Saiku: The man behind the hits

Mess to Messenger

Scheduled to perform in Guyana on Friday, popular gospel singer Saiku Andrews has received much airtime on the radio. But exactly who is the man behind popular hits such as “Pillow Could Speak” – the opening song of his debut album, “You”, launched in May 2017.
Saiku faced a number of challenges while growing up in a single parent household with nine other siblings, headed by his mother in a two bedroom apartment. His father, a fish-monger by trade, died while Saiku was only three years old. This left a wide gap for male influence in the youngster’s life.
This was a worrying fact, especially for his mother who worked extremely hard to ensure her family was provided for, as the majority of the male influences of the community were negative in nature.
As such, she sought to protect young Saiku as best as she could from the traps of illicit drugs, crime, violence and the overall hopelessness that seemed rampant in the community. He recalls having to “bargain” with his mother for a chance to play beyond the confines of the small enclosure of their apartment’s front entrance that was bound by an always locked gate.
Like the average boy, he relished the idea of “running football” in the neighbourhood streets. Saiku attributes much of his interest and prowess in business and life to the lessons he learnt from his “hardworking and free-handed” mother; attributes he continues to practice in his own life.
“I was just an average student”, he said of his primary and secondary years of schooling. While recognising education as a means to elevate himself from a life of poverty, as well as his potential to excel academically, Saiku often lacked the interest and personal discipline to apply himself fully to his studies.
Nevertheless, he managed to complete his secondary education at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School and subsequently a Bachelor of Science in Economics at the University of Guyana.

Singing
Saiku Andrews discovered his ability to sing at the age of 11 and dreamt of “making it big”. Yet, it seemed as though his “chance to shine” was always being delayed. He recalled witnessing a neighbourhood dispute from his bedroom window and writing “how are we gonna survive, if we keep taking one another’s life? Like there’s no tomorrow, with all of this war and sorrow!”
That was chorus of a song he created and gave to a friend who managed the famous Guyanese Rastafarian Group, First Born. The finished song gained international success and was recorded with Jamaican Reggae Legend, Buju Banton.
Another opportunity presented itself when Saiku was poised to make his debut on the international stage at Caribana in Toronto, Canada. Everything was set, or so it seemed. Saiku was unable on that occasion to leave Guyana’s shores as the promoter that set the deal was nabbed by local authorities for illegal activities – another hope deferred.
In a country that offers little reward, recognition or protection to artistic talents, Saiku focused his energies on entrepreneurial pursuits while not letting go of his musical dreams. Saiku subsequently began using his writing and singing talents to express his gratitude for salvation at Youth Conventions and Church concerts locally and eventually internationally.
Saiku’s desire is to continue sharing his life experiences and lessons with the world in the hope that it brings tangible positive change to the lives of those who listen. He is bent on showing that if he could have transitioned from ‘A Mess to a Messenger’ like the second song on his album, anyone, anywhere can rise to the occasion and not submit to being a product of their environment.
According to a statement on Tuesday, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) announced it “proudly celebrates and supports the spirit and efforts of Saiku, a Guyanese warrior committed to fostering hope, love and unity in communities across Guyana. Saiku is one of the key performers along with International Gospel Artiste Travis Greene at the GTT ‘Hope is Rising’ Gospel Concert on Friday night at the National Stadium, Providence.”