By Jasmaine Payne

OF the long list of things that sets Guyana apart, it is the country’s cultural diversity, which is one of her most endearing characteristics. On any given day, it is therefore not strange to see the varying contributions of our multi-ethnic society occupying parts of Guyanese life.
A glaring example of this is the musical hum added to the Regent Street ‘busy-ness’ by a group of five musicians using African instruments.
For the past 24 years, these same men have made the corner at Camp and Regent Streets their place of work, by serenading passing Guyanese with African drums, shak-shaks, a trombone and the singing of cultural songs in exchange for donations.
On a good day, the men would see a substantial flow of contributions, but on other days, the most they may receive is a harsh charge from a passerby to “find a real wuk”.

FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC
But it’s all for the love of music, and the preservation of Guyanese culture that keeps these men coming out daily, and plying their trade as curb-side music makers.
And while after all these years, you’d think that they would have given themselves a name, these men revel in the simple pleasure of standing, side-by-side without label; without any other purpose than to give passersby a reason to tap their feet in exchange for whatever monetary donation they may receive.
“Drumming is what gave me money in the hard times,” said 37-year-old Sherwin James. “I just never gave it up.”
Sherwin and his brother, Mark, both learned to play the drums as young boys growing up in the African Church. From there, Sherwin lent his talents to the National Dance Company. Later, the two young men met with the others who would form members of the current group: “Sleepy Eye”, who also plays the drums; “Shaka”, who plays the Shak-Shak (which explains his ‘call-name’); and Malcolm Rodney on the trombone.
These five musicians believe wholeheartedly that it is important to keep the African culture alive, as it serves as a direct connection to our ancestors. Just as drumming plays a role in the culture of other races, Africans need to hold on to this art as a means of paying tribute to their past.
“The Indians and the Chinese stick to their traditional forms of drumming; the negroes run away from the traditional drumming, gravitating more towards drum sets,” Sherwin said.

‘DRUMMING IS OUR CALLING’
“But drumming is our calling; and just as the other races stick to it, so should we,” he added.
He described his years doing this kind of work as “a joy”, adding that it’s always good to see the reaction of some people who especially enjoy the music they play.
“Sometimes some people pass with the joy in them, and would ‘throw their foot’ to the music and shake up their body. We like to see that,” Sherwin said.
Otherwise, you can find the group attending queh-quehs, wakes, birthday services, banquets and other African-oriented events.
Recently, the group was able to showcase their talents by providing music for the Winfer Gardens Primary School at the Children’s Mashramani Competition.
Sherwin was proud to say that the school brought First Place in their category. And as the Jubilee celebrations approach, Sherwin said that the group would love to be part of the festivities, and would consider approaching the relevant authorities to offer their services.
As time passes by, Sherwin and the unnamed group of musicians have agreed that they are content with this purpose of providing live entertainment for the public. And while some of the men also provide other services — ‘Shaka’ is also a well-known gymnast who performs at other public events — it is this daily gathering as like-minded musicians that give them the most gratification.