Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
Slinghshot ‘Sharing his Love’ on Mash Day
Little has been heard about Guyanese overseas-based artiste John ‘Slingshot’ Drepaul since his gala and colourful presentation at Mash 2008 celebrations.
In a recent telephone conversation with Weekend Entertainer, the singer related that he will definitely be here for Mash 2009, since he is more than ninety percent recuperated from the spinal injury he sustained when he fell from his horse drawn dray cart as he attempted ‘ his royal wave’ to his many fans at the 2007 Mashramani celebrations.
John ‘Slingshot’ Drepaul
In a telephone interview yesterday, the overseas-based artiste noted that he is ‘looking forward for bigger things in 2009’
Drepaul and his party will be arriving in Guyana on Sunday, February 15 and will depart on Wednesday, February 18.
He will be embarking on quite a few things during his brief stay, which will begin with his official press conference on Monday, February 16 at the Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, commencing at 12:00 hrs.
At that time, they will be launching the Slingshot Mash Camp with the theme: “On Mash Day: Sharing Our Love”, which he said is just what he will be doing on Mash Day.
As expected, he has again chosen the overseas-based Guyanese designer who last year designed his Mash float and costumes, which were well received by spectators.
Drepaul has already recorded his Road March song, dubbed “On Mash Day”, which is already on the local air waves in Guyana.
There are also plans for the production and release of several new music videos which will be filmed in and around Georgetown.
Slingshot is a household name in Guyana, as his music and videos are heard and seen daily on the radio and TV stations. This self-made artiste is today turning many heads in the Caribbean music industry and is making a lot of folks dance joyously. His music is appealing to people from all races, backgrounds, and cultures, because it has rhythm and meaning.
“Slingshot” is the sobriquet for John Drepaul, an affable and multi-talented entertainer, composer, musician and calypsonian, who grew up in the East Berbice area of the Corentyne Coast, with No. 63 Beach as his backyard.
This would later prove to be the ideal landscape and inspiration for most of his poetry, songs, and short stories.
Slingshot lived on his own in a beach house at No. 63 Beach, from age 13, with no assistance from his family. His stepmother, Etwaria Masidas, had put him out of the family home to fend for himself. He rose above such adversity, and was determined to succeed and make something good out of life for himself.
Living in a beach house at such an early age, with no parental control and/or guidance, gave him the flexibility to juggle attending high school and performing with his string combo, “The Lonely Bulls”. Adding to his versatility, he led and managed a chutney band, “Sons of India”, during the late 60s.
Slingshot migrated to the United States in early 1970, and honed his entertaining skills in New York City’s Greenwich Village coffee houses, subways, and street corners. His resilience, confidence and charisma are reflected in the witty songs of his Guyanese heritage.
Presently, he resides in Florida.
(Alex Wayne)
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