I sat in the Majek Fingers Drumming School headquarters one bright sunny Thursday afternoon, just relaxing, thinking about a strategy for teaching my next drumming class. While strategizing what to do, I suddenly heard the sweet sound of the Kromanty rhythm. Knowing how I love playing the rhythm so much, I thought I was daydreaming the rhythm itself, but it stopped and rang again. I looked in my pocket and it was the ring tone of my phone; I was receiving a call from an unknown caller. I was hesitant and I didn’t want to answer because throughout the day I had been receiving unknown calls, and when I would pick up, no one would answer.
But my gut feeling said to answer the call this time, so I did. Surprisingly, it was a call from the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport in Guyana. “Mr Primo, this is Miss Linda. We would like you to be one of our Master drummers for the first inter-Guyana cultural festival in Suriname, French Guyana and Guyana. Can you come into the minister’s office tomorrow?” I said yes and hung up.
I froze for a minute, in a state of excitement, joy, surprise and shock. I didn’t know how to react to the wonderful news. After realizing that I’d been working hard to promote and revitalize the art of drumming and our culture in Guyana, I felt like I had made the first step to my international career, to putting my name in the history books, and to waving my country Guyana’s flag proudly and internationally.
I then spent six breathtaking days in Suriname with some of Guyana’s finest, most talented stars and celebrities. On Day One at the Guyana night, we showcased the beauty of Guyana’s six races, arts and culture. For the first time in my life, I got to model designers’ African deshikis. I was nervous, but I played it off like a pro, and the cheering and clapping for me made me feel special. After the show, I signed autographs and took a lot of pictures with my new fans.
On Day Two, I attended the showcase of Suriname’s culture and art. It was a breathtaking experience to see the culture for the first time on stage– the drumming, singing, and dancing was great.
Day Three showcased the culture and arts of French Guyana. It was another historical day for me, getting to see a diverse culture onstage portrayed by talented artists. I couldn’t have asked for more.
After only seeing McDonald’s on television, I couldn’t resist trying it on Day Four, when we were sightseeing the beautiful and historical Suriname. I saw the actual fast food restaurant in person. I felt like a little kid full of excitement while getting ice cream there. I also bought a drink, veggie burger and fries. I took a lot of pictures smiling to the back of my ears because it was a dream come true to eat at McDonalds when I was little.
On Day Five, the festival showcased beautiful sculptures that were hand carved on the spot by the Guyanese team. It was something new to me, because I’ve never seen it done before. So, I paid keen attention to every stroke and movement of the hard working team. I loved every second watching history made.
Day Six was my favorite day: the closing ceremony of the first Inter-Guyana Festival, where all three of the Guyanas bonded as one. This took place at the Palm Park in Paramaribo, where they showcase art, craft, food, sculptures, music, singing, dancing and clothing. After I was finished with my performance I decided to walk around the park and visit all the booths. While strolling along and checking the booths out I was photographed, videotaped, and asked for autographs and hugs at every booth I visited. I felt like a celebrity, a star and a king with all the attention I was receiving.
It was a memorable and fantastic experience and it was the start of my international journey.