INTERNATIONAL artistes for The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) three-staged “Hamara Guyana Concerts” slated for this weekend arrived yesterday and are all set to give big performances at every venue. At a press conference held yesterday at the Herdmanston Lodge, well known international Guyanese Singer Terry Gajraj, and Marissa Deodat, whose stunning voice is surpassed only by her beauty, expressed their excitement to be performing in Guyana for the IAC Melas commemorating the 177th year of Indian Arrival in Guyana.
The “Guyanese Baboo” Terry Gajraj disclosed that though he is no stranger to Guyana’s shores, he has never performed for Indian Arrival in Guyana and is looking forward to the mammoth crowds, the host of talented local singers and dancers and the Choka Fest.
Overseas-based Guyanese Marissa Deodat has also returned specifically to perform at these concerts and is anticipating the excitement and fun associated with the IAC’s annual Melas.
Executive member of the IAC committee, Aditya Persaud, reiterated that the first Hamara Guyana concert along with the Choka Fest will be held today at the National Stadium.
The second Mela will be held at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground in Essequibo on Saturday, when Gajraj, Deodat, Butkoon and Raghu will perform and will be backed by the Sangeet Rhythms Band.
The final will be held on Tuesday, May 5, at the Albion Sports Complex in Berbice, where Raghu will be replaced by Neval Chatelal for the Berbice concert with the artistes being backed by the Shakti Strings Orchestra.
Also present at the press briefing was well-wisher and supporter of IAC Minister Robert Persaud. TV and radio personality WR Reeyaz disclosed that there will also be special appearances by KI and his full band, along with Sally Sargam out of Trinidad and popular dance groups including as Nachgana Dance Academy, Shelita Dance Group, and Roshini Boodhoo’sJewanKaNritya.
The events will also feature free mehendi and face painting from 5pm to 7pm, along with lots of games and fun activities for the children.
Mini exhibits showcasing the three major religions of Guyana as well as various aspects of Indian culture, plus yoga demonstrations will be on display.
Admission for each of the family-oriented cultural events is free, moreover, free parking and security will be in effect at all the venues.
The IAC is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation established to deal with issues and concerns of persons of Indo-Guyanese origin, and to promote Indian culture in all its aspects throughout Guyana.