By: Sueann Wickham
Hits and Jams Entertainment, in collaboration with E-Net, delivered an unparalleled spectacle with their ‘Unforgettable’ concert featuring international African superstar Burna Boy. Held on May 1, 2024 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, this concert remains a hot topic as attendees contend that it sets a new benchmark for Guyana’s entertainment scene.
From the moment Burna Boy took the stage, the atmosphere was electrified by the hypnotic sounds of African drums played masterfully by members of his musical entourage. Thousands of revellers roared in excitement as they witnessed the superstar in all his glory. Burna Boy, known for his dynamic performances and infectious Afrobeat rhythms, did not disappoint. For over an hour, he held the audience in a complete state of rapture, delivering hit after hit with an intensity that left everyone spellbound.
The grandeur of Burna Boy’s performance was complemented by the stellar lineup of opening acts, both local and international. Guyanese stars such as Timeka Marshall, AW Lyrical, and B-Nick delivered captivating performances that showcased the rich musical talent within the country. Timeka Marshall’s soulful voice and engaging performance set the tone for the evening, while AW Lyrical and B-Nick brought their unique styles, further elevating the concert’s vibrancy.
Adding to the night’s excitement were Jamaican sensations such as Tanya Stevens and Busy Signal. Stevens, with her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence, enchanted the audience with her reggae hits. Busy Signal, known for his high-energy performances, had the crowd on their feet, dancing to his infectious beats. Their contributions underscored the concert’s diverse musical offerings, providing a fusion of Caribbean sounds that highlighted the region’s cultural richness.
But as we celebrate what was dubbed the biggest concert in Guyana to date, it must be highlighted that the success of the ‘Unforgettable’ concert is a testament to the growing prowess of Guyana’s entertainment industry. Pulling off such a high-caliber event required meticulous planning and coordination, and Hits and Jams Entertainment, along with E-Net, rose to the occasion.
In an exclusive interview with Guyana Standard, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hits and Jams, Rawle Ferguson shared that it had been two years since his company was trying to secure a booking with the artiste also referred to as “The African Giant”.
“Well, for quite some time we’ve been trying to do Burna Boy in Guyana. I think he’s the hottest current artist right now, and we wanted to be exposed to the international concert scene. It’s been two years in the making. The cost wasn’t matching to our economic situation in Guyana. But one morning, the agents called and said they have Burna Boy in the region, and the price was workable at the time,” Ferguson noted.
The timing and pricing aligned perfectly, making it feasible to bring Burna Boy to Guyana as part of his Caribbean tour. Despite some initial concerns about the reception of Afrobeat in a country traditionally inclined towards dancehall and soca, Ferguson was confident in the appeal of Burna Boy’s music. “Afro beats music is now more conducive. A lot of people are actually relating more. I personally love Afro music more than dancehall because it is more fluid with a lot more rhythm,” he said.
E-Net, they key sponsor, played a significant role in making the concert a reality. “The idea behind the whole thing is Guyanese companies doing great things for Guyana. The relationship behind E-Net and Hits and Jams is long.
“The CEO, Vishook Persaud, and I, have known each other since we were teens and his vision is similar to ours. We want the best for Guyana. One phone call and he was on board,” Ferguson stated.
The concert’s success was evident not just in the turnout but also in the overwhelmingly positive feedback. “The turnout was good. Not just the turnout but the event in terms of people enjoying it and loving the standard that we tried to create and recreate in terms of international standards,” he posited.
Ferguson continued,” I think what we have achieved as a team, including the Guyanese people, is that we have put on the best Burna Boy concert in the Caribbean.” He said Burna Boy himself acknowledged the event’s success, noting it as the best concert he’s done in the region.
Furthermore, the Hits and Jams boss revealed that the meticulous planning behind the concert’s theme and setup showcased the dedication to delivering an exceptional experience. “We felt like we needed to do this for Guyana. We wanted people to think about the best concerts in Guyana and think about the Burna Boy concert. That’s the standard we want to set for all events moving forward,” Ferguson said, hinting at future high-caliber events.
Looking ahead, Ferguson expressed enthusiasm about bringing more international talent to Guyana, including more Afrobeat artists. “This was just a test to see if it’s actually achievable. I think the sky is the limit for Guyana now, but it will take more time. We will need the time to plan and budget properly. If we’re going in this direction, the price will go up, so we’ll give the public ample notice,” he noted.
Ferguson also hinted at a possible revival of Jamzone’s International night, which has been a crowd favorite in the past. “Yes, Jamzone will go back to three days where we will have an International Night, the beach day, and that will be coupled with the pageant. We really want to make the pageant more of a beach-type event,” he explained.
Hits and Jams has been a staple in the entertainment industry for 24 years, but before its establishment, Ferguson was building Fusion Sounds, which served as the foundation for Hits and Jams. “Hits and Jams is an extension of Fusion Sounds. Fusion is the foundation. Everything was birthed from Fusion,” he said.
Given that the ethos of the company is rooted in Fusion Sounds, he said it’s legacy continues to influence their mission. The primary goal has always been to bring joy to the Guyanese people, transcending financial gain.
Ferguson shared, “This is not about money. Growing up in a poverty-stricken area where things were like dreams, and that we saw on TV—we felt like we were given the opportunity to bring that same feeling here where the regular person can experience these things and not have to overextend themselves to go overseas…”
For the years of events to come, Ferguson was keen to note that Hits and Jams will continue to make extraordinary experiences accessible to everyone, ensuring that joy and entertainment are within reach for all.
From the perspective of the Guyana Standard team, the ‘Unforgettable’ concert has indeed lived up to its name, leaving an enduring legacy and a promise of even more exciting events to come. As Guyana basks in the afterglow of this monumental event, one thing is clear: the future of entertainment in this nation is brighter than ever. And leading the way is Hits and Jams Entertainment.
(Photos by Stephon Gabriel)
