from the energy exuded it was obvious that the youths’ were out to have a grand time as reflected in their prancing and costumes. Ketley primary ‘s Back to basics was among the more energetic and colourful as was North Georgetown’s band that focused on living our Heritage in a diverse community. Commendation is also in order for Community Academy Primary for their ‘tribute to our first people.’
In the secondary school bands category the energy was at an all time high from the parade ground to the National Park as the more senior students seemed bent ton out doing each other with coordinated dance steps and gyrations. Theirs was a colourful array of glitters that had a few at their energetic peek. But there were a few who simply walked the course unmindful of the many promptings. All the entries in this category were commendable but some openly opined that Cummings Lodge and Dolphin secondary were the ones to bet with their themes of “Moulding our nation’s children to support our diverse heritage” and the fantasy filled “the Alien Red dragon and the Dragon Fly” costumes.
The regional presentations were among the more colourful and topical as the costumes offered much room for conversation on topical issues. These included region 2 ’embracing our heritage through preservation of our natural resources.’ And West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands message was clear that it is ‘Celebration Time’ while region four aimed to ‘preserve our heritage and save the earth’ and region seven offered the message of ‘Celebrating our Diversity through education’.
Over all there were more than 40 contingents who also had their sections and there were also several Non governmental children’s organizations.
But none could out perform the choreographed showcase of the National Dance School as that group showcased the various levels of dance offered splashed with much of the many cultures that make Guyana a unique cultural melting pot. There were also some independent costumes showcased that were created by designers including Jermaine Broomes.
In one of the youthful bands prince charming brought a way too big shoe that did not match Cinderella’s dress and she simply left the two step sisters to fight over it while she showed the judges that she is not that typical fairy tale character much to the amusement of some patrons.
Another memorable showcase was that of the Masacoura Man who from the bowels of the sea partied with one pirate who was not going to be out done while pulling her boat that shared the origins of our people.
The results of the group costume competitions will announced shortly.
By Mondale Smith
Several days ahead of the mega Hits and Jams concert yesterday after much hype soca sensation Machel Montano arrived in Guyana to enjoy the nation’s many mash festivities.
Until he is called to the grave U.S based Guyanese entertainer John Drepaul Slingshot says he will keep tradition alive by producing a mash band for the February 23 celebrations and this year will be no different from in previous years. Yesterday on a much smaller scale and with a heavy heart the artiest in the company of his wife Ingrid and a few diehard friends Slingshot launched his 300 strong costume band at the Pegasus.
The stage is being set for Guyana to experience a true Mash explosion reggae and Dance Hall style through the credible promoting abilities of Seven star entertainment and Vizion Sounds promotions.
Draped in the rich colours of African cloth, his trademark staff in hand, and his dreadlocks wrapped regally on his head, Anthony B embodies all that it is spiritual and proactive about Reggae music. This artiste has been steadfast in his mission to represent the poor and oppressed, using sharp lyrics to confront political injustices and bring the issues of the people to the forefront. In the process, he has raised the quality of performance standards and lyrical content for the industry, through the release of 13 albums, over 1000 singles and appearances on over 100 albums in the last 14 years.
No stranger to Guyana Cham born Damian Beckett on February 24, 1977 is a Grammy Award-nominated Jamaican recording artist, most well known for his 2006 single “Ghetto Story” from his major label debut album of the same name, a song which led to multiple “story” songs by other artists in a similar vein.
After being among the nominees for her first regional honour Guyanese singer Timeka Marshall last week walked away with out the award that would have dubbed her the best new female artiste at the Jamaica Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards EME. But Guyana can still boast of sealing it first awards at the Jamaica EME non-the-less through Melanie Fiona a Canadian born to Guyanese parents but Guyana can be gratified that some one who prides her self in identifying with her roots Guyana can celebrate. She along with India Arie was bestowed with the International friend of Reggae Awards at the EME. Melanie Fiona recently completed a tour with Kanye West and is fast becoming a talking point in the R&B music circuit.
‘Ah de real thing’ may soon be ringing out on radio in dance halls and homes nationwide as Jory gears to release his first mix-tape at the Mash weekend. His adviser, Kerwin Bollers, of Hits and Jams, said that the quiet but talented sing-jay will give another side of his persona lyrically and through some professionally snapped photos out of the Aubrey Photo Studios.