US-based Guyanese singer/songwriter Dennis France has released his latest single, “Let’s Celebrate Guyana” in time for Mashramani. The song, a Calypso/Soca fusion, speaks of past heroes along with Guyana’s discovery of oil and is running in the Road March Competition this year.
“It’s about celebrating Guyana’s fiftieth anniversary as a Republic. The song talks about the celebration of our heroes of past years like Cuffy, Burnham and Cheddi, and the sacrifices they all went through. The last part of speaks of us pumping oil from our blessed land,” the singer said.
The original and longer version of the song were recorded and released through Philgloton Music Studio, owned by US-based Guyanese Phillip Nichols. After the release of the song, Dennis met with Guyanese singer Tony Ricardo for him to do a cover and shorter version. A listen to either version will reveal that the lyrics are just as great as the catchy rhythm, qualities Dennis hopes will see him winning the Road March Competition and his song becoming the Mashramani anthem.
The song was penned in January of this year after the singer returned to the States following a visit to Guyana. It comes more than a year after his other song “We Got Oil”. According to Dennis, he is the original ‘Oil Man’, or the singer to have brought a song on the topic. He penned “We Got Oil” in 2018.
Now over 50, Dennis noted that it is never too late to follow one’s dreams. In reference to his dreams, the singer spoke of when he resided in Guyana as a teenager writing songs and singing along with two other boys at various concerts hosted by the Lutheran Church. His dream then was stardom, which he has not attained, but noted that music did bring him some adventures. And now that he is close to retirement, he is hoping to put more work into his music.
At present, he is finishing his album of 15 songs. He is originally a Rhythm and Blues and Pop singer, and most of the album is of these two genres. However, the CD will include his Calypso/Soca songs. The CD is expected to be out following May’s Carnival.
The album, ‘Never Too Late’, was given that name because of Dennis’s personal experience in following his dreams to be a singer. “The title of the [album] is if you have something in mind, it’s not too late to do it, especially if it contributes to the arts. It might not be rewarding but try to live your dream,” Dennis said.
Though he never got the chance to pursue his passion as he wanted, he was able to perform for various audiences. His most recent was at the New York celebrations in honour of Guyana’s 50th anniversary, hosted by the Guyana Consulate.
The singer eagerly shared that his proudest performance was when he opened for Doris Troy, famous for the hit song “Just One Look” in Harlem, New York back in the 1970s. Such an honour, he said, came through Claude Tait. A promoter, Tait was in an organization that also promoted and produced fashion shows, some of which Dennis was invited to sing at.
To date, the artiste has penned close to 30 songs, 18 of which were recorded. Of those recorded, three have been released on YouTube – “We Got Oil,” “Let’s Celebrate Guyana” and “A Digital Christmas”. “Let’s Celebrate Guyana” also comes in a video format, the product of videographer Oswald Bobb.
The songs can be found on YouTube at Oswald Bobb.
