friends united by tradition and musical passion in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni

The history of ASC2.G (Sports and Cultural Association of Guyana Guadeloupe) began ten years ago, in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. Elf, drum master, and Jojo, lover of cultural traditions, decide to create a group where music and conviviality would be the key words. Their ambition? Preserve and promote Caribbean musical traditions while opening up to new influences.

What unites us is friendship and passion. Together, we share intense moments, whether through Christmas, Carnival or Goka. This is the ASC2.G spirit

says Lutin.

Over the years, the group evolved, welcoming new members and expanding its repertoire. Christmas Carols, an essential tradition of the end-of-year holidays, become a specialty of the group. Each service is an opportunity to bring a touch of innovation while respecting cultural heritage.

Christmas Carols are much more than a tradition for us. Every year, we seek to offer something new, a performance that reflects the richness of our cultures

If ASC2.G is part of a dynamic of cultural preservation, it is above all a human adventure. The group brings together a dozen members, each bringing their own personality and story.

Kenny, recently arrived in Guyana from France, found a second family in ASC2.G. Passionate about Gwoka, she did not hesitate to join the group as soon as she had the opportunity.

It was the passion for Gwoka that brought me here. When I arrived in Guyana, I was looking for people with whom to share this culture, and ASC2.G offered me much more: a family

For Véronique and Aurore, new recruits, joining the group was a first foray into Christmas Carols. Both experience their first scenes with emotion and enthusiasm.

It was my very first scene, and even though I was stressed, I discovered incredible energy. It's different from being a spectator: here, I'm part of the story

I didn't know anything about Christmas Carols, but chance led me here. Today, I discover a new way of experiencing music, more festive and collective. I love it

Far from limiting itself to Christmas carols, ASC2.G multiplies initiatives to bring Guyanese traditions to life throughout the year. The group offers percussion and dance lessons, attracting many young people eager to learn Goka, Bel Air and other traditional dances.

One of their flagship projects for next year is a unique collaboration between Native American music and Gwoka.

Soon, we will integrate Native American music with Gwoka. It's never been seen before, and it promises to be a great fusion

Lutin also mentions an ambitious project: a major percussion festival in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. This cultural event will bring together groups from different communities, from Native Americans to Saramacas and Bushinenge.

We want to show that there is immense potential here in Guyana. This festival will be a celebration of our traditions and diversity

This December, ASC2.G will be on all fronts. After opening the Christmas Village, the group plans performances at the Patou Market on December 6, at the Bois-Canon on the 16th, and at the Saint-Laurent Market on the 20th.

Every year, we try to bring something more to our audience. Christmas Carols are a way of sharing the joy and magic of the holidays

With its communicative energy and its promising projects, ASC2.G has established itself as a key player in the cultural scene of Western Guyana. A group which, while looking towards the future, continues to cultivate the musical and human roots which animate it.