Rickford Burke, president of the Brooklyn-based Guyana Independence Celebration Committee New York, says “excitement is building in New York City” in anticipation of Dancehall superstar Yung Bredda’s big debut in the US on Sunday, August 18.
Burke told Caribbean Life on Thursday that Yung Bredda, whose real name is Akhenation Lewis, will appear at Guyana’s annual independence celebration in Brooklyn.
He said Yung Bredda will also be among four grand marshals at the parade that precedes the concert. Guyanese reggae icon Natural Black will also perform at the concert, Burke said
Other grand marshals are Vibert “Cookie” Bernard, owner of the famous Sybil’s Restaurant on Liberty Avenue in Queens; Guyanese Member of Parliament Amanza Walton-Desir; and Guyanese-born Brooklyn Community Leader Dimple Willabus.
Burke said the celebration, which is commemorated annually, is organized annually by the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee New York.
He said Sunday’s events, marking Guyana’s 58th Anniversary of Independence, are expected to be attended by Guyanese and friends of Guyana in the New York Tri-State area.
Burke said the celebration comprises the independence parade, flag-raising and award ceremonies, and the grand Unity Concert, which will be held at 1450 Utica Ave., Brooklyn.
He said the parade, which starts at 12:00 noon, at Church and Brooklyn Avenues in Brooklyn, proceeds on Church Avenue to Utica Avenue, and then south on Utica Avenue to Glenwood Road, where the concert will be held.
Burke said the concert commences at 2:00 p.m., at 1450 Utica Ave., between Glenwood Road and Farragut Road.
He said the flag-raising and award ceremonies will precede the concert that will also feature other prominent Guyanese DJs and artistes.
“The Committee will present the customary Kaieteur Award of Distinction and United States Congressional Proclamations to outstanding Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora for their outstanding service to the Guyanese-American Community and their contribution to Guyana’s development,” Burke said.
He said the awardees include: Leon Sears, SVP, Essen Healthcare; Melissa Atwell, social media influencer; Dr. Dexter Todd, attorney-at-law; Brandon Parker, director, IVY Hill Prep Charter School, Brooklyn; Amanza Walton-Desir, Member of Parliament; June Persaud, Guyanese-American community leader; Eusi Anderson, attorney-at-law; Genesh Mahipaul, Member of Parliament; and Vibert “Cookie” Bernard, owner of Sybil’s Restaurant, Queens.
Also receiving awards are: Dr. Gary Stephens, chief medical officer, One Brooklyn Health System – Interfaith Hospital; Travis Chase, journalist; Dr. Cherry-Ann Hislop, school principal; Karen Abrams, director, STEM Guyana; Mark Benschop, journalist; Darren Wade, attorney-at-law; Dimple Willlabus, Guyanese-American community leader; Dr. Alicia Elias, dean of the Faculty of Law, University of the West Indies; and Brooklyn businessman Dwayne Braithwaite.
Burke said Matthew Samuels, of Samuels Top Ranking Entertainment, will receive a posthumous award.
“This celebration is the largest Guyanese celebration outside of Guyana, and the one of the largest West Indian celebrations in New York City.,” he said. “The event attracts thousands of attendees and over one million online viewers via the Committee’s website (celebrateguyananyc.com) and other social media.”
Burke said there will also be performances by well-known Trinidadian DJ and artist DJ Hotty, and Guyanese soca sensation Trayvon Vibz, as well as Sherry-Ann Hislop; Nia, Kurt Lee; Kady Kish; Super Terry One Man Band; Anthony Allen; Eddie Neblet; Vibz Matic; Omaje, Gucci Boss; Subance; and Deesky.
The artistes will be backed by DJ Danger Vybz, DJ Dynamite, DJ Fex, DJ Kash, Red Rum, Selecta Sparta and Paytriad.
