FOR local folk/rock musician, Gavin Mendonca, and Leader of the Buxton Fusion Drumming Group, Marlon ‘Chucky’ Adams, it’s not just about highlighting the beauty of Guyana in their music and performances, but they want to tell the world about the country’s rich history, and the importance of protecting the earth, trees, and wildlife.

Last September, Gavin and Chucky embarked on a musical expedition through the North Rupununi that took them from Iwokrama to Atta Lodge to Rock View Lodge where they recorded a series of live performances at various locations for a self-produced virtual concert series called “Folk It Up: Rupununi”.

The two have embarked on this latest project as yet another way to contribute to the preservation of the country’s folk music and culture, whilst highlighting just a few of the hidden gems of North Rupununi, one of Guyana’s most scenic regions.

Filmed by Azikiwe ‘Ziggy’ Denheart of Infinity Productions, the first video was released on New Year’s Day. It was filmed on the summit of Turtle Mountain in the Iwokrama Rainforest. This Easter weekend will see the second video, filmed near Atta Lodge, released.

Additionally, the duo recorded footage for an experimental music video/short film that will revolve around protecting the jaguar and rainforest conservation. “Rainforest Conversations” is the working title for the original composition.

“The Iwokrama Rainforest is one of the largest, protected rainforests in the world and home to many species of plants and wildlife. Part of preservation of culture and heritage involves preservation of our natural resources.

“We want to highlight the beauty of Guyana, not just as tourist gems, but for the rich history and importance of protecting the earth, trees, and wildlife of Guyana – all which belong to our home,” Gavin told this publication.

From experience, Gavin said he has found that people around the world love to experience and participate in new cultures and activities, so he seizes every opportunity to promote his home country when he’s touring.

“Music is a universal language and our folk music is contagious. Everyone likes to dance and sing along.

“Our folk songs allow for just that – with their ‘call and reply’ nature. For example, I say ‘Rick chick chick chick’ and the crowd says ‘Congatay!’ Teaching Guyanese folk songs to audiences is very easy and very much fun,” he expressed.

He’s witnessed hundreds of people from New York City to Dubai chanting along to iconic Guyanese Folk Songs such as ‘Small Days’, ‘Mahnin Neighba’ and ‘Gangamani’.

In May, Gavin will head to Kansas City, Kansas to perform at the annual ‘Folk Alliance International Folk Music Summit’ – the largest gathering for world music and folk musicians from across the globe.

Gavin shared that his focus is always to share Guyanese culture with the world, learning the real business of music on a global scale, and continuing to chase dreams and open new doorways for himself as well as the Guyanese music industry.

Meanwhile, Gavin and Chucky will soon be releasing ‘Folk It Up Vol. 2 (Kross Kolor Records)’, the second of their series of folk albums which they said are “aimed at recording all folk songs and keeping them in the ears of Guyanese, young and old, and music enthusiasts around the world.”

Apart from highlighting the beauty of Guyana through film and visuals, the duo’s goal is to contribute to the preservation of Guyanese folk songs and culture through music.

In fact, both Gavin and Chucky believe that, as youngsters, they can make a positive impact on the preservation of Guyanese folklore, even in a modern-day society dominated by pop culture and “flooded with foreign content.”

The video to be released this weekend will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook (Creole Rock Page) or at www.creolerock.com.

“We continue to relentlessly pursue our mission and dreams – which at times could feel like climbing a mountain – but, once you keep going you will eventually make it to the top,” Gavin said.