Mashramani 2025 musical competitions: Local singer Simeon Raywaram has sights set on championships

…“I’m aiming to come first,” he says

Conscious that he hasrevitalised interest in this particular genre of music as he dished out memorable performances on every stage that has come under his feet, Simeon Raywaram has now set his sights upon securing first place in the 2025 Mashramani Calypso Competition.
Having defied all odds in 2023 by securing second place in the Junior Calypso Monarch competition and being adjudged Best Newcomer despite having never previously participated in that competition; and then copping third place in the 2024 Junior Calypso Monarch competition and again being adjudged Best Newcomer in theJunior Soca Monarch event, the dynamic Simeon Raywaram is brimming with confidence that he can fulfil his ambition.
With exactly 31 days to the grand night when the Calypso Monarch Competition is staged, Raywaram revealed in a recent interview with this publication that his various plans have already been set in motion to enable him to achieve this impressive goal.

And his management team is working assiduously with him to craft strategies that would enable him to win all the competitions in which he would participate.
“I am going for the first-place title this year,” he proudly disclosed. “My team and I have already started writing. I definitely feel my music has improved, and I’ve also started rehearsing and getting everything done. So far, we’ve had quite a number of rehearsals to get the song to where it should be.”
Revealing that his mindset has been revolutionised at this stage of his music career, Simeon has also said, “Well, for me, I would say one of the things that I have been working on more is my mindset. There is always a challenge in every success story, and there are also doubts that may come at times. I think that is something I definitely have to work on. Even though I’m more confident this year, I’m pretty sure that’s something most persons deal with.”

Simeon says he has been engaging in self-assessment for quite some time, and the fruits thereof can readily be seen in the way his performances have improved in 2024. He added that his confidence has significantly been boosted after performing at the CARICOM Heads of State Meeting, the ‘One Love’ concert, and the Independence Day showcase.
“…and I think that would have boosted my confidence in terms of performing on large stages. One of the largest stages I performed on was the CARICOM Heads of State Meeting which happened last year,” he disclosed. “The other one, which was the biggest for me, was the ‘One Guyana’ Show, where I was given the opportunity to perform for the very first time.”

Recalling that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has provided him opportunities to improve his performances, Raywaram says a hunger has been kindled in him, his music has grown, and this would surely be seen in his upcoming performances in February.
“Well, I would say I am more eager and desperate. The hunger for music is there. Last year, because of other responsibilities, I didn’t have much time to focus on music. But based on the experiences and opportunities provided, my hunger for music has grown. I’m so desperate now. Definitely, this year, I’m hoping to release new music,” he revealed.
According to Simeon, this passion has been spawned from his initial feelings after placing third in the competition. He disclosed that that competition turned out to be something he fell in love with.

“At the time in 2023, I was awarded Best Newcomer and I also got second place. It was just amazing. I felt like there was a connection between me and calypso, and I just had to go back last year,” he said.
As these competitions gain popularity, the number of people attending these events would vary significantly, and be even in the thousands.
Asked about his fear of crowds, Simeon shared advice he received from a great family friend, who has played a big part in the development of his career. “One of my coaches, Sean Bhola – someone we’ve worked with for some time – told me, ‘If you ain’t nervous, that means you’re doing something wrong.’ That quote continues to resonate with me. Being nervous is something that keeps me going, knowing I’m doing the right thing. The fear is always there, but the nervous feeling pushes me. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities provided by my management and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, which support us in the musical industry,” he expressed.