WITH Mashramani just around the bend, Canadian-based Guyanese entertainer, John ‘Slingshot’ Drepaul is making feverish preparations for this year’s festivities.
He told the Chronicle via telephone recently that this year will see his Mash camp producing costumes so vibrant, they’re bound to “tear up de place” come Mash Day.

And while he is yet to decide on the strength of his band, he can safely say he will have more revelers on the streets this year than all the others put together.
A singer, songwriter and composer, Slingshot’s is household name in Guyana, as his music and videos are heard and seen almost daily on radio and television respectively.
Such is his popularity that he is today causing many in the Caribbean music industry to sit up and take notice, and many a folks to dance joyously. His music is appealing to people of all races, backgrounds, and cultures because it has rhythm and meaning. Listen for yourself and be the judge.
This self-taught musician, entertainer, and calypsonian, whose raw and authentic Caribbean singing style imitates no one in particular, has a most colourful past.
Born and raised on the Corentyne, in the County of Berbice with the scenic Number 63 Beach in his backyard, his circumstance would later prove to be an inspiration for most of his poetry, songs, and short stories.
‘Slingshot’ lived on his own in a beach-house from age 13, with no assistance from his family. His stepmother, Etwaria Masidas, had put him out of the family home to fend for himself. He rose above such adversity, and was determined to succeed and make something good out of life for himself.
Living in a beach-house at such an early age, with no parental control and/or guidance gave him the flexibility to juggle high school and performing with his string combo ‘The Lonely Bulls’. Adding to his versatility, he also led and managed a chutney band, ‘Sons of India’, during the late 60s.
Migrating to the United States in the early 1970s, he honed his entertaining skills in New York City’s Greenwich Village coffeehouses, subways, and street corners. His resilience, confidence and charisma are reflected in the witty songs of his Guyanese heritage. As a soldier stationed in Germany in the late 70s, Slingshot sharpened his songwriting skills. They are deeply rooted in his music and lyrics, which are insightful, satiric at times, romantic, wonderfully humorous, and spiced with Caribbean nostalgia.
During the early 80s, Slingshot and his band, ‘Tropical Waves’, enjoyed immense popularity among West Indian partygoers in New York. They were the opening act at Madison Square Garden for Jamaican pioneering dancehall artiste, ‘Yellowman’, along with Trinidad’s ‘Mighty Sparrow’ and ‘Calypso Rose’.
In the mid-80s, with “Signs of the Zodiacs”, a Brooklyn-based 13-piece brass band, Slingshot blossomed into a versatile, dynamic and innovative entertainer. He still credits that group with the disciplined brass arrangement that can be felt in his musical compositions.
Slingshot entered Guyana’s Mashramani 2004 Road March competition for the first time, on February 23, 2004, with his band titled: Wake Up, My Guyana with Slingshot. It won the raves and hearts of everyone and placed 1st in Semi-Costumed Big Band Category.

From November 22 to 29, 2004, Slingshot got his fellow Guyanese artistes together and recorded a song (You’re Not Alone), which he and his co-lyricist Ingrid wrote for the disadvantaged children of Guyana, especially those abandoned, orphaned, and the unfortunate ones diagnosed with the AIDS/HIV virus. For this and his deep concern for the welfare of others, as well as his undying love for Guyana, Slingshot was awarded the Mayor’s Award of Excellence for outstanding achievement in the field of music.
The “GT Lime 2005 Award for Charitable Works” was given to Slingshot at its 2005 dinner/dance. This was in appreciation for the unselfish way he assists those who are less fortunate, and for the love and care he extends towards orphans and children generally.
Slingshot was among those selected by The Guyana Cultural Association Folk Festival 2005 Award Committee for its Wordsworth McAndrew Award. The criteria for such a prestigious award is based on several attributes to include originality, scope, impact / influence, integration, pioneering spirit, challenges and achievements. The selected finalists represent exemplary models in their arts related accomplishments, and their outstanding contribution to Guyana’s cultural life.
Slingshot performs regularly at all West Indian carnival celebrations and has a number of recorded songs and musical videos to his credit. He has made several guest appearances in clubs, on numerous TV and Radio programs in New York, UK, the Caribbean, and Guyana, and has so far released five CDs: Sweet Island Woman; Remembering; Home Sweet Home; Jump for Carnival; Mash Fever.
This “Man for all Seasons” is working on his Christmas CD tentatively titled “A Very Merry Guyanese Christmas”, and his musical videos will soon be on the market. In the videos, Slingshot has incorporated the latest in DVD visual technology to correspondingly promulgate and keep alive the natural beauty of his beloved Guyana.
He is also editing his manuscript titled, “From No. 63 Beach to Madison Square Garden”, which chronicles his rather interesting and unique journey through life.
Slingshot presently resides in Florida.