It was a day of nostalgic reflections and abundance of jubilation as the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) hosted Emancipation day celebration 2019 in Guyana.  The annual event is celebrated throughout the English-speaking Caribbean to celebrate the emancipation of African slaves by England on August 1^st, 1834. This, the 26^th year of the event hosted by ACDA, turned out once again to be a cultural spectacle that enthralled many according to those in attendance.

 

Families Dressed in Beautiful African Attire

The national Park in Thomas lands, Guyana was converted into a picturesque village of canopies and tents each containing displays that showcased the rich diversity of African culture. Booths with African inspired artwork, African dress, food and more, flooded the national park. Present amongst them were the ‘African reparations committee’ of Guyana and ‘The Decade for People of African Descent’ who both used their platforms to provide much needed information about their organizations and to educate the masses about their African heritage.

Also, compliment of rides, and games such as bouncy castles and trampolines were organized to keep the children entertained. However, it was ACDA”S very own Colaaco School’s Booth featuring their ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5^th Grader?’ challenge  that scored big points with many, and provided fun and embarrassment to some contestants.

The Afrocentric Young and Beautiful 

 

The days’ Entertainment came in many forms and created a case of “competing glories”. Patrons could choose from the tantalizing tastes and aroma that permeated from the Ansa McAl sponsored Cook –up cooking competition or the cultural feast on the Guyana stage.

The cook-up competition featured over 30 competitors and saw MS. Waveney Dorris and Nichola Davis carting off 100,00 dollars each, plus a yearlong catering contract with Ansa McAL.

 

On the Guyana stage, there was never a dull moment as patrons were treated to Afrocentric cultural acts from varying cultural groups around Guyana. The programme presented brilliant spoken word poems by the delegates for the Miss Emancipation pageant; singing of Guyanese folksongs complimented by the brilliant Congo drum stylings of the Buxton Fusion School Of Music; a highly competitive Spelling BEE competition; and many prizes for patrons included the Digicel’s best dressed competition.

 

On Display

 

The main attraction of the day was the evening concert on the main stage. The mega concert generated a mammoth crowd that flooded the National Park Tarmac and packed the stands. The lineup including some of the biggest musical acts in Guyana and further afield.

On show were Guyanese super talents such as the Heat Wave band featuring Carlvin Burnette.  Bringing his characteristic high energy performance to the stage was Mark Batson who trilled the audience with a compliment of animated dance moves and expression and as always, his smooth and brilliant vocals. Musical Veteran Charmaine Blackman also treated the audience to her unique vocals and performing style; her rendition of Bob Marley’s Redemption song elicited many favourable reactions from the audience. However, a highlight for the evening was (soon to be featured) Michelle Big Red KING who in addition to her usual high energy Soca vibe also presented her softer side as she paid homage to the celebration of African emancipation with some conscience reggae culture vibe.

Performers and VIPs

 

The mega concert also featured a memorable performance by Nigerian Singer YoungKelly that had host Mondale Smith practicing the high energy Nigerian Dance moves.

Headlining the evening concert was Jamaican Ky-Mani Marley. His performance was well received by the enthused audience who could be seen savoring the conscience vibe provided by the super star.  His set included many of his original hits such as his ever popular “Rasta Love” the original score for the movie in which he also played the leading role and his controversial hit “Get high” but not before offering an apology to any who might be offended by the lyrical content of the song. Defeating screams however could be heard throughout his performance especially in the moments where he sampled from his famous father Bob Marley’s playlist. There were many memorable moments within this performance, but many left the venue marveling at the vocal prowess of his backup singer Debra German who took center stage for a brilliant duet that was undeniably a highlight of the evening.

The team at ACDA delivered quite the thrill ride as patrons were asking for more as the curtains were closed on the 2019 Guyana’s emancipation day celebration  at approximately 23:00hrs

 

Click here for more videos of the celebration

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• The Caribbean Region Observes Emancipation Day
• Guyana Mashramani Celebrations