THE ‘One Guyana’ Show that was held virtually last Saturday night has managed to achieve quite an extravagant and remarkable display of love and togetherness, with some of the best names in the local entertainment industry putting on their best performances.

Organised by the Guyana Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the event received thousands of views online with each performance underscoring the need for the population to strive towards a more peaceful and harmonious Guyana.

Culture Minister Charles Ramson, in his message to the viewers, repeatedly stated that the concert was only the beginning of all of the plans in place to further this type of agenda, and that the focus will be on developing the people of the country.

“We are committed to developing our people. Our President has launched an ambitious plan to drive our country towards a future we can all be proud of. Make no mistake, we can only do this together….we must guard against anyone and movement that want to sow the seed of discord and disunity that could destroy our national treasure, our culture,” he warned.

“Guyana is our home, the home we love…this is the country that we can build for the future, a future we can be proud of. We are proud to host this event where we can celebrate young Guyanese talent, talent we can call our own,” Ramson added.
The more than two-hour long show, hosted by Curtis ‘DJ Casual’ Armstrong, Allana Bose and WR Reaz, observed a moment of silence for the three young Guyanese boys who died tragically recently and whose deaths sparked outrage in the country, resulting in heated racial tensions.
It was described as a night of healing through prayer and performances by DJ Casual, who noted that the organisers want a country that is filled with love and tolerance for one another.

Meanwhile, in a pre-recorded message, First Lady Arya Ali offered that there was no better way for Guyanese to celebrate their oneness than through art, music, dance and other cultural expressions.

GUYANESE IDENTITY

“This event celebrates the uniqueness of that singular Guyanese identity…We all have a responsibility in contributing to an environment in which we can build trust and compassion and celebrate each other,” she expressed.

Well-loved comedians Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones, Mark ‘Chiney Man’ Kazim, and Leza ‘Radika’ Singh, put on a stirring performance as usual, full of hilarity, but also packed with important messages about unity and racism.

Their skit underscored the need for racism to be dismissed from early in a child’s life and how it is necessary to upbraid friends and family who are guilty of engaging in racism. It also showed the love that currently exists among the races, and made the point that every relationship would sometimes encounter problems.

Other performers included Jumo Primo, Timeka Marshall, Saiku, Samuel Medas, Bunty Singh, Steven Ramphal, Vanilla, Vanita Willie, Poonam Singh, Calvin Burnette, Brandon Harding, Professor, Alabama and Whiz Phillips, Daniela Araujo, Mark Batson, Super Ray and Murphys, Vaneta Wille, Big Red, Otis Drummers, Rajesh Dubraj Tassa Troupe, and other big names in the industry.

“At the end of the day, no matter what, colour, or hair texture, we are one Guyana. We must always show love and kindness for each other and that’s what I really wanted to spread tonight,” expressed Poonam Singh.

Stephen Ramphal offered that sharing music of love, harmony and positivity is close to his heart and something that his music has always encouraged.

“I’m happy we were able to do an event like this. We wanted to give some comfort…” other performer Vanilla said, while Rajesh Dubraj noted: “Our country has been down for a couple of months but to come together as one family to perform, we’re happy to be here. Guyana is first and foremost for us.”
Jumo had told this publication last week that even from home, he wanted to have the same effect on his viewers as if they were there in person.
“I’ve been taught that even if there is only one person in the audience, I should perform as if there were 10,000 people there,” Jumo had said, adding, “So even though a virtual concert is a bit different, I still enjoy it because I know the people are watching and I know what I want them to feel. They must sit down in front of that TV and want to come out of their seats, must want to jump and wave, sing, feel everything that is happening as if they were actually outside.”

He no doubt achieved his goal on Saturday night with his dancing and singing performance with Vanita Wille.