The veteran musician says he expect to take to the streets on February 23 with a 300-strong band mashing under the theme, ‘Guyana: An Oasis of Hope,’ in keeping with the ongoing drive towards a low-carbon environment. In a press statement released this week, Slingshot said, the band will portray Guyana’s native flora and fauna in a vast array of colour and creativity. He plans to launch the band shortly after his arrival in the country on February 15. However, a tentative date is set for February 17 at a venue yet to be named.
According to Slingshot, the public is invited to join the band without having to pay any fee for registration or costumes. Since there is no charge for participating, he advised that people should join the band early at the assembly points under the Astor Cinema at the corner of Waterloo & Church.
“…It is a first come/first serve situation. You are assured of a costume, snacks along the way, water, and a nutritious meal at the end of our National Park rounds,” the release stated.
Slingshot noted that the mash camp depends entirely on sponsorships and he praised corporate Guyana for reaching out and assisting his band despite the global economic crunch. Since he began his consistent participation in the Mashramani celebrations six years ago, Slingshot said, he realized the cultural impact Mash has on the Guyanese population.
Slingshot also intends to compete in a few other categories this year including the Road March song competition. He has previously secured wins in various categories. Three years ago a small, but memorable band led by Slingshot had taken to the streets in pirates’ attire. Slingshot is a seasoned performer who migrated to the US many years ago, but he often returns home with his wife Ingrid to celebrate Mashramani.
