The roots and rhythms of Guyanese music last Sunday afternoon, May 24, echoed across Prospect Park, despite the inclement weather that forced the Guyana Cultural Association’s pop-up concert into Lefferts Historic House Museum for a spirited performance to commemorate Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary.
The pop-up that was expected to take over the grounds of the green environment instead heated up the 18th-century Flatbush farmhouse and New York City landmark, which explores the living legacies of the Indigenous people of Lenapehoking and the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts family.
GCA Executive Director Rose October, and members of the cultural non-profit, hosted the vibrant presentation, attended by a small gathering of nationals wearing colors that represent the rich tapestry of the homeland.
Commencing the program, October reminded nationals that their roots are responsible “for who, what, where we are today. Our rhythms are embedded and pulsate in every step. Harmony brings us together as Guyanese, despite our geographic locations.”
“Let us be responsible for the brilliance of Guyana’s bright shine. A melody of unity forever rising, rising forever” she remarked.
Director of Museum Programs Dylan Yeats recalled the history of Prospect Park Lefferts History House, noting that the city building was built with stolen labor on stolen land.
“We turn this house from the former oppression into a venue for elevating the culture of the African diaspora. We have been partnering with organizations like the Guyana Cultural Association to champion, and intertwined histories between the Caribbean and Brooklyn, for the last 400 years,” he said.
“We really want to continue this partnership, and open this space up as a venue, for incredible events. I thank you for coming to visit us, and supporting GCA,” said Yeats.
Guyana’s multiethnic cultural heritage was captured by pannist Michael “JahPan” “Williams. The crystal-clear steel pan filled the space with riveting entertainment. JahPan, a veteran instrumentalist, who began his career in the Georgetown Guyana Police Force Band, was on top form. He garnered loud applause for his medley of popular songs, including that of prolific Guyanese lyricist Hilton Hemerding. He also added the heartbeat of the Caribbean with a fusion that included Bob Marley’s hits.
Like JahPan, Erwin “Sou Flantis” Edwards, also a former Guyana Police Force band member, is a captivating Saxophonist on any stage he graces. His versatility, skill, and showmanship were evident at the concert, where the melodies flowed, as he played classics like “Seal with a Kiss’, “Save the Best for Last,” and others to a standing ovation.
The best was yet to come when the spellbinding pulse and rhythms of African drummer Akoyaw Rudder took center stage. A master percussionist whose athleticism on the instrument arouses audiences at every performance, Rudder treated patrons to a fusion of folk songs before joining fellow musicians for a captivating finale that set the tone for upcoming events at the 2026 folk festival family fun day.
To learn more, visit guyfolkfest.org.
