Dave Martins

Dave Martins
An Icon of Caribbean Identity

By Henry Muttoo and Bibi Khatoon

The Caribbean is known for its vibrant cultural tapestry of which music takes center stage. Of the tremendous array of prolific artists only a small number manage to transcend borders and generations. One of those who stood as a beacon of musical innovation and Cultural heritageanimationis DavidAnthony Martins A.A; more commonly known as Dave Martins.From the bustling streets of Georgetown to the lively and Carnival stages of the Caribbean, ‘We Place’ in Toronto, to a quarter centuryin the Cayman Islands, Martins has carved a legacy that intertwines tradition with contemporary flair.

Dave was born to parents Joseph Francis Martins and ZepherinaBarcellosand raised in West Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands Ð West Demerara) with his four sisters. He later attended the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church School and St. Stanislaus High School where he was fascinated by words and as a teen, already developed a love for calypso.

After completing his secondary education, Dave worked as a Flight Clerk for four years at British Guiana Airways, and shortly thereafter at the company’s field office at the Atkinson Airport now renamed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

During this time, the young Martins learnt to play the piano from friends and formed a small group playing ballads and the Latin tunes of that time.The ballads he told interviewers over the years, was influenced by his mother’s constant singing as she did her chores and his love for Calypso later came from listening to Trinidad Calypsonians like ‘the Mighty Sparrow’, Lord Kitchener’ and more.

In 1956, he migrated to Canada where the possibility of earning money from his music opened. With a day job running a lithographic printing machine and a night student at the United Music Center, he thought of forming a group catering to the Caribbean migrants in Canada. This led to the formation of a group, The Latins, influenced by the popularity of Latin songs in Guyana at the time. The group also played some Trinidad calypsos and later changed their name to ‘The Debonairs’.

With a growing preference for Caribbean music and his love for Calypso, Dave assembled three Trinidadians Ð Clive Rosteing, Joe Brown and Terry Dayal Ð and formed the famous ‘Trade Winds’ an all-Caribbean band in 1966. ‘I discovered and appreciated Caribbean music by being away from it,’ he was quoted saying in an article written by Dr. Dhanpaul Narine for  The West Indian’ in October 2017.

The band participated in the Trinidad Carnival in the 1960s leading to one of the songs Ð Honeymooning Couple’ topping the charts in just three months and becoming the household name we know today.

In 1968, the band signed with West Indies Records and Telco records in Trinidad for regional distribution and played six nights per week in Toronto. By the mid-70s the band was able to acquire its own nightclub in downtown Toronto, which was named ‘We Place’ and toured across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

In Guyana, the band played at the Astor cinema to sold out crowds. The Trade Winds has become an integral part of Caribbean life, producing one hit after another with the perfect blend of humour and meaning.

He won the Cross Canada Song Competition in the early ‘70s with his ballad ‘Over You’.

Dave Martins and the award-winning Caribbean string bandyear after year has shared music filled with wit, vision, and a unique ability to capture the feelings and mood of the people. One of the popular songs written by Dave, ‘Not a Blade of Grass,’ became an anthem in Guyana and brought citizens together against Venezuela’s claim to Essequibo.

The celebrated musician and songwriter has five children from two marriages Ð two (Anthony and Luanna) with his first wife, Dorothy and three Ð Annika, Janine and Brian. with second wife, Angela.

Dave emigrated to the Cayman Islands about 1980 by which timethe band had added to new members to replace Joe Brown and Tony Dayal. The band was an immediate success playing in venues all around the island. They were a popular feature at the island’s PIRATE WEEK FESTIVEL. He worked as journalist, writing featured articles in the newspapers and magazines. He took great interest in the island its people, and soon became one of the most admired and respected cultural activists on the island. He was appointed Chairman of the Cayman Island National Cultural Foundation in 1988, and encouraged another Guyanese cultural Icon, Henry Muttoo to head the organization, as Artistic Director.

Together ,they laid the groundwork of the flowering of Caymanian heritage and culture. Dave retired from the Chairmanship of CNCF in 1995 to take up the postion of Coordinator of the country’s second and more permanent Arts Festival, CAYFEST, which was run by CNCF. In all, Dave spent 28 years in the Cayman Islands and left to return home to Guyana, in 2009, a Caymanian hero with the title of Cultural Pioneer and a holder of CNCF’s highest Honour ‘The Radley Gourzong Award Ð now called the CNCF HERITAGE CROSS.

On his return to Guyana, Dave married Environmentalist and Entrepreneur Annette Arjoon whom he shared love and a fulfilling life until his death on August 19, 2024 at the age of 90.

At a private farewell service at the Kaashi Dhaam Crematorium, Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara (WCD)on August 20, Annette spoke of the first time she met Dave and married after just one year. With tears, she said, ‘I was really blessed to have him in my life and to have 15 years of absolute joy and happiness and solitude and today he is in a good place surrounded by friends and family all of you I know love him dearly.’

The service was attended by Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali who noted that Martins’s legacy will continue to form connections with generations to come through his music, selfless contributions to the cultural sector and his ability to foster national unity.

‘WE know that this man is not a national asset, every single regional leader as young, as experienced and as young, they all are acquainted with Dave and they see him as a regional man, they value him as a regional man,’ the President said.

President Ali reminisced on many occasions when the iconic singer graced events with his presence, showcasing his love for Guyana. ‘In celebrating his life, we honour the footprints he has left on our culture, his words that will continue to inspire and his melodies that will never fade from our collective consciousness. Dave Martins is a very special and irreplaceable part of our nationhood,’ President Ali added.

Martins and Arjoon shared two children from her previous marriage who both shared that while he was known as a musician, he was a remarkable and incredible father figure. In addition to his music career, Dave Martins is also known for his role as an advocate for Caribbean culture and heritage. He has been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting Caribbean music and supporting the growth of local artistes. His commitment to the cultural development of the Caribbean is evident through his active participation in regional festivals and his efforts to mentor young musicians. Martins’ influence extends beyond his music, as he continues to inspire and support the next generation of Caribbean artists.