GUYANA’S number one band, ‘The Heatwave Band’ has performed throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, and lately has also been carded for several overseas performances in such places as French Guiana, Suriname, New York, France, and Montserrat.This band has been the main feature at almost all the annual Jamzone festivities, and the Carib Soca Monarch competitions.
Many have dubbed their performances as superb, orderly and well-orchestrated, but just a few are aware that the driving force behind the band’s continuous success is bandleader, Anthony John, more popularly known as ‘Bassie’.
‘Bassie’ had shown an early interest in music from a very tender age while attending the Plaisance Full Gospel Church. At age six, he was already on the drums in the church band, and developed quite nicely over the years.
As he grew older, he took up a post with the then famous El Sadiek Band in the early 1970s, then later left to join forces with Kester ‘D’ ‘Fyah House Band’.
His versatility later saw him taking up a position with Michael Fung’s Mingles Band, where he broadened his scope in music.
Being a man who loves to try new things, he later took up a position with the Brutal Jammers Band. He actually came up with the name for this band and worked relentlessly to make it become the number one local band in less than six months.
After spending three years with Brutal Jammers, he branched off and started his own band, ‘Heatwave’, which has been chalking up notable points for the past seven years.
The Heatwave Band has performed at the popular GT&T Jingles and Song Competition, and was always highly praised for its performances.
‘Bassie’ particularly acknowledged the support of HJTV’s Rawle Ferguson and Kerwyn Bollers who contributed positively in his career. He also applauded the efforts of Ansa Mc Al’s Nigel Worrell, who always gave him support when he needed it.
This talented dude is grateful for the efforts of the folks at Vizion Sound Recordings, who have actually been managing the band for the past year.
Heatwave is the only band in Guyanese history to have enjoyed the privilege of having overseas artistes requesting that they play for them during performances in foreign lands.
‘Bassie’ is certainly an all-rounder, since he plays all the instruments in the band, but is really one of Guyana’s talented guitarists. He particularly mentioned that the Heatwave Band is the property of all the band members; even their very saucy female dancers.
He noted that it’s indeed a tedious task to manage a band of that magnitude, and is particularly elated at their success, despite severe criticisms of many who thought they could never attain the heights they have achieved today.
He showered praises on Vizion Sound’s CEO, Walter Fraser, who, he said, has paved the way for the band to become a hit in Jamaica. He also extended his gratitude to the American Embassy for making available their visas to allow them to perform in the USA.
‘Bassie’ is particularly grateful to Princess Ravon Hotel and Madon Enterprises, and Mr Paul Giddings whom he said have all helped the band greatly.
The Heatwave Band has produced dynamic artistes like Kross Kolor’s Tennicia Defrietas, dancehall sensation Jackie ‘Jazzy Jack’ Hanover, and GT&T Jingles and Song Competition finalist, Nickeisha Alexander who is doing quite well in Antigua.
‘Bassie’ has also helped to groom talented local singer, Calvin Burnette, who is certainly kicking up his heels musically.
‘Bassie’ wishes to advise other musicians to love and respect each other, since no one is perfect. He also calls on local musicians to develop the habit of being able to accept constructive criticisms with good grace.