by Kevin Smith

Guyanese chutney star Terry Gajraj has added yet another accolade to his decades-long career after receiving the prestigious Icon Award at CARIFESTA XV Icon Night, one of the festival’s highest honours.

The award is given to the most outstanding artist from each participating country, recognising those who have made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to Caribbean arts and culture. Gajraj, who was nominated by Director of National Events at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Andrew Tyndell, said he is grateful to have been honoured this year, saying, “This means the world to me.”

“I do travel around the world promoting Guyana and when I do that, all these different countries, they honour me,” Gajraj noted, adding that “It’s even more special and more heartfelt to be honoured by your own country.”

The chutney legend extended thanks to the Ministry of Culture, the Guyanese people, and the CARIFESTA committee for the recognition. He also gave a special shoutout to the Barbadians and the Icon Band, a group of top musicians from Barbados who backed him at the event.

“They did a really magnificent job and they all showed me so much love, and I really appreciate it,” Gajraj said.

The Bajans were said to be shocked by his biography- a career that spans over 30 years of nonstop performance.

For an excited Gajraj, the Icon Award is another proud moment in a career filled with “firsts.”

He was the first Guyanese artist to be honoured in India by the country’s Ministry of Culture. He also thanked Charandass Persaud, Guyana’s then High Commissioner to India, for making that possible. During that trip, he performed in front of dignitaries from Mexico, Thailand, Singapore, and several other countries.

Soon after, he was invited to sing for India’s Independence celebrations, something he describes as a “blessing.”

Back in 2000, Gajraj also became the first Guyanese to perform at the Bollywood Music Awards. On this grand stage, Indian film and music superstar Shah Rukh Khan saw him perform his hit “Saki Boom” and liked it so much that he later performed the song on his own world tour, which included stops in the US, Canada, and Trinidad.

Reflecting on those moments, Gajraj said with gratitude in his voice, “It is so humbling, it is so unbelievable that a poor village barefoot bai from the country got acknowledged and recognised by these big artists.”

Gajraj described his time leading up to CARIFESTA XV when, just last month, he was honoured by New York Mayor Eric Adams at Gracie Mansion. But despite the international recognition, he says awards like the CARIFESTA Icon Award feel different because they come from home.

“All these countries honour me, not for what I do for them,” he explained. “They honour me for promoting Guyana, Guyanese music, Guyanese culture. It is such a blessing to be honoured by CARIFESTA on their 15th anniversary.”

Held from August 22nd to 31st, 2025, CARIFESTA XV brought together some of the Caribbean’s most celebrated artists in a grand showcase of culture, creativity, and connection. The Icon Award is regarded as one of its highest distinctions, and for Gajraj, being honoured at the festival’s 15th anniversary marks yet another unforgettable milestone in his journey.

From a “barefoot bai” in a small Guyanese village to an international chutney sensation, Terry Gajraj’s journey is one built on passion and pride in carrying his country’s culture to the world. CARIFESTA no doubt took note of his dedication and talent and granted this Guyanese the Icon Award.

The post “Poor Village Bai” makes it big! | Guyanese Terry Gajraj cops CARIFESTA Icon Award appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.