Calypsonian Dave Martins passes away

Dave Martins, calypsonian extraordinaire, who in later years became synonymous with his famous rendition of ‘Not a blade of grass’ has passed away.

President Irfaan Ali issued the following statement.

𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

𝐀𝐧 𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a true Caribbean icon, Dave Martins, whose music was the heartbeat of our region. As the leader of the Tradewinds band, Dave captured the essence of the Caribbean spirit and its identity, blending upbeat rhythms with biting satire that spoke to our hearts and minds. His music not only invited us to laugh at ourselves but also encouraged us to stand tall and be proud of our Guyanese and Caribbean heritage.

“Not a Blade of Grass,” his timeless anthem, stands as a powerful statement to our nation’s collective resistance against threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity. In our moments of challenges, it was Dave’s music that lifted our spirits, reminding us of the strength and resilience we hold as a people and our duty never to surrender an inch of our territory

Dave Martins was more than just a musician; he was a true Caribbean person whose influence extended beyond borders, touching the lives of countless individuals across the region. His loss is deeply felt, not only in Guyana but throughout the entire Caribbean and in our diaspora.

Whenever his music plays, no matter where you are, it stirs a deep sense of pride in being a Caribbean person. The rhythms and melodies carry the essence of our shared heritage, reminding us of who we are and where we come from. Dave Martins’ music connects us to our roots and fills us with a profound love for our Caribbean identity.

I am confident that while he has passed on, his music will live on. Guyana and the Caribbean are indeed poorer for his passing, but we are infinitely richer for having had the privilege of experiencing his art, his passion, and his deep love for our country and the culture of the Caribbean. Dave Martins will be dearly missed, but his spirit will forever resonate in the rhythms of our Caribbean identity.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Annette and to his family, friends and massive following of fans.

Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

The AFC issued the following statement:

Dave Martin’s – A True Guyanese Hero Who’s Passing We Mourn

Dave Martins was the very essence of what a Guyanese is and was. He embodied the spirit of Guyaneseness in the way he lived, and in the way he expressed himself through his music. Every generation of Guyanese since 1970, has embraced the nation’s unofficial anthem, ‘Not A Blade of Grass’ as that song that we are most proud of after Dear Land of Guyana. It was this song that created the spirit of defiance and patriotism that we needed when our neigubours threatened our sovereignty.

Dave Martins’ repertoire of music is a veritable catalogue of Guyanese and Caribbean life, captured and curated in musical notes and lyrics that are second to none. These are capable of spawning fields of study and research and we so recommend. From a personal point of view, Dave Martins composed the AFC’s theme song in 2005 from his recording studio in the Cayman Islands, and for that and everything else he has contributed, we are eternally grateful.

To Annette and the Martins’ family, the Leader, Nigel Hughes, Mrs. Catherine Hughes, and the entire Alliance For Change offer their heartfelt sympathy and support at this time of mouring.

Dave Martins was a national hero and must be recognised as such in death.