Guyana: Guyana’s 1966 “Welcome Independence To Guyana” Anthem Restored for Diamond Jubilee Celebration

GEORGETOWN, Guyana — A historic song titled “Welcome Independence to Guyana” has been restored and remastered for the upcoming 60th Independence Anniversary of Guyana, which will be celebrated on May 26, 2026. Originally composed and performed by Terry Nelson in 1966, the song has been re-released as the “Diamond Jubilee Edition” by his son, Terry Nelson Fraser Junior. The track is now available on major streaming platforms including Apple Music and Spotify.

The song was created in the United Kingdom to mark the birth of Guyana as an independent nation. It quickly became a patriotic favorite, broadcast across various communities at the moment the country transitioned to self-rule. Its uplifting chorus resonated with the celebratory spirit of a newly independent nation.

Terry Nelson, who later adopted the name Omar Farouk, passed away in 2009. The release of the Diamond Jubilee Edition serves as a tribute from his son, who expressed the significance of the song in the context of Guyana’s history. “My father’s song was the first welcome our nation heard as a free country,” said Terry Nelson Jr. “Restoring his recording feels like the most meaningful way I can honor both his memory and the moment Guyana now finds itself in.”

The new edition features a complete remix and remaster of the original 1966 recording, maintaining the distinct calypso style while enhancing the audio quality for modern listeners. Accompanying the release are new cover artwork, an animated lyric video, and an archival feature from HGPTV Nightly News that explores the song’s history and the artist behind it.

Terry Nelson, at the age of 29, wrote what is considered the first and only Road March song for Guyana’s Independence. The music conveyed a powerful message of historic change, reaching audiences not only within Guyana but also in places like Suriname, London, and the United States. This year marks what would have been Nelson’s 89th birthday, highlighting his lasting impact on Guyana’s musical heritage.

The project was facilitated by HGPTV Omar Farouk Inc., a media network focused on preserving and promoting Nelson’s artistic legacy across various platforms. The restored single is now available globally on major streaming networks.

Source: hgptv.com