Guyana mourns the passing of a true musical legend—Dave Martins, acclaimed singer, composer, and cultural icon. Here’s a heartfelt summary of his remarkable life.
Dave Martins and The Tradewinds became a household name, especially during the 1980s. His composition “Not A Blade of Grass” stirred Guyanese hearts, rallying them against Venezuela’s persistent claim to the Essequibo Region. In many circles, this song is Guyana’s unofficial National Anthem—a timeless ode to patriotism and resilience.
Dave once revealed that “Not a Blade of Grass” emerged in a burst of inspiration—a 3-minute love-of-country song crafted in just a few hours. Remarkably, 34 years later, Guyanese still sing it fervently, their voices echoing his passion.
Beyond the iconic anthem, Dave gifted us with more melodies: “Honeymooning Couple,” “Cricket in the Jungle,” “Civilisation,” and others.
Each song carried a piece of Guyana’s soul, its rhythms weaving into the fabric of our collective memory.
In 2022, the University of Guyana awarded him the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters, an acknowledgement of his immense contribution. Dave Martins may have left this earthly stage, but his music lives on—an evergreen legacy that binds us together.
