Yoruba Singers celebrate culture with 10th edition of ‘For the Love of a Common People’ concert

Eze Rockcliffe (right) and some members of the Yoruba Singers
Eze Rockcliffe (right) and some members of the Yoruba Singers

The iconic Yoruba Singers are set to host the 10th edition of their annual concert, “For the Love of a Common People”, today, December 8, at the Promenade Gardens. The event promises to be a celebration of Guyanese culture, featuring 15 local artists and two celebrated bands: the Yoruba Singers and the Fame Band.

The concert, a cornerstone of the local music scene, begins at 6 pm and runs until 10 pm. Gates open at 4 pm, giving attendees ample time to settle in for what is expected to be a night of vibrant performances. Tickets are priced at $1,500 if purchased in advance and $2,000 at the gate. Tickets are available at 5 Stone Avenue, Campbellville; 90 Laluni Street, Queenstown; and 104.1 FM at United Nations Place.

The Yoruba Singers, founded 53 years ago, hold the distinction of being one of the longest-running bands in the Caribbean, delivering decades of continuous service to music and culture, founder Eze Rockliffe noted. “The concert was started 10 years ago so that the coming generations would know where we came from and the kind of service we provide over the years in terms of culture. Not only Guyanese but Caribbean and worldwide,” he said

The event will feature some of the most beloved names in Guyanese music and artistes, including; Sammy Baksh, Barbara Nedd, Charmaine Blackman, Calen Richards, Joycelyn Rockcliffe, Herman Garnett on guitar, Alvin Ashton on vocals, Winifred Mason, Michelle “Big Red” King, Mariah Bowen, Beverly Smith, Alabama, the reigning Dancehall monarch Sean Bohele, Eze Rockliffe, Winston Caesar from Linden and others.

Rockcliffe urges Guyanese to come out in large numbers to celebrate this cultural milestone as, “it’s important to support this event. It’s a chance to experience four solid hours of entertainment while celebrating the essence of who we are as a people.

The Yoruba Singers are best known for timeless hits like “Massacuraman,” “Bird Pepper,” “Black Pepper,” “No Intention, and “I Gotta Be Somebody”. This year’s concert builds on their legacy, celebrating a rich cultural heritage that has captivated audiences both locally and abroad.

“The diaspora is anxiously awaiting some performances from the Yoruba Singers. We haven’t toured internationally for about 20 years, and we’re excited to reconnect with our global audience,” said the founder. He revealed that the Yoruba Singers are gearing up to bring their vibrant sounds to Canada, the US, and possibly England from May to July.

Meanwhile, being bestowed with an honorary doctorate by the University of Guyana at its last convocation ceremony, Rockliffe said, “was a feeling of great joy”. He is pleased to have been recognized for the contributions he has made over the years to the creative arts industry.