The 50^th Republic Jubilee / Mashramani celebrations in Guyana has officially begun. Mashramani is the name given to Guyana’s republic celebration. This year’s Republic launch was a night of patriotism and jubilation, permeated by underlying themes of racial harmony, female empowerment, and national pride. The official launching pad for what is expected to be a major cultural fiesta in Guyana was a mega concert, featuring an impressive lineup of Guyanese artiste, and street jam at the Linden, Georgetown Municipal bus park. The year 2020 marks 50 years since Guyana gained Republic status. Guyana recently celebrated its 50^th Independence and the celebrations were lauded for generating an unprecedented influx of foreign capital and many are expecting a repeat for the Republic celebrations.

The mega concert featured a vast mix that sampled calypso, soca and chutney music. Linden’s own Diana Chapman was a definite stand out as she electrified her hometown audience with a female empowerment inspired set. She commanded the stage with her super-woman costume, brilliant vocals, and characteristic high energy performing style. In keeping with the female empowerment undertone of her performance the talented young singer appeared on stage accompanied by an all-female dance troop. She had the crowd under her spell long before she introduced her latest single entitled “Man shortage.”

Attitude, jubilation and confidence and some Guyanese style back-balling characterized an unforgettable performance by the soca legend herself Michelle big Red King. The normally energetic performer represented for the big girls as usual, as she belted a string of her most popular hits including the “take that”, “fire waist-line” and “Body talk ” as she enticed the crowd to sing and dance along. She instructed the women in the audience to wine and touch their toes in what she dubbed a “big girl friendly” manner and brought it home with a golden performance of “the Guyanese wine” that she introduced with a ballad like sound paying homage to the Patriotic themes of the song.

 

Kwasi Ace also took to the stage and reminded everyone that he was indeed “still in the game”.  The lyrical genius stayed with the patriotic theme belting hits such as “Only waist” targeting the ethnic divides that has plagued our nation for years.  He took and interlude to instruct the crowd to recite the National pledge before bringing back the party vibe with covers of “Jump” by Rupee and “Palance” JW & Blaze. However no Kwasi Ace Performance is ever complete without the mention of his brilliant Monologues that unabashedly touches on social and political issues. He as always represents for his given title as the lyricists.

 

Two time Soca monarch Jumo Primo closed the show. The soca sensation went through a medley of hits including his recent songs such as “boom bang boom out,” and “Brace”. Jumo then took the audience on a journey beginning with his early years performing with fellow singer Adrian Dutchin in the group known as Times 2 (X2).  Jumo even gave a proverbial cooking lesson as he thought the linden crowd how to properly “stir the Pot.” A relative staple of Guyana’s Republic/Mashramani Celebrations Jumo is known for his charisma and humility. Jumo demonstrated his humility again in Linden as he jumped from the stage to party in the crowd with his adoring fans creating yet another extraordinary moment.

After the curtain closed on the live concert it was time for the street jam. The party went into the wee hours in the morning as many Dj’s juggled to entertain the crowd who obviously were not ready to leave. It was an extravaganza; a fitting way to begin this most important and culturally significant 50^th Republic Jubilee celebration. You can follow Caribbean entertainment hub for updates on these celebrations. We here at Caribbean entertainment Hub join with all of Guyana in celebrating 50 years as a Republic.