Rupununi Music & Arts Festival this weekend at Manari Ranch
Music, Indigenous dance, films and family activities are on the programme at Manari Ranch near Lethem through October 18.
The Rupununi Music & Arts Festival continues today, Saturday, October 17, at Manari Ranch near Lethem, with Indigenous cultural performances, Guyanese folk music, films, workshops and family activities scheduled through Sunday.
Held under the theme “In Rhythm with Nature”, the three-day festival runs from October 16 to 18 and brings together performers from Guyana and abroad for a programme of music, dance, film and cultural activities.
Indigenous culture takes centre stage
The programme features the Rupertee Cultural Group, the Surama Culture Group and the Kada Cultural Group, alongside Brazil’s Kruviana Band.
Led by Gloria Duarte, the Rupertee Cultural Group works with young dancers to preserve Makushi language and cultural traditions. Its performances incorporate songs passed down through generations as well as Duarte’s own compositions.
The Surama Culture Group blends traditional dance steps with modern rhythms, while the Kada Cultural Group is an intergenerational ensemble rooted in Indigenous heritage.
Kruviana brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous musicians from Brazil, with a repertoire combining original compositions, traditional chants and Amazonian rhythms.
From Guyanese folk songs to electronic music
The musical programme includes Gavin & Chucky, the duo of Gavin Mendonca and Marlon “Chucky” Adams, whose performances combine Guyanese folk songs with guitar, vocals and African drumming.
Region Nine musician Charlie de Freitas and Brazilian performer Maiqui dos Teclados are also among the artistes featured in the festival programme.
Electronic dance music is part of the weekend schedule, with BPM Guyana listed for Friday and Saturday nights and Kamuni Beats for Sunday.
Films, workshops and family activities
The Georgetown Film Festival is scheduled to present two Guyanese films during the weekend: PAIMIYE and OLD TOY TRAIN.
Other activities include arts and craft workshops, fashion, woodcarving, yoga, capoeira, traditional archery and family games.
The organisers say family and sporting activities are planned for Saturday and Sunday afternoons, while yoga sessions are scheduled for both mornings.
Visitor information
The festival takes place at Manari Ranch near Lethem, in Region Nine.
Visitors travelling from outside Region Nine should confirm the remaining programme, transport arrangements and ticket availability with the organisers before setting out.
Further programme information is available on the official Rupununi Music & Arts Festival website.
