Guyana Mourns the Death of Culture Icon Dave Martins
Cultural Icon Passes Away
EORGETOWN Guyana. CMC – One of Guyana’s cultural icons, Dave Martins, died on Sunday at the age of 90. The cause of death was not immediately known, but in recent years, he had dementia.
A Legendary Musician
Dave Martins and The Tradewinds became a household name, especially in the 1980s, when he composed and sang ‘Not A Blade of Grass,’ which mobilized Guyanese across the divide against Venezuela’s nagging claim to the Essequibo Region.
Songs That Made a Lasting Impact
His other songs include “Honeymooning Couple,” “Cricket in the Jungle,” “Civilisation,” “It’s Traditional,” “Copycats,” “Guyana Coming Back,” “Wong Ping,” and West Indian Alphabet.”
Honored for His Contributions
In 2022, the University of Guyana conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.
Legacy Lives On
“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 invited us to laugh at ourselves and encouraged us to stand tall and be proud of our Guyanese and Caribbean heritage, “said President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton said Martins’s death was a great loss to the country.
“‘He is one of our cultural icons and one of the men who took a lot of Guyanese culture and put it into music, and wherever you went in the world, you could have related to it and be proud of it.”
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Conclusion
Dave Martins’ passing leaves a void in the cultural landscape of Guyana and the Caribbean. His music and legacy will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.
FAQs
Q: What was Dave Martins’ age at the time of his death?
A: 90
Q: What was the cause of his death?
A: Dementia
Q: What was one of his most famous songs?
A: “Not A Blade of Grass”
Q: What degree was conferred upon him by the University of Guyana?
A: Honorary degree of Doctor of Letters