In 2007, in the midst of the scourge of criminality which gripped the community of Buxton, the musical group Buxton Fusion was formed. The group is a unique one; comprising Guyanese of both African and Indian descent who produce a special sound by combining traditional African and Indian musical instruments.
Although relatively new to the local music scene, the group has been making steady progress ever since its formation and is one of the groups that has benefited tremendously from Guyana’s hosting of Carifesta X last year. Currently, the group consists of eight persons. The leader of the group is Marlon Adams who plays the African drums along with Alvin Fifi and Richard Stevens. This trio is joined by Shiv Nandan, who plays the dholak, Mr Nandan, the harmonium player and Dev Nandan who plays the dhantal. This team is joined by Paco and Mark Adams. Mark plays the percussion instrument while Paco has made both the African drums and percussion instrument his own. The group is managed by its founder Deo Persaud; who also serves as its musical director.
During the Carifesta festivities last year, the group teamed up with outstanding Guyanese flautist Keith Waithe and thrilled the various audiences before which they performed. Waithe, who is a close friend of Deo Persaud, had never played with the group before, but he was so impressed with its ability that he vowed to continue the musical relationship that had been forged. Due to the influence of Keith Waithe, three members of the group – Marlon, Shiv and Richard – recently travelled to Trinidad and Tobago and teamed up with the flautist to be part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government festivities. While in Trinidad they were under the watchful care of their founder and musical director Deo. Commonwealth Resounds especially Allison Cox and Martin Wise was influential in the local group getting to perform in Trinidad.
And according to Deo the Trinidad experience was a breakthrough since it allowed the group to showcase its talent in front of an international audience. He says that the response to the group only confirmed what he believed all along; that the fusion of African and Indian instruments would not only be pleasing but would send a strong cultural statement. Because of its head turning performances in Trinidad, the group has received invitations to go to Australia, England and other countries.
Deo Persaud or “Uncle Deo” as he is popularly called is a Guyanese who spent 39 years in London studying and working before returning to Guyana in 2006. During his time in England, he was a guitarist in a band.
He spent over 25 years studying African drumming and was under the influence of Naña Bafu Appiah.
Upon his return to Guyana, he began doing special projects with a local non-governmental organization (NGO).It was while he was involved in a project at Mocha that he heard Marlon playing at a ‘spiritual’ in the village. According to him, at that time too he would regularly attend Hindu religious ceremonies and at some of these occasions he heard the Nandan relatives playing. He says he thought that the fusion would be great.
He shared the idea with Marlon, who quickly bought into it and after approaching Mr Nandan, the fusion was formed. Soon after the members began meeting in Buxton to practice. The Nandans, who live in another village on the East Coast, braved all of the fears that were associated with Buxton at the time.
According to Deo, the rise of the group seemed to have an almost therapeutic impact on the Buxton community, because since its emergence it has seen a marked decrease in the violence and crime which at one time was associated with the community.
After the group came together, US-based Professor Vibert Cambridge, another of Deo’s close friends, came up with the name Buxton Fusion. “I paid him 20 Guyana dollars for that,” Deo said with a laugh.
Marlon says that being a member of Buxton Fusion has opened new doors for him. Before becoming part of Buxton Fusion, he was a member of the Together Brothers from childhood days. This group performed at Queh Queh ceremonies, spirituals as well as on other occasions.
According to him, when the idea of forming a band combining both African and Indian instruments was raised with him, he jumped at it since this was something he had never seen, noting that Guyana has been scarred by deep racism. Marlon says that he has had some interest in Indian instruments and he has some experience playing the tassa drums and the dholak.
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Marlon believes that the future is well set for him and the group. He says that one of the highlights of the Trinidad trip was when he was able to participate in a workshop with various other drummers. He says that this was truly a learning experience for him.
He is also grateful for the experience of Carifesta X since he said it allowed the group to gain valuable exposure and to team up with one of Guyana’s greats —Keith Waithe. He says that the festival allowed emerging groups to showcase that they too had talent.
Buxton Fusion has its eyes set on achieving great things musically. Next year it plans on accepting an invitation to travel to Belize to be part of some shows in that country. It also plans to produce a Queh Queh performance at one of the theatres. The group has also on the cards to do a recording of Guyanese folk songs, sung and played in their original versions, while it will produce another version with non-electrical instruments such as the piano, steel pan etc.
The success of the group so far has come due to the support of many persons, including Rupert Roopnaraine, Nigel and Cathy Hughes, Russell Lancaster, Vivienne Daniel, Stanley Greaves, Donna Ramsammy-James, Neville, Alissa Trotz and Maya Trotz.
Even now its popularity is growing and the group has been teaming up with several bands to perform at various occasions. Persons interested in contacting them can contact Deo at deopsd@yahoo.ca or Marlon on 220-8575. (markman10@hotmail.com)
