Lethem All-Stars Mash concert on fire
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT6hRYtCvOc” width=”100%” height=”315″]
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, January 27, 2019
The Mashramani ‘All Stars Concert’, on Saturday evening, left the residents of Lethem and surrounding communities clamouring for more. The performers captivated the audience with their boundless energy and songs on social issues, politics and the economy among others.
Hosted by the Ministry of Presidency’s Department of Social Cohesion at the Tabatinga Sports Complex Ground, the show featured artistes like Michelle “Big Red” King, Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, Reigning Soca Monarch Brandon Harding and Reigning Chutney Monarch Bunty Singh and Kwasi Ace among others.
Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton told the residents that the initiative is aimed at ensuring nationwide inclusion in the Mashramani festivities.
“We had activities in Region One, Two, Six Five and Nine here tonight. This is the idea to take the celebration to the different regions so that you can be part and parcel of what everybody is enjoying in Guyana. We look forward to seeing you in the capital city…” he said.
The Minister said that he was impressed with the number of persons who turn out to support the event and the crowd participation between the singers and audience who thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Regional Chairman Brian Allicock noted his satisfaction with the support shown by residents. “… I am happy with the audience. We had some neighbours from Brazil here as well, we have some Guyanese living over there and they came over, as well people from the villages who came out too so I am happy about the turnout tonight,” he said.
According to the Regional Chairman, discussions are ongoing to host similar events in Lethem, in the future. Minister Norton also gave his nod of approval to this move.
“I want the people of Lethem to look forward every year for a concert of this nature. I can tell you that in Region One we had this concert and the following day we travelled to Port Kaituma and the residents were asking for a similar show. As a matter of fact, we hope to take such a live concert again to Port Kaituma before this season’s Mashramani is over,” he added.
Last year’s Calypso’ semi-finals were hosted for the first time in Lethem and received rave reviews from the spectators. In previous years Calypso competitions were held in the capital city Georgetown which meant hinterland communities missed being entertained by this extraordinary event
As Mashramani activities continue across the country, persons are invited to attend the Banks Calyspo Semi-Final at Union No.53 Village Community Centre, the Carib Soca Monarch Semi-Finals at the Linden/Georgetown Municipal Bus Park and the Chutney Dance Competition in Region Three.
Neola Damon.
Images: Karime Peters.