THE ‘Generation Next’ Concert to be held as part of the Inaugural Guyana Festival celebrations on August 10 was officially launched on July 11.

At the press briefing held in the Tourism Ministry’s Boardroom at South Road Georgetown, the names of the performing artistes were revealed, among whom are the energetic Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts, First Born, Big Red, Rajesh Dubraj, Alabama, Adrian Dutchin, and Kwasie Edmonson.

In brief remarks, Mr. Lennox Canterbury, Entertainment Manager of the Ministry of Tourism, noted that this concert will offer something for all age ranges; but, most importantly, it will be all entertainment.

He said “This concert intends to showcase existing talent and emerging talent; it is overwhelming, the amount of artistes who have shown interest. It’s tremendous!”

He also noted that the Heat Wave Band will be the band of choice for the Generation Next Concert.

The artistes also shared their views on the event, and expressed their gratitude for being part of this inaugural festival. They were unanimous in their opinion that this concert would showcase Guyana and what the country has to offer, not only in music, but in culture and foods.

The artiste Alabama said he loves to see Guyanese talent being promoted, and that he is proud that the Tourism and Culture Ministry is showing love to young local artistes.

Vanilla expressed her excitement at being able to participate in the upcoming event, and noted that she would be bringing a lot of energy to the stage on the night of the concert. She said the audience can expect something new from her. “There is always room for surprises,” she said.

Big Red expressed her gratitude to the Ministry as well as to the sponsors. She said that without them this event would not be possible. She said, “I will be giving our Guyanese the best of the best, come concert night.”

Rajesh Dubraj explained that he would be performing mostly chutney music, styling himself the ‘real chutney deal.’

Tourism Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali noted that the concert would be a very exciting one, filled with energy and enthusiasm. “To bring a multifaceted group of people together will be exciting,” he opined.

The Minister pointed out that, in previous times, our Guyanese artistes would have been battling for their personal gain; but now: “We will see our artistes battling on stage for one purpose — one music, one culture, one people, and this is what we will be celebrating,” he said.
Minister Ali is strongly encouraging persons to purchase their Festival Passports, which would allow them to enjoy great discounts at over 20 different business entities, and entry to all three days of the festival.

“It includes millions of dollars in prizes and discounts; and with the passport, patrons will be given a chance to win a car as a door prize. But to be entitled to all these deals, you must have a Festival Passport,” Minister Ali reiterated.

He also emphasised that Festival Passports are of limited quantity, as only 10,000 have been printed, almost half of which has already been sold.

He mentioned also that to commemorate the inaugural Guyana Festival, King’s Jewellery will be producing a Festival Coin which would be launched very soon.

Prior to the Generation Next Concert, a cook-off of traditional Guyanese cuisine, such as duck curry, pepperpot, cook-up, metemgee and black cake, will be held. The Guyana Festival committee reiterated that persons and groups interested in participating in this exciting and novel event can access the registration forms from the website www.guyanafestival.gy or visit the Facebook page: Guyana Festival.

Interested persons can pick up their Guyana Festival Passports from the 18 available locations countrywide at a cost of Gy$3000 or US$15. The locations are as follows: Nigel’s Supermarket, Ashmin’s Store, Courts, N and S Mattai, Survival Supermarket, KK Gas Station (Mahaica), M and M Snackette, Courts at Parika, Church’s Chicken at Linden, Essential Care Pharmacy, G3 Building at Diamond Housing Scheme; Fat Boy Discount Store at Stelling Road, Vreed-en-Hoop; the Ministry of Tourism’s South Road Office, and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.

The Guyana Festival covers three days, and will feature our most celebrated legends in sports, culture, art, music, food, entertainment, and much more.

Day One will feature an airshow and national concert; Day Two’s audience will experience the Night of the Legends; and Day Three will feature a national cook off with food from every culture, followed by the Generation Next Concert.
Written By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally