GUYANA’S 50th Independence Anniversary evoked a countrywide overflow of nationalism and euphoria, bringing with it reactions from Guyanese that have not been seen in quite some time. Among all the jubilation, it was the local music industry which, perhaps, experienced the biggest boost, as a large number of local artistes paid tribute to their beloved country through song.
Ironically, whereas just weeks prior, local artistes had complained that there was a lack of airplay of local music, the airwaves have, in the last month, been inundated with the Guyanese sound, with many of the pieces achieving the quality that local DJs have been calling for.
So, if you’re still experiencing the ‘Jubilee’ fever, here are a few songs you may want to think about adding to your playlist.
POONAM SINGH’S ‘GUYANA’: This happy-go-lucky tribute to beautiful Guyana is perhaps the most popular among the locals, with excessive radio play, over 40,000 YouTube views, and hundreds of ‘shares’ on Facebook. It’s a catchy tune, with simple lyrics and a rhythm you can’t help but dance to.
Poonam is also the reigning queen of the Miss Global International Pageant, and has over the months become quite popular on Social Media. So, in addition to her enthralling vocals, this tune gained popularity at a time when the young songstress is herself making waves in other ventures.

JACKIE JAXX’S ‘GUYANA’: Also on the list of favourites is this soulful love song by Jackie Jaxx. The Reggae/Dancehall singer put down her raunchy antics, and belted out this ballad that speaks of the love and devotion she has for her country. This song has also enjoyed immense popularity, both on air, and on Social Media, with over 20,000 YouTube views. Of course, Jackie is no stranger to the music scene, and most recently has been celebrated for having her song, ‘Money’, featured on VH1’s ‘Love and Hip Hop Atlanta’.

JUKE ROSS ‘Not ah blade ah Grass: This newcomer’s cover of Dave Martins’ classic, which includes a ‘world version’ produced by Jamaican artist, Serani, has met the Guyanese public with great approval.
Juke Ross has been positively identified for his charming, husky vocals reminiscent of artists like Phil Collins, and has been turning heads on social media among the youngsters. His recently-dropped single, ‘Home’. which pays tribute to Guyana, also showcases the passion that this unassuming but extremely talented singer has for his country.
GOLDEN CHILDREN PROJECT: This is an entire album of songs which was launched for the Golden Jubilee, and includes songs by artistes such as Dublin, Remar, Tamika Marshall and others.
The album also has a collaborative tune, ‘Golden Children’, where several of the artistes pay tribute to Guyana. The Golden Children Project was produced by Jonathan Beepat of Wildfire Entertainment.

UNITY PROJECT: Like the Golden Children Project, the Unity Project is a collaborative effort among several artistes, including Lisa Punch, Kwasi Ace, Calvin Burnett, Gavin Mendonca, Lerone Souvenir, Josephine Mitchell, Anasha Dutchin, Tiffany Bonner, Ryan Samaroo, Christian and Jeremy Sobers, Taylor Jones, Nuriyyih Gerard, and Charmaine Blackman.
Indeed, it’s a long lineup, but the end product, ‘Together we can have it all’, is worth giving a listen.

GAVIN MENDONCA’S ‘CREOLE ROCK: THE BEGINNING’: Gavin didn’t just launch a song, but an entire album dedicated to ‘Guyaneseness’.
Creole Rock is a mashup of Rock with the Guyanese culture, as Gavin infuses his accent into his original songs and covers on the album.
The album includes his own version of ‘Not ah Blade ah Grass’, as well as covers of several other national songs, like ‘Small Days’, ‘Bamboo Fiyah’ and ‘Let us Cooperate’.
Gavin has also included several original tributes, including ‘City by the Tides’ and ‘Mashramani’.
His entire album is a celebration of Guyana, so ensure you cop it soon!

REMAR’S ‘WHERE I’M FROM’: Adding to the mix of things is this rap tribute from Remar in which the rapper gives continued praise to his country and the love he has for it. The introduction of the song features snippets of memorable speeches of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and Dr. Cheddi Jagan. This song can be found on the Golden Children Album, of which Remar is also a critical contributor, having also penned the lyrics for the titular track on the Album.

DUBLIN’S ‘GT WOMAN’: This funky love song can also be found on the Golden Children Album, and not only speaks to the beauty of Guyanese women, but is a metaphorical tribute to the love-hate relationship between the artiste and Guyana. On his Soundcloud account, Dublin says, “Guyana may not always be kind, but nothing will ever change how much I love it. After all, she is my true GT Woman.” The 27-year-old singer was born in England, but spent most his life in Guyana. As such, it is unsurprising that he considers Guyana his home.

TONIEKA THOMPSON’S ‘50th JUBILEE’. Out of Ruff Kut Productions comes Tonieka Thompson’s Soca-ish tribute which speaks of exactly that, and calls Guyanese from wherever they are to come home and celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence.
Tonieka herself is based in Barbados, but has done exactly what her song aims to inspire: She has come home.
The songstress will also join several other artistes on the Jubilee Tour, which begins on June 17. The Tour will take the artistes to Delaware, Washington D.C., Virginia, New York and other locations.
Of course, this list is not exclusive. There are several other artistes who have dropped memorable tracks, and which are enjoying tremendous amounts of airplay.
And while there still remain the questions of whether or not this overflow of nationalism will last, or whether the radio stations will continue to be so generous with giving the Guyanese artistes the valuable airtime from which they have felt deprived, it is still refreshing to know that at this very moment, Guyanese music has again begun to thrive.