CELEBRATING 34 years in the music business, Jumo says he still gets nervous at times to go on stage, but going out there and making sure the performance is nothing but excellent helps him counteract such nervousness. And this is precisely what he has in mind – an unforgettable performance this weekend at his ‘Jumo and Friends’ concert.
Even though the party, at Malteenoes Sports Complex, is to celebrate his decades in the industry both locally and internationally, Jumo wants to use the event to create a platform for artistes, old and new, and to let it serve as a jump start event for ‘Mash’ later this month.
The event which will be held on Saturday, February 10, “is a celebration of my work, achievements, struggles, and being here still pushing on,” Jumo shared with Buzz this week.
Aside from Jumo, it will feature Squid, Lady T, Nesta Nelson, Calvin Burnett, Kwasi Ace, Vanilla, Stephen Ramphal, Castro Brothers, Big Red, Lil Million, CKush, Mark Batson, TP Kill, Brandon Harding, Vintayge, Fame Band, Wifi, and Freedom Boss.
Dubbed ‘Rubber Waist’ due to his pulsating performances on stage over the years, Jumo said even though his career has been successful, there were challenges and struggles. However, he managed to learn a lot from them over the years.
“Being with so many bands in Guyana; to be able to be here still, it should be a little easier, but at times it gets tougher as you climb,” he expressed, adding, “For 34 years, music has been my bread; everything to me, and that is why I work so hard at it because it’s my life. It saved me from doing so many other things…”
Believe it or not, he says his biggest challenge was having to overcome fear.
“I was a very shy person and I was always scared that people won’t like me when I started to perform. I used to always be afraid. Even to this day, at times, before I go on that stage, I am a nervous wreck. I am still nervous. I can’t feel my knees, hands; they become numb. That’s why I always want to go up there each time and defeat that fear with excellent performances.”
Jumo is hoping to be able to work along with authority figures to help his fellow artistes because he knows exactly what they need, owing to the wealth of experience he has gained. “I am hoping that I can create platforms using my expertise and experiences. I’ve been in it for many years and have a lot of experience. I know what is lacking and I know what can be done to further help our artistes.”
More ‘staple’ events are needed, along with platforms to build the artistes and things like copyright laws which can facilitate a structured art form and music industry. “I am willing to work and lend my expertise and contributions of my talent and experience to the cause because it is lacking and our artistes are frustrated many times.”
Just last month, the singing sensation launched ‘Mash Junction’ at his 592 Club at Lot 23 John and Norton Streets, Georgetown – an ingenious plan to keep the vibes and traditions of ‘Mash’ alive.
Jumo feels strongly that not enough is being done to celebrate Mashramani the way it was in previous years.
