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We are delighted to share that after a successful programme of study in the USA, Festival Director Gavin Mendonca is back in Guyana. Gavin, artistic director of the Rupununi Music and Arts, and his musical partner Marlon ‘Chucky’ Adams, has the distinct pleasure of performing during the opening ceremony of GuyExpo 2024.
GuyExpo 2024 marked its second year of its revival, with its annual exhibition showcasing all of what Guyana has to offer with regards to local products and services, from home care and maintenance to arts, crafts and tourism. The duo thrilled the crowd with renditions of popular Guyanese folk songs – Itanami and Small Days. All in attendance were struck by a trance that caused uncontrollable tapping and gyrations of the body, general public and government officials alike. The duo had a booth at the GTA’s tourism village at GuyExpo, where they had copies of their recent music album on sale: Gavin and Chucky: Folk It Up Vol. 3, which was recorded live in the Iwokrama Rainforest.
Gavin and Chucky first met and performed together in 2015, at the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival which was held at Rock View Lodge in Annai. Since then the duo has become an unstoppable musical tag team who has been carrying the Guyanese flag all around the world, as true cultural ambassadors for their beloved Guyana.
In January 2025, the pair will be heading to Ireland as Official Showcase Performers at Your Roots Are Showin, Ireland’s premier folk music conference. The duo will have the opportunity to showcase Guyanese folk music and share their Guyanese culture on an international platform, whilst also promoting Guyana as a tourism destination. They have met with Hon. Minister Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, who has commended the duo on their efforts of cultural preservation, rainforest conservation and tourism awareness.
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has been very supportive of Gavin and Chucky, as the talented duo continues to put Guyana on the map, using music to build cultural bridges around the world. As Gavin and Chucky continue to evolve their musical stylings, they eagerly await the next opportunity to perform together on the stage of the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival.
Check the interview of Gavin Mendonca by the Ministry of Tourism at GuyExpo 2024. Click on the Facebook link below!