Unity is the theme of Slingshot’s Mash Band this year, which he has undertaken in collaboration with his wife Ingrid and which will hit the road today in designs by Paul Burnette; as usual it is a semi-costume band.
John ‘Slingshot’ and Ingrid Drepaul’s simple message of unity is in keeping with the spirit of Mashramani; jubilation after hard work and sacrifice, and they urge all Guyanese to unite as a people to celebrate Mashramani just as they celebrate other national holidays. It is a coming together to honour Guyana’s anniversary status as a Republic, Slingshot said.
Referring to the band, he added that the semi-costumed, medium band projects designer Paul Burnette’s creative craftsmanship and unique combination of colour, splendor and eye-catching symbolism.
Meanwhile, the songwriting duo has composed another Mash hit song that combines good taste and message. Slingshot’s life, music and performances that have been successfully used to break the stereotype of someone from especially an East Indian background, and from rural Guyana, entering the realms of calypso singing and entertaining, and to create a sound that is truly Guyanese.
Today, Slingshot and Ingrid have “Mashramani is fuh Everybody” as their theme. “Unity” will be seen in the forefront of their Mash Road presentation.
Whenever he is asked why he comes home to celebrate Mash, Slingshot smilingly replies, “Because I am a Guyanese!”
