GUYANA’S musical treasure and cultural ambassador, Eddy Grant, has expressed admiration for talented local artist, Ransford Simon, who, earlier this year, painted the global superstar’s portrait on a Trans Guyana Airways plane.

Grant spoke with the Buzz moments before he signed his name on the image and interacted with the young artist.
He noted his sheer admiration for the outstanding work done by Simon, and remarked that after seeing the painting, he could not believe that it was him. He praised Ransford’s work saying that the artist has that “it factor”.

Simon, over the years, has been publically recognised for his creativity. Born in Region Nine, he developed a passion for drawing and painting at a young age.
A product of the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, Simon has produced some unique pieces that are breathtaking and a reflection of the work of a creative genius.
Meanwhile, Grant, over the last few decades, has captured global attention through his captivating music. He continuously works to portray and share positive vibes about Guyana.
In highlighting the love for his country, Grant, who has enjoyed a successful career that spans almost 60 years, told Buzz that he always advocates for and showcases Guyana wherever he goes.

“People didn’t know Guyana. People actually knew Demerara because of the sugar (Demerara Gold). They didn’t know anything about Guyana. From the time I came about and I started to make music, I started to talk about Guyana. There were times where people from outside were trying to paint this country negatively,” he remarked.
The Plaisance native added that he is always doing work for his community. He stated that even with his immense success over the years, it has never been about him.
“It’s not me alone that’s doing anything. I encourage others to come along and let’s all make it better. And we will be better. Everything about Guyana will be better,” he said.
The musician noted that, as predicted, Guyana will do better economically than it ever has.

Furthermore, he disclosed that, as his love for music continues to burn, he is currently working on two albums.
Eddy’s induction into the Camden Music Walk of Fame on September 7, is another reminder of the outstanding contributions he has made to music and culture.
He began pioneering multi-racial British group, The Equal, in the 1990s and later found solo success with his hit song, “Electric Avenue”, which was a response to the 1981 Brixton riots.”
Among his notable accomplishments was his role in the freeing of Nelson Mandela with the release of his seminal hit, “Give me Hope Joanna”.

Since the start of his singing career, Eddy Grant has amassed a sizeable following across the globe, released 15 studio albums, 13 compilation albums and 19 singles.
His album “Killer on the Rampage” peaked at Number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States of America and was certified as gold. His single “Electric Avenue” received Platinum accreditations and “I don’t wanna dance” topped the charts in five countries including Belgium, Ireland and the United Kingdom. In 2000, his Ring Bang remix of “Electric Avenue” reached Number Five on the UK Singles Chart.

His other popular hits include “Mash in Guyana”, “Living on the Frontline”, “Romancing the Stone” and “Walking on Sunshine”.