GUYANESE singing sensation Jumo ‘Rubber waist’ Primo, has come up with an ingenious plan to keep the vibes and traditions of ‘Mash’ alive with “Mash Junction,” a new initiative, every Saturday, at his 592 Club at Lot 23 John and Norton Streets, Georgetown.

Jumo feels strongly that not enough is being done to celebrate Mashramani the way it was in previous years.

“We are losing it to adapted stuff like carnivals and these things. I don’t have a problem with carnival or anything, but Mash is our own and we are losing the vibe and energy,” he told Buzz this week, as he explained the idea behind his new initiative.

“Mash belongs to us Guyanese; it is our celebration after hard work. It’s one of the most amazing times for Guyanese; one of the times you see unification, the celebration, people coming together from all walks of life, all races. It’s our culture and I personally feel that we are losing it,” he expressed.

Jumo believes that as soon as the Christmas festivities are over, work should start on Mash. In fact, as soon as one Mash is finished, planning should start for the following year, he further posited.

“When you look at places like Barbados, Trinidad, they start preparing for carnival as soon as it is finished. We can’t wait until February to put things in place for Mash,” Jumo noted.

He believes that ‘Mash Junction’ is a way to bring the energy and life back to Mashramani, the way it used to be. “Yes, we can have the carnivals, but Mash is so unique and it’s important to me. I love Mash. It is part of my culture and it is not being treated the way it is supposed to.”

Jumo wants to use ‘Mash Junction’ as a platform where young artistes can showcase their talent, artistes can promote their new music, persons can showcase their Mash costumes, and even masqueraders can have a space to share their craft.
“People can come and create a vibe for Mash. It’s to create a sense of urgency and pride for Mash. Even the radio stations should chime in to play Mash music and give the vibe.”

‘Mash Junction’ will continue from now until Mashramani and the activities will be streamed live on social media.