Look out Linden, here we come!

Dec 14, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
I read the letter that was written by Mr. Frank Fyfee and it was so heart-warming to read. I always watch the awards show on TV and wish if one day I can get an award too, but thanks to Mr. Fyfee for this award.
I accept it with gratitude and I will frame your letter.
One thing I must say is, I normally hear if someone passes away, some say he or she was good, but why wait until the person dies to say those words? Let them know while they are breathing. As I’m alive, I always hear from fans, he or she will say to me: ”Shrimpy yuh bad for days, they can’t stop you” And I hear that anywhere I go, it gives me the strength and encouragement to continue in the music world. That’s another award.
I always tell my wife “God forgive I go before you, bury me in Linden with CDs and a microphone, every Saturday night is party down Christianburg.”
Linden is where I was born and I am very proud of my country and home town, that’s why we come home so often. I enjoyed playing music all over Guyana and made numerous friends, you name it! Linden, Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Ituni, Kwakwani, East Bank, West Coast Berbice, Bartica, Canje, Uitvlugt, Fyrish, Parika, and Corentyne at The Reno where I will be entertaining the fans on Old Years night this year.
What’s amazing is most people in Linden pass by when I’m in the country and hear the old funk, soca, oldies and old school music and they pop in say “Once I hear this kind of music, I know Shrimpy come” and I’m very proud of that.
Thank you my fans. Talking about fans! One of my greatest fans is Eddie Grant as was mentioned by Mr. Fyfee.
Mr. Grant, I met hundred of top artists’ worldwide like you, and if you’re reading this letter I would like to meet you in person for the first time, I always play your music anywhere I play. If you can make it to Linden, come on down please. I’m sure that your fans in Linden will be happy to see you.
On December 26 I’m hosting a new karaoke contest as seen on TV here in the States “Don’t forget the lyrics” All you have to do is sing a song and I will stop the music at a certain part and blackout the big screen and you tell me what’s the lyrics in the next line in the song.
If you do that, I will give you a cash prize to enjoy your Christmas holiday. This will be held at Rigger’s bar (Former L&L) just opposite the Linden bus park.
I must mention that I got into music through my father Mr. Ashton Benjamin who bought a Greco stereo for the family in the early 70’s, and my siblings and myself used to play the 45’s and LP’s and sing every song word for word. I remember I used to take off mommy’s lamp shade and used the stand as a microphone. Thank God they are still alive and healthy.
I was also inspired by the late Pancho Carew, Matthew Allen and Mr. Gary Tim who is still alive and kicking who gave me a big chance to be on radio.
Thanks to Mr. Percy Pantliz who gave me the break on TV to entertain the residents of Linden by hosting the programme “Especially Yours” Oh! That was fun to do, especially reading requests for the toddlers and senior citizens.
Not forgetting the late Doc Anderson, proprietor of the Edge, where we held the Soul Train Live on radio in the early 80’s, those were the good old days, I will never forget him. He was a great boss, also Mr. Green and Roldon of Mahogany and Reno respectfully.
Once I’m alive, music must play on, especially old school.
A Merry Christmas to all my Guyanese fans. Especially Frank Fyfee.
SO LINDEN HERE WE COME.
Collie (Shrimpy) Allen

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