Continuing his journey of showcasing Guyana’s folk music and rich culture, well known folk and rock musician Gavin Mendonca recently travelled to Ireland as artist at the country’s ‘Your Roots Are Showing’ folk conference, which gave him an opportunity to utilise his skills in the musical and folk world.
According to a release from the singer, At ‘Your Roots Are Showing’ – Ireland’s Folk Conference, the rich tapestry of folk music and traditions from around the world is celebrated. The annual event brings together artists, musicians, scholars, and enthusiasts to explore and share the diverse cultural expressions that make up the folk genre.
musical instrument, the guitar
“Gavin is now the first Guyanese to participate in the event, having been selected by their official jury to perform… Although he was without Chucky (his partner in the folk world) on this trip, his goal to network and build bridges with new colleagues in the UK, and other parts of the world, were met – so that Gavin and Chucky can unlock new paths to travel and perform together around the world,” the release said.
It added that the duo released their third album together, via Kross Kolor Records, ‘Folk It Up Vol 3’ which was recorded live in the Iwokrama Rainforest – and is currently receiving great critical review from the folks at ‘Your Roots Are Showing’, as well as Folk Alliance International – an annual folk conference in Kansas City which Gavin will be attending next month for the fourth year, where he has built up quite the reputation.
Over the years, the release noted, Gavin has been working tremendously hard to contribute to the preservation of the country’s folk music, as well as exposing the world to its unique songs and culture. Despite the struggles involved, he said, he remains committed to his mission and continues to pursue his dreams relentlessly. It was disclosed that in 2023, Gavin and Chucky made their international debut at the Bridgetown Arts Festival in Barbados. Gavin also attended Ethno Sweden and also took Guyanese folk music to France and Italy for the very first time as well. He was also nominated by the US Embassy Guyana to participate in the ‘American Music Abroad Academy: Colombia’ last May. Gavin and Chucky are aiming to head to England this coming May for the Guyana Folk Festival in London, but some major fundraising needs to be done for this trip to come into fruition.
Gavin performed last Friday night at ‘Your Roots Are Showing’ to a tremendous response, while also using the opportunity to promote Guyana as a tourism destination. Visit www.creolerock.com to learn more and to subscribe to his mailing list for constant updates on his musical journey.
