Aims to empower black youths and foster change in the black community

During the quarantine, young creatives have found ways and means to keep themselves active and created platforms to continue sharing their craft.
Spice & Clove was one that came a few weeks ago, created by Guyanese Poet, ‘The Olive’, with the motivation of Renata Burnette and Clinton Duncan.

The first edition was a huge success and showcased many talented Guyanese acts.
The second edition is slated for today, August 2, and given the significance of this Emancipation weekend, it is themed ‘Black Lives Matter’.

‘The Olive’ told ‘The Buzz’ that the indifference prevalent against people of African descent is real, and the best way she believes she can channel how she feels is through her craft.
It is her belief, that through the arts, people will listen and be inspired. “People love entertainment so when you sneak some social commentary in it, it registers subliminally. Proven fact,” the young woman said.

This is the aim of the Black Lives Matter edition on Sunday. “This is also more for the creatives. It’s 99 percent black creatives from around the world of Guyanese Heritage who need some spotlight for just being great. And from the last Spice and Clove I have inspired some others to start being more bold about their talents because I showed them that we take them seriously,” she said.

She added that Afro-Guyanese are not very “woke” so they continue to suffer oppression. “Globalisation has really influenced the way we see ourselves and where we need to be. Sometimes it’s good but other times it’s bad because we became detached from our reality since we’re focusing on other people’s own. Many don’t believe BLM is applicable to Guyana because they don’t believe we got marginalised black youths here,” she said. “The ‘six races’ excuses are used to gaslight and discredit the plight of black people. Our society has so much being normalised that for them it isn’t oppression, it’s necessary. So education is important. And what do young people like? Entertainment. Spice and Clove is culturally significant to me and us, the participants.”

This edition aims to bring light to oppression and be a wakeup call for change in the lives of black youths.

Although the concert is aimed at channelling the audience’s thoughts and feelings, educate and entertain the platform, ‘The Olive’ said that they also aim to allow Guyanese creatives to get the shine they deserve.

“It has always been my dream to create a network of creatives accessible to all and that’s what I’ve been working on. Some people are now trying to push-start their career or hobby and they started with Spice and Clove. Some have been on the scene but people don’t know them. Well everyone is going to know every single Spice and Clove performer after I’m done. And those who had doubts of starting channels etc because of how Guyana treats the creative industry will be inspired to push through when they see people are listening,” the young firepower said.

Sharing some of the acts that will be featured on Sunday, the poet said: “I have an Artist living in Miami, Romell McLoed who will paint live. Some poetry of course from people currently living right here, London and the Islands. I got some rap music by great people and lovely singing by some of the best singers I know. Abike Barker (The Shady poet) performed last time and people were begging to see her again. She didn’t even think that could’ve been possible. But I’m happy she understands how valued her work is and to never give up cause somebody’s listening. The creatives also have other things that they do, like Terrence Issacs has just written a book and I think things like that should be explosive news in Guyana.”

Persons can tune in on their Facebook page Spice and Clove at 19:00hrs tonight, to witness some of the amazing young black talents lined up.