Guyana musical traditions are a mix
of Indian, African, European and native elements.
Popular Guyanese performers include
Terry Gajraj, Mark
Holder, Eddy Grant, Dave
Martins & the Tradewinds, Aubrey Cummings and
Nicky Porter. The Guyana Music Festival has proven
an influential part of the scene.
Calypso is especially popular in
Guyana. Calypso is satirical and lyrically-oriented,
often played during celebrations like Mashramani,
while chutney is played and performed at private
events, usually with lyrics in English and/or Hindi.
Indian music arrived with immigrants
from South Asia. This originally included folk music
played with dhantal, tabla, sitar, harmonium and
dholak, later including tassa drums. Music was
mostly Hindu songs called bhajans, as well as film.
