Overcoming limitations, defying expectations – GTT Brand Warrior Drew Thoven

Limitations are set points or levels beyond which someone or something does not or may not be expected to extend, pass or exceed. Expectations, on the other hand, speaks of strong belief that something will happen in a particular manner or that someone will or should achieve something in a specific way or take a particular route. In either case, expectations and limitations have time and again proven to be tools by which others seek to define us. However, there are those who stand in opposition to the imposition of limitations and expectations by overcoming limitations, defy expectations, and in so doing set a new standard – one that their predecessors perhaps thought improbable. It is the courage, resilience and strength of these types of warriors that GTT celebrates; those who, in pursuit of their dreams, face opposition and overcome.
GTT is honoured to celebrate such an individual as they introduce you to Andrew King, also known as “Drew Thoven” or “Drew”.
The 21-year-old Music Producer/DJ, award winning film composer, song writer and multi-instrumentalist was born on August, 18, 1996, in Georgetown, Guyana, to parents, Pastor Timothy and Deborah King.
Growing up, he recalls having a “sheltered life”, nonetheless falling in love with music at a young age through immense exposure to the art in church. Among the instruments the youngster plays – most of which were self-taught, Drew is most passionate about the drum set. Drew acknowledges the importance of laying a strong foundation if one expects to build something of great magnitude as he reflected on his primary school days at the New Guyana School.
He pursued his secondary education at Queen’s College and intends to further pursue studies at the Berklee College of Music in the USA. However, the unorthodox musician is doing things differently; rather than studying music in order to earn a living from it, he’s earning a living from music so that he may formally study it in the near future.
His alias Drew Thoven, is a reflection of countless limitations he faced initially as a budding musician and producer – not being particularly versed musically; not owning proper equipment – not even a personal laptop for starters; receiving little support, if any, for his dream due to the unstable state of affairs of the music industry locally.
Though he has come a long way in his musical journey, Drew Thoven agrees that he has a mighty long way to go. Drew and a group of other artistic minds, created Kindred Republic, a record label and recording studio that offers production, management and sound engineering services that has been taking the music industry in Guyana to another level.
He has worked with a plethora of local and international artistes, including Shawn English, Don Gialiani, Jumo Primo, Shal Marshall and of late, he’s formed quite a bond with the Queen of Bacchanal, Destra Garcia. Drew’s philosophy as a warrior is that in order to do “great things” we must “believe in ourselves” and remain “focused” – not allowing the views of anyone, whether family or friends, to deter us from the course that will lead to the fulfilment of our dreams. GTT looks forward to the journey that lies ahead as this young warrior, Drew Thoven, makes his mark on the fabric of Guyanese, Caribbean and world history.