Keith Waithe now Visiting Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Vice-Chancellor of The University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, has appointed overseas-based Guyanese music icon Mr Keith Waithe as the Visiting Distinguished Artist-in-Residence in the Vice-Chancellery for the period February 20 to April 8, 2017. He is expected to undertake both instructional and performance engagements.

Mr Waithe, a flutist, is an expert in traditional Guyanese folk music and jazz. He will be conducting master classes at both the Turkeyen and Tain campuses in a range of musical styles using the flute and drumming as the key instruments. He has also been named a member of the planning committee for the forthcoming Diaspora Engagement Conference. His focus there will be to help organise the cultural aspect for the week-long event, and help mobilise Guyanese in the United Kingdom to attend the historic conference.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, “Keith is an outstanding music and culture ambassador of our nation, whose prowess as both a performer and a teacher I am happy to leverage for the benefit of our students and staff.” Moreover, said Professor Griffith, “he is one of a few musical leaders who commands respect across our racial and cultural landscapes and can assemble reputable musicians in the Diaspora and in Guyana along those lines.”

Mr Waithe currently resides in the United Kingdom where he has been performing and working as a visiting lecturer with the School of African and Oriental Studies at the University of London, the Royal Holloway University of London, and other institutions.