Singer and songwriter George Anthony ‘Chiney Man’ Abrams and Code R3d Records are looking to release an album come November called ‘Soca Forever’, which will feature a collection of soca music from various artistes.
George told The Scene that Code R3d Records was founded in January 2014 in collaboration with producer Jamal Alexander also known as ‘J-Lyrics’. The two have been working together for more than a year creating and composing their own songs. ‘Soca Forever’ will feature their songs and those of their newly added members, Davlon Marley Richmond aka ‘Davy Marley’ and Colwyn Blair aka ‘Lil Colwyn’ along with Peter Ram and ‘Granny Ivelaw’.
George recalled that he was once very reserved while he attended Mackenzie High School in Linden. Whilst in high school he wrote poems but it never crossed his mind that he’d one day be writing songs. In 2010, after completing high school and a Diploma in Computer Science at the Linden Technical Institute, he was at an event and during a colleague’s onstage performance he jokingly told his friends he could do that. A friend signed him up unknowingly. He was surprised when his name was announced to perform but not as surprised as his audience when they heard him. It was there that it became known that George had talent.
He then began performing at small shows until his big break at the Carib Soca Monarch in 2012, where his “Wine Attack” earned second place. He has since released several other songs: “Chopping Grass” (2013), “Bless Mi Hustle” (2013), “Fi Yuh” (2014), “Pose” (2015) and this year’s Carib Soca Monarch song, “Mirrors”.
Speaking about Code R3d Records, George said, “We believe we could make quality music and create a different sound.” He and J-Lyrics have worked together on lyrics, compiling such songs as: “Mama,” “Rising Star (Five Star Rhythm),” “Stinkin Rich” and “Love Me Totally.”
J-Lyrics is a young producer/audio engineer. “It’s been an amazing journey and it feels great to be working with a team that’s all about making great music,” he said.
Davy Marley is a promising young artist from Linden who has been with the label for a year. “Thus far I’ve had the honour of working with Chiney and J-Lyrics who has given me the boost to make my first step as an artiste. Code R3d Records along with Devine Entertainment helped me with my first popular song which was also the theme song at the Linden Town Week,” said Davy.
“I’m still working on reaching higher heights to perform on bigger stages as a Dancehall/Soca artiste. My style is a new generation sound that can still impact any age group. I did songs like ‘Ickie Wickie Whine’ which is full of energy and vibes; then there’s the inspirational song ‘One Day.’”
Lil Colwyn is the youngest, but with no less drive for excellence. His first public performance was also at the Linden Town Week. “It’s great working with Chiney and J-Lyrics,” he said. “I’m learning every day and will remain optimistic as I am. Being the youngest artiste in the group I have my eyes set on hitting the international stage soon. With one of my first steps [being] entering the Carib Soca Monarch 2016.”
According to George, Code R3d has put in countless and tireless hours in bringing their songs to perfection and it isn’t fair that not just their songs but those of other Guyanese singers are not highlighted as they should be. “Why should we have a Guyanese hour on radio and television?” he questioned. “Why not Guyanese music all the time and leave the one hour for the foreign music? We have some good promoters but there are some who need to have more respect for their own Guyanese artistes. We need support from the public as we’re trying to put Guyana on the map.”
The four Lindeners have a zest for excellence and are most certain that they will continue to wow their audience.
Interested persons can book them for performances via email: coder3dfam3000@gmail.com or check them out on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, SoundCloud.com, ReverbNation.com and Gtriddim.com. (Joanna Dhanraj)
