From Unity Village to US, ‘KenRock’ keeping Guyanese culture alive across border

Although Annan Baichu, popularly known as ‘KenRock,’ migrated to the United States about 30 years ago, he has continued to promote his Caribbean culture in a predominantly Western society.
Born in Unity Village on the East Coast of Demerara on August 15, 1985, and later taking up residence in Georgetown, he migrated to the USA with the Baichu family while still in primary school, and spent 24 years of his life in Brooklyn, New York. He now resides in Florida with his girlfriend and his two children, aged 21 and 15.
Although domiciled in a foreign land, Baichu disclosed, he has never forgotten his Guyanese roots, and at a young age, he began singing Chutney – a genre of music that is universal across the Caribbean.
Popularly known for his tunes “She Gone Away” and “Carry Me Away”, he has produced more than 20 other songs, and has done collaborations over the years with such musical icons as Terry Gajraj of ‘Guyana Baboo’ fame and with The Hitman, Shatta Youth, Anil Sing and Amrita Harrynarine, among others.

He credits those collaborations with definitely advancing his singing career and enabling him to craft a name for himself in the music industry.
Baichu disclosed that he chose to sing Chutney because he believes it resonates deeply with Indo-Guyanese culture and, more importantly, embodies a vibrant energy loved by all Caribbean people. Under his musical name ‘KenRock’, he has performed at several events in and out of Guyana, and he says his most memorable performance was at Jamzone Summer Break in 2012.
Reminiscing that the atmosphere and vibes at that event were overwhelming, he dubbed that experience as the one that made him connect with his Guyanese brothers and sisters, and has vowed to do more to promote the Chutney art form, which he says needs a push from the authorities here in Guyana.
“We all are Guyanese performers…we all want to see this type of music rise to the top; but this cannot happen without the support of those in authority and the fans back home,” Kenrock has said.
Contending that the Culture Ministry has to lead the charge in promoting more Guyanese music at events, Kenrock has said, “Over the years, I see they are trying to do that, but we need more… Invite those Guyanese artistes who reside abroad! Let them come and perform…! Give them that exposure!”
He has advised that because Chutney music is sometimes associated with the culture of rum-drinking and vulgarity, emerging artistes should be mindful of this perception, and strive to avoid reinforcing it while they persistently endeavour
to elevate the art form of Chutney to new heights.
“There will be challenges and high points… You just have to stay focused, stay real, and produce songs that are pleasing to the ears…,” he has advised.
Baichu also has his own YouTube cooking channel, which features Guyanese foods and delicacies, and is currently involved in the construction business; thus, he rarely finds time to perform, due to his demanding workload. However, he disclosed that he dedicates time in the evenings to making music, and when he’s off from work, he focuses on his cooking channel.
Declaring that he hopes to one day return to Guyana with his family, Baichu has said, “I imagine returning to Guyana, swinging in a hammock and doing the things I love – swimming, fishing, and even cooking.”
Baichu has also disclosed that he enjoys eating hot fried bora with dried fish and hot paratha roti; and when he is not making music, the melodious voice of Indian singer Kumar Sanu booms through his speaker boxes.