THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company, on Friday hosted a cultural extravaganza, in observance of the UN designated Year of the People of African Descent. The programme, which presented a significant and unique blend of aspects of African culture, was staged in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA); and the National School of Dance.

Items included poetry, African drumming, song and dance by celebrated artistes, including the All Steppers Dance Company; Winslow Cole (Blackie); Ceon Martindale; and Ras Camo on the Steel pans with his ‘Redemption Song’.
But the crowd favourite was the “Whaul Sisters”(trio) who performed Miriam Makeba’s ‘Patta Patta’.

Guests were also treated to an exquisite display of African attire and an exhibition of Art and Craft and African artifacts.
Meanwhile, there was also a display of African tribal dress by GPL’s staff, among whom were their King and Queen – Carl Amsterdam and Amanda Martindale.

Among the audience were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Frank Anthony; and Minister of Communication and Works, Robeson Benn.

The evening’s programme concluded with a rich medley of folk songs and the serving of African cuisine, including metemgee, cassava pone, conkee, black and white pudding, plantain chips and mauby.