AFTER an electrifying performance in Jamaica, the country has not stopped talking about ‘the Guyanese reggae artiste’, Mark Batson, so much; he has had to extend his stay.

The 34-year-old artiste was invited to perform at the Dennis Brown tribute concert in Jamaica, last Sunday, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in reggae history; `Mutabaruka’, `Luciano’, `Freddy McGregor’, `Lloyd Parks’, `George Nooks’, `Ken Boothe’, `Big Youth’, and many others.
Last week, Batson told `The Buzz’, that he was teeming with excitement, and although excited, he said that he was nervous, since it will be his first time going to Jamaica, and in addition to that, he will be amongst some of the greatest legends of reggae music.

Sharing the stage with those big names did not dull Batson’s shine, as he was well received by the Jamaican audience and commended across the country and social media, about his magnificent performance, and exceptional vocals.
He was schedule to return home since Wednesday (February 27), but more opportunities presented itself, causing him to extend his stay until next month.

Thus far, he has been on several radio and television stations across Jamaica, speaking about his music career and sharing some of his music produced here, in Guyana. He was also featured in one of the most popular newspaper in the country, the Jamaican Gleaner.

In a telephone interview, Batson told ‘The Buzz’ that has had some of the most amazing experiences in the last few days. He said that the struggle of the music industry in Guyana caused him to give up on his career a few years ago, but his love for music, could not see him giving up entirely.

This experience, his said, has definitely opened new doors for him, and he hopes to be catapulted on a new level in his career as a Guyanese artiste.

“I have been getting a lot of exposure, meeting with different artistes, engaging in different media interviews across the country… Guyana doesn’t have this much strive in the music industry. It has just been the best few days of my life in music. I waited 23 years for an experience like this, and I hope to make the best of it, for further upliftment for the future,” Batson said.

Batson also said that this opportunity came at the most relevant time in his musical career, since he has released an album titled `Music without Borders’ and he has been using the occasion to share his album with the people and promote it in the country.

His road manager, Chenille Bowen, said that she witnessed the reception he received, and it was phenomenal. She added that they attended the Reggae Gold Awards on Wednesday, and as soon as he entered, the media flocked him for interviews on spot.
Batson was on Hype TV, Full House Friday, and many other popular shows in the country promoting himself and his music.

The rising Reggae star will also be performing next Tuesday at the JARIA Awards, being held at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica Campus.

Batson’s trip was made possible with the support of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, the Department of Culture, and his management, Vizion Sounds.