OVER the years, it has been noted that Guyana is indeed facing a serious dilemma in that our folklore ( particularly masquerade and drumming) is disappearing from our society or losing its allure and significance altogether.

Many have indicated various reasons for this and so we took to the streets to hear what the people have to say. Here are some views gleaned:

Andres Garib (Maintenance Worker)

Although the masquerade band has been a significant feature in society throughout the years, the art form has lost its impact and authenticities, since many who participate in this art form are more interested in soliciting cash than providing genuine fun and entertainment for spectators. Another factor that destroys the masquerade is the lack of related authorities to put maximum monetary investments towards its development”.
As for the folklore of the African drums, this tradition is diminishing because of similar reasons.
Persons are now taking the African Drums into the streets, solely to obtain ‘fast cash’. Everyday you can see men in streets, not properly attired, attempting half-hearted drumming. What is needed is a more centralised and intensified effort to enhance and promote our traditional folklore so it could become a tourist attraction.

Lyn Ann Medford (Hotel Manager/Dance Instructor)

“The masquerade and drumming traditions are indeed important to our culture and in showcasing Guyana as a promising tourist location. Tourists are always intrigued by Caribbean culture and these two art forms have always been a highpoint for visitors.
However, the two traditions over the years have not received deserved recognition by all concerned, and as such have rapidly been fading from our society. It’s quite a pleasure to see the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, in collaboration with other related entities, making efforts to strengthen these art forms and taking them to the next level.

Tyrone Nelson (Overseas-based fashion designer)
“Guyanese are migrating every day and one of the reasons would be because of our disappearing folklore and other issues.
Take for instance, not so long ago, the leader of Guyana’s top masquerade band ‘Joker is Wild’ migrated to Trinidad in search of ‘green pastures’. And in an article in the Kaieteur News in 2009, he stated that he was frustrated at the insignificant manner in which authorities were dealing with the art form. Visiting Trinidad, he had the opportunity of witnessing the vibrant culture there and decided to try his luck again in a land where culture and traditions are given priority and deserved emphasis”.

Christopher De Frietas (Hotel front desk receptionist)

Masquerade is probably the only original form of music and dance from Guyana, and it is believed by many that masquerade has it’s origin in Nigeria’s Yoruba and Ibo traditions. The drums are said to have originated from the depths of Africa too, and as such, has maintained a stronghold around the Caribbean.
“Quite naturally, any country or people would want to ensure their traditions and cultures remain around for a very long time, and that has been the downfall of those in Guyana responsible for doing so. I think those responsible for promoting the drums and masquerade in Guyana should not only make efforts to heighten the tradition, but should compensate those involved in the practice just the same as they do with persons that may be involved in competitions in the genre of calypso, soca, chutney and other competitions.

Christopher Boyer (Marketing Clerk)

Its very appalling to see the state of our traditional drumming and masquerade in today’s society. In years gone by, masquerade and African drumming used to be the ‘order of the day’ in many villages. Today these art forms are not even prevalent in historical villages like Itacha, Victoria, Ann’s Grove and a few others where the traditions originated.
This tradition has dwindled considerably and I think those to be blamed are the agencies that were tasked with keeping them alive and vibrant in Guyana. It’s a good thing to see the Mash Secretariat, in collaboration with the Culture Ministry, reviving the masquerade in certain communities, and the masquerade ‘flounce off’ recently hosted at Ann’s Grove Village was an excellent initiative. However, for the era of the drums and masquerade to evolve again, there is need for a countrywide effort to sustain the art forms. Masquerade and drumming should become a part of our school curriculum and the few individuals or group trying to do their best with such culture should be assisted in a major way by authorities that seem more interested in placing their finances elsewhere.

Jermaine Mc Bean (Established Musician)

“I would be very brief in my comments since I don’t believe in long speeches. While drum and masquerade is indeed important aspects in our rich Guyanese culture, I think in many cases the wrong concepts are formulated in promoting the art forms, and in many cases initiatives formulated are often staged in the wrong locations.
Yes indeed, the drums and masquerade are really disappearing from the local shores, and there are many reasons for that. Monies should be invested in properly training persons to market and promote the art forms and masquerade and drumming should become a high point at our airports, and historical land sites where it is expected that tourists will converge.

Nancy Osborne (Singer and fitness enthusiast)

Over the years people have lost their respect for drumming and for masquerade, thus naturally causing them to receive little or no significance. This has resulted in open disrespect and insults from commuters as drummers and masquerade dancers take to the streets during the Christmas and Mashramani festivities.
This of course has dampened the spirits of those involved. And I know of many who have indicated that incentives made available to persons in masquerade and drumming have made their efforts almost fruitless. What is needed to get things back on track is a ‘countrywide effort’ that involves the collaborations of academic institutions, dance schools, and the very experienced involvement of the ‘elderly folks’ with a vast reservoir of experience in such culture to pass on their knowledge to the youngsters coming up after they would have moved on. Drumming and masquerade should also receive the unanimous ‘monetary sponsorship packages’ that many corporate entities shower on foreign ‘entertainment ventures’.

Michelle ‘Big Red’ King (Soca Queen and fashion enthusiast)

While I agree that our drums and the masquerade folklore is indeed almost absent from our society, I certainly would not blame any one person for this saddening fact.
What is needed in Guyana is centralised effort in every region to promote the art forms. And I am talking workshops, seminars, entertainment ventures, shows and documentaries.