Over the years, many have witnessed the emergence of a number of young artistes in Guyana, who after a few singles, are nowhere to be found.
There can be a number of reasons for this, one being the fact that the journey of being a successful artiste in Guyana is paved with innumerable challenges.
But regardless of the odds that may be against him, Marlon Ashford Simon is determined to prove that he has the talent, the wits and the mental fortitude to be one of Guyana’s most sought after artistes.
Popularly known as Blaze Anthonio, the 25-year-old who grew up on the West Coast of Demerara is the lyrical mastermind behind the unquestionably humourous track called “Blow.” The song is one where Anthonio lays down some of the most far-fetched statements about some women and their promiscuous nature.
In his interview with the News Room, this talented artiste, who is also a former student of St Joseph’s High School explains some aspects of his childhood and the history behind his most popular piece called “Blow.”
News Room (NR): Kindly tell us a little about your childhood.
BA: I was born in Bartica and left my home town around the age of four or five. The environs of Crane, West Coast Demerara became my platform for making new memories and learning new things. But that was only for a short while. I soon moved on to “Best Village Squatting Area” where I spent the majority of my years as a child and my entire teenage years too. But by the age of 21, I moved from there and returned to Crane. I spent my days as a child learning the importance of hard work since I started with very little. My parents worked hard to ensure that all that was needed was provided since all wants could not be fulfilled. My boyhood activities which I remember consisted of swimming in the canal, fishing, playing cricket and picking fruits.
NR: How did you end up creating the popular hit “Blow”?
BA: I heard the Trinidadian version titled “Dem (Men) Does Horn” and it sounded a bit out of place since in Guyana, we actually say “Blow” and not horn, so I decided to do a Guyanese Version to the song and after pitching the idea to two persons and making it a Facebook status I went ahead and did a freestyle in the studio and that’s when a hit was made.
NR: Did you expect this overwhelming national reaction to it?
BA: I did not. I actually just expected it to become Facebook popular but not both locally and internationally recognized. The response has been humbling and gratifying.
NR: Will you be making a video for this hit?
BA: Definitely, in due time there will be one.
NR: What is next for you after this track?
BA: More music! That’s all I can say and it will be kept on a local level, meaning that it will be done in my native tongue (Creole). It’s time Guyanese music be given a true identity.
NR: What disappoints you the most about Guyana’s music industry?
BA: The fact that we never value our artistes. Willingly we pay over US$3000 to bring a one hit wonder to Guyana along with their entire entourage but when it comes to a Guyanese, we turn our noses up to pay a simple US$500. Also, we fail to promote and love our own. The motivation is just not there and so in order to succeed, one must find the motivation from within. That’s my philosophy.
NR: What is your current job?
BA: I am a Customer Care Agent with Digicel Guyana
NR: What or who influences your style and taste in music?
BA: Society influences my style. As for my taste, honestly, I don’t have a specific one I just like anything that has a “melodious beat” and somewhat great lyrics even if I have to read the subtitle.
NR: Are you inspired by other local artistes? If yes, who are they and kindly give reasons for your answers.
BA: I admire “Lil Million” for his dedication and consistency and “Kwasi Ace” for his boldness when it comes to expressing himself both in and out of the musical arena.
