It was an explosive celebration of African culture and national pride at NCN’s virtual emancipation concert. Organized by the Ministry of the Presidency – Department of Public Service many tuned in to witness the spectacle as it unfolded live from the National Cultural Center. The lineup was an impressive mix of Soca, calypso and reggae artiste. The programme was hosted by the talented entertainer Mr. Malcom Ferreira whose charismatic personality kept the positive vibes  going even as the artiste tackle hard topics such as racism, prejudice and black empowerment through their music and messages.

With a lineup featuring Bill Rogers, Jackie Jaxx, Vanilla, Alabama, Mark Batson and the indomitable Charmaine Blackman this concert was bound to be a hit.  All the artiste brought something unique and beautiful to the stage. The acclaimed calypsonian Bill Rogers got the ball rolling with an entertaining performance that set the tone for the rest of the evening.   Mark Batson’s always stellar vocals were on point as usual while vanilla and Jackie Jaxx embodied female empowerment with bold and daring performances. There is no denying that Charmaine Blackman is one of the most unique performers in Guyana. Host Malcom Ferreira’s introduction of the artiste told of her storied career in the industry. He spoke of the many criticisms she has faced throughout her career targeted at her unique performing style and costuming, calling her the queen in light of her unwavering resilience.

Some of the more memorable performances included Diana Chapman whose two costumes set featured a brilliant vocal cover of Bob Marley’s redemption song and a string of African songs. Diana showed her versatility as an artiste by following a choreographed African dance routine as she sang and danced alongside her two back up dancers. Also adding to the brilliant ambiance of the concert was Nekita who started her career using her birth name Tennicia DeFreitas but recently underwent a complete rebranding. She performed some early career hits including an acapella rendition of her junior calypso monarch wining “I don’t want to be Born.” Nikeita as she is now known also used the forum to familiarize her Guyanese fans with her latest work entitled “Rise” calling it a timely hit.

View The Facebook Live Recorded Video Part 1 here

The concert was headlined by Guyana’s famed and critically acclaimed Yoruba Singers whose career in Guyana’s Music industry spans many decades. The performance proved the band’s sustainability as the band was once again able to deliver yet another astonishing performance that was the perfect mix of cultural significance and entertainment value. It was obvious that a lot of thought was put into the performance everything from the musical timing harmonious and melodic vocals to varying African dress that adorned the band members reeked of musical professionalism and provided quite the spectacle.

View The Facebook Live Recorded Video Part 2 here

The concert provided sweet relief for a tension filled Guyanese populace as the pending political deadlock post the 2020 regional and general Elections created anxiety amongst the nation’s people. The concert was marred in many ways by the political crisis with comments as regards the political crisis dominating the responses in the comment section. The concert was however well received with many tuning in and wishing all of Guyana a happy Emancipation.

Caribbean Entertainment Hub also takes this opportunity to wish the People of Guyana a Happy emancipation and lots of success as the nation continues to grow and evolve.

 

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Emancipation Day Celebration Guyana 2019

It was a day of nostalgic reflections and an abundance of jubilation as the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) hosted the 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

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