By Jairo Rodrigues
Producer, singer, musician, writer and director: All of these professions come under the name of Bonny Alves.
“I had to remodel ambitions and reset goals and objectives that I have not reached. I have to remodel and refashion the cause of my work, because I am way off what I had set for myself. In that I am learning that you are never too old to achieve what you want to achieve,” Bonny Alves said.
The long-standing Guyanese entertainment guru with no intention of slowing down, sat down with The Scene recently to give a little glimpse of his life.
Bonny Alves was born into a stern, religious, “God-fearing” home on December 31, 1955. Born, raised and still residing in Agricola, he said the neighbourhood used to be more close-knitted than it is now. “Generally, they are still close…, but not as caring as we used to be,” he continued. In describing his childhood he mentioned that very few things have changed, basically people are the same.
He attended the St Ann’s Primary School in Agricola and then the Tutorial High School. “I wouldn’t say I have a sound educational background, but I worked hard for everything I have ever wanted,” he said.
“As long as I can remember, I always loved music. It’s in me – my family’s genes breathe music,” he said, when asked from what age he became interested in the art he is well known for. “I started in primary school after discovering that I had some talent. I went into singing at concerts and nurturing my talent,” he said, “I did not start my professional career until fourteen though, through small concerts, producing and eventually I picked up on all the works.”
Although his older siblings and father were his pride and motivation, it was his brother Charles, who was a major influence and mentor to him. “I always tried to emulate whatever he did. Just thinking that being blessed with such a talented brother helped me fashion what I am today,” he said.
In general, Bonny Alves believes that music is part of the genetic makeup of his family; something that he just couldn’t escape.
But where does his music comes from? The Scene wanted to know more! He is overwhelmed by life and the movement of nature, society and his beloved country are the perfect window for a world of inspiration. “I feel as a writer and a musician I have to make my contributions to the society that gave me thoughts whether it is social issues, life matters and HIV. I draw inspiration from anything that is happening or evolving around me,” he revealed. But he didn’t stop there, he continued to speak of the impact of God in his life. “I believe that sometimes it just comes from God. It just happens. I may get an idea from the air and I begin to work on it to better myself and better my thinking and relaying.”
“Music is LIFE. I eat, breathe and sleep the art,” said Bonny. He has a strong passion for writing and music, “I feel that it is a privilege to be in the business. It feels just as if you are creating your own world and fantasies, where you are in control of what happens. You can serve justice in these worlds; something that doesn’t go right in this world can be justified in the arts.”
Bonny believes, like any other artist, that he must try to influence the people around him. When asked the question what he considers to be his best accomplishment, he replied: “The fact that I have been able to transform myself from singer all the way up to making films and being a musician is proof that I had a quite successful career and that in itself is an accomplishment.”
It is his biggest joy and ambition to make movies. According to him, it encompasses everything: music, drama, visual arts, life – all into its own art form.
Bonny mentioned that we are very fortunate to have an array of social media and networks connecting us vastly to the world. However, he noted that “with YouTube, Facebook, digital recordings, local airwaves, promotions and the system of media that exists, it is a constant grind to stay competitive.”
In addition to his assortment of talented contributions to the Guyanese music industry, he is the manager of local star Charmaine Blackman.
He is currently focused on the upcoming Mashramani season, two movies that he hopes on completing within the year and spending a lot of resources on marketing and promoting his work.
Bonny concluded by saying the arts in Guyana is still alive and well, it helps us to have continuity which is important for our existence and survival.
He considers his time well spent and very busy pursuing his career but at the end of the day he loves to relax with some sports, movies and the dramatic arts.
