Liliendaal youth hopes to be next “big thing” in music industry

Twenty-one-year-old Kevon Roach, a third-year student of the University of Guyana pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies is hoping to one day become the next big thing in the music industry here in Guyana, regionally and even further afield.

Not knowing that he would actually take up a career in music, the young man who hails from Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, performed at school concerts at Tutorial High School. After completing his studies at that school, he got enrolled at St Stanislaus College to complete his CAPE exams.
During his secondary school life, Roach always thought about writing about his experiences after which he would add some music and make it pleasant to the ears. He along with two others – Reoneil Chapman and Edmond Williams – formed a group called “Pash Boys” and together they would slay at school concerts. The boys even performed at Christmas concerts – and was a group that everyone looked forward to when there is a cultural presentation.
However, back in 2015, the group recorded a song mocking a “porn video” that went viral. In fact, the song received over 100,000 likes and thousands of shares after it was uploaded onto social media. Even at school, they were supported by their peers for recording the song.
The song, he said, was to divert the attention off the persons who were seen in the leaked porn video. The song, he told Guyana Times had met its objective.
Even though they were praised for the video, they also received a licking from some friends and family members. It was then, they were encouraged to do an apology to the young ladies.
Roach noted that they recorded another song titled “State of Mind” which also went viral. This, nevertheless, was the turning point for the young group. They were contacted by Adrian Johnson of AJ Production, who requested a meeting.
The meeting did happen and they were told to use their talent to make positive music that can promote changes in society. Ever since, he has been working along with AJ Production. He has since recorded at least 18 songs that are yet to be released.
These songs are written by Roach, based on life experiences and are mixed and mastered by AJ Production who, he said, has been pushing him to realise his own potentials. “I get my inspiration from things and events around me… it is like things I have done or seen from day to day… these I just sit down and put them into writing but obviously with a little rhymes and catchy words,” he grinned.
He has moved away from compiling violent songs and his focus is now on his emotions and getting the message of peace and love out there. Some of the songs he has released thus far, are “Slavery”, “Close”, “Need Your Touch”, and “Come over”.
The young upcoming artiste was privileged to be a part of a concert featuring “Jameel” in Berbice. There, he performed some of his songs for about 10 minutes. “It felt so good to be on stage and to perform before hundreds of people…It was amazing…I felt the energy and the audience was extremely supportive,” he recalled.
He hopes one day to have a concert of his own so that he can showcase his talent and those of some of the people with whom he had collaborated with to make music. These include “Bluetooth” and “Breena S”. In the near future, he intents to do more collaborations.
Meanwhile, he encouraged those young men and women of his age range to “do big things for yourself”. He urged them to be who they want to be and not to impersonate others. “Try your best to be real and original and you will see prosperity.”
All of Roach’s music can be found on his YouTube page.