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The University of Guyana at its 56th Convocation Ceremony conferred famed musician, Mr. Dave Martins, with an honourary degree of Doctors of Letters. The two-day event was held on Friday and Saturday, December 9th and 10th respectively.
Whereas some associate Martins only with the famous ‘Not A Blade of Grass,’ in what became Guyanese anthem of resistance to Venezuela’s desire to covet two-third of our territory, Martins has a repertoire of music. The slender-built singer/songwriter has over 100 songs under his belt.
In 1966 Martins formed the Dave Martins and The Tradewinds band. He has used music that not only makes us chuckle, rise to our feet or zig in merriment but to convey stories of Caribbean history, linguistic and regional pride, to influence the asserting of regional identity in the global sphere, to look within us and be the best we can be.
Who can miss the messages in “Where are your heroes, Caribbean ?” or ‘Cricket in the Jungle’ and so many more, albeit some masked in the craft of double entendre?
The acclaimed musician, songwriter, singer, comedian, band leader, producer, stage performer, night club operator, newspaper columnist, cultural administrator and playwright is an inspiration. He has produced a body of work that could lead to a rich harvest for any student of cultural anthropology or other disciplines.
Born on the West Coast of Demerara, 87-year-old Dave Martins grew up in Hague and Vreed-en-Hoop before emigrating and later returning. He has travelled the world with his band and guitar, flying high the flags of Caribbean peoples, regaling those at home and in the diaspora, and all who love good music.
Not a blade of Grass
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IWFRCsRWU8
Cricket in the Jungle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-mnwClbyMY
