From Belvedere to NY, Tauseef Baksh: keeping culture alive

Listening to the melodious voices of the musical greats of yesteryear: Kishore Kumar, Mukesh and Mohamed Rafi, has definitely shaped the singing career of 39-year-old Tauseef Baksh, a US-based Guyanese singer who is popularly known as ‘Tezz’.
Born and bred at Belvedere, Corentyne, Berbice to Momin and Haseena Baksh, Tauseefmigrated to the United States of America some 14 years ago, and now resides there with his wife and three children. Although he has been living the affluent lifestyle of this western nation, he has never forgotten his roots, and would recount incidents of his childhood days: when he rode bicycles and donkey carts around the village, swam in the nearby canals and trenches, and went to the market with his mother. These are all cherished memories, and reminiscing on his school life also brings him much joy.
Tauseef says that listening to ‘oldies’ by some of the best in Bollywood has had the most significant impact on his decision to pursue a career in music, and he now sings his own tunes.
Convinced that Bollywood music is universally known, and being influenced by the hauntingly melodious voices of some playback singers, which would unfailingly give him the chills, he began to harbour the notion that he could become the next Mohamed Rafi or Kishore Kumar; and that is what pushed him to start singing Chutney and Bollywood music.
His first tune, ‘Tuhjse Naraz’, though recorded in New York, was mixed and mastered by Shakti Strings International Band in Guyana. Presently, he has about 13 well-known hits, and is in the process of making others.
He says he has collaborated with several artistes, including Terry Gajraj and Rochana Balgobind from the Netherlands, and has performed at “quite a few” private and public events in Guyana and the USA. Among these are the 2024 ‘Clash of the Titans’ at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence; at the Everest Cricket Ground in 2023, and for a private show at Jameel’s Bar at Montrose, East Coast Demerara. He has also performed numerous times at Caribbean Day celebrations at Schenectady and at other shows in NY.
He says these shows have all been overwhelming, the experience gained has been fulfilling, and his most memorable experience is performing alongside the late Anil Bheem of Trinidad and Tobago in Suriname in 2022.
“When I performed in Suriname with Anil Bheem in 2022, [it] was the most memorable moment on stage…,” he said. “That concert ended up being his last show, and my first with him. He passed away a week after that show.
“Learning about his death had left me shocked to know that a humble man with one of the most melodious voices has left this world with all his talent…I wish I could have performed with him on the same stage many more times… We have lost a gem, and I don’t think anyone can fill his shoes. I will forever remember sharing the same stage with him. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” a sombre Baksh recalled.
Baksh has opined that more support and sponsorship is needed if the local music industry is to have beneficial expansion.
“Especially for Guyanese singers and those who are now coming up, corporate Guyana needs to do more. These youngsters need the push, but at the same time, their music needs to bring a breath of fresh air to the airwaves,” he suggested.
He is also of the opinion that artistes must utilize their talents, whether vocal or instrumental, to advertise themselves.
“Don’t let it go to waste! Use all the resources and platforms to showcase your talent. Make clean music that the populace can relate to, and don’t ever give up, no matter the challenges!” he has advised.
He says that working full time as a realtor gives him the time needed to concentrate on writing new songs, because he works on his own time. It also facilitates him spending time with his family, including going to parks or movies with them. And although he is not resident in Guyana, he never misses an opportunity to indulge in his favourite food of bigan choka and roti.
Apart from making music, Baksh loves to travel and see new places. “I love going for long drives and explore the beautiful sceneries. That brings me peace of mind…,”he says.