NEWCOMERS and veteran calypsonians alike were recipients of government-sponsored subsidies to aid in the recording of their songs for the 2019 Calypso competition.

On Monday during a press conference held at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue, Mash Coordinator Andrew Tyndall said that this decision is another first for the Department of Social Cohesion. It is intended to bring about awareness of the artistes’ work.

“A Mashramani compilation that includes Calypso, Soca and Chutney is being put together and will be issued to all media houses and radio stations,so that it can be played on programmes and be publicised to make it popular and so that people will know the music and the artiste,” Tyndall explained. “Celebrate Mash 49 with Victory in Mind,” is this year’s theme for Mashramani as Guyana celebrates its 49th Republic Anniversary on February 23.