Music Walk of Fame will honour Guyanese superstar musician Eddy Grant’s contributions to music and culture with the unveiling of his plaque on September 7, at 11 am in Camden, London, UK.
Grant posted a series of teasers about the event on his official Facebook page on August 9, and the announcement was made on August 10. As one of 11 artists to be honoured this year, Grant joins the likes of Harvey Goldsmith, Janis Joplin, UB40, The Sugarhill Gang, The Kinks and Shalimar among others, whose plaques will be unveiled from September 4 to 9. The unveilings will lead into the Camden Music Festival billed for September 9. Previous Music Walk of Fame honorees include The Who, Amy Grant and David Bowie.
According to its website, the Music Walk of Fame is an international cultural attraction, based in Camden, London which recognises all that is great in music and celebrates music’s contribution to culture, society and the lives of people from all around the world. It honours artists, creators, executives, media, technology and celebrates world-changing moments in music, from global legends and influential contemporary artists to the unsung heroes, technological breakthroughs and industry figures whose ingenuity and passion have changed the face of popular culture today.
Grant’s impressive music career officially began in 1965, when he founded The Equals in London, where his family had moved when he was 12 years old. He was the lead guitarist of The Equals and wrote their number one hit, “Baby Come Back”.
The now 75-year-old legend subsequently struck out on a remarkable solo career, which saw the emergence of many hits including the ubiquitous “Electric Avenue”, “Hello Africa”, “Living on the Frontline”, “I Don’t Wanna Dance”, “Romancing the Stone” “Do You Feel My Love”, and “Gimme Hope Jo’anna”. Grant also started his own label, Ice Records and has toured the world.
In addition, he has founded Blue Wave Studios in Barbados, where the likes of Mick Jagger, Sting, and The Rolling Stones, among others, have recorded. He has also given the world the Ringbang music genre, a distinct Caribbean concept, which he has defined as “a bridge between rhythms…”
Despite his international status, Grant has never forgotten his roots and over the years has given back to Guyana, specifically his hometown Plaisance, which is the name of his latest album. He maintains a base in Guyana, including an island property in the Essequibo River called Ringbang. His iconic status here among the people notwithstanding, including Trans Guyana Airways placing his portrait on one of their planes last month, authority figures have been slow to officially recognise Grant. To date there have been postage stamps in his likeness, an honorary doctorate bestowed by the University of Guyana and a national award, the Cacique Crown of Honour, which he was granted in 2020.
Fans visiting the UK after September 7 will be able to add a trip to see the Eddy Grant stone on the Music Walk of Fame in Camden to their itineraries.
