O’Neil d’Oliveira has set his sights on making a big name for himself as a singer. And the fact that he lives at Moraikobe Mission, Upper Mahaicony far away from recording studios and the means to promote himself is not going to deter him.
O’Neil, who recently released his first single, “Identity,” in time for Indigenous Heritage Month, says his aim is to make his people proud.
“Identity,” which was done in the R&B genre, speaks of the sufferings of the Amerindian people and about him being away for a while and coming “back again.”
It refers to him quitting singing in church and serving God altogether at age 10 and about him returning as a singer and as a dedicated Christian.
O’Neil, the fourth of eight siblings, recalled that at that time he had made a blunder while singing and instead of being understanding, the church members started making fun of him.
This caused him to become disheartened and he went down the wrong path, following “bad company” and getting involved in illicit activities, he said. He even quit school a few years later.
O’Neil who now works as a logger, said that at age 16, “God called me out of that stage and gave me the inspiration to put the words together.”
His father who also does logging is the pastor of the church.
After writing his song, O’Neil said, he “kept it hidden for a while,” as he did not want the words of the song to offend anyone and “to avoid confusion.”
During that time he had also been composing gospel songs.
He said was motivated to release “Identity,” because he was saddened that some Indigenous people were being treated like “commercial slaves.” He lamented too that the percentage of girls and women being exploited is very high.
He said he has also recognized that it’s not just the Indigenous people who are facing difficulties one way or the other, but “everybody as a nation… so the song represents everyone.”
O’Neil is working on releasing another R&B song soon, also about the Indigenous people, along with some 15 gospel songs that will be sung R&B or reggae style.
The young singer also has plans to do a Christmas release in the future.
Accompanying him for the interview was Remington Adrian, a prominent resident from his community who was acting as his manager.
Remington told this newspaper that because the song was released at midnight on the radio he is sure that not many people had an opportunity to hear it.
As such, he took copies of O’Neil’s release to various entities like the National Communications Network for hosts, including Wanita Huburn, to air on their shows. Unfortunately, he was not able to meet with any of the hosts and he is not sure if they have received it.
He appealed to the business community to support the young singer “in terms of sponsorship when we knock on their doors. He has talents and can become recognized with your help.”
When O’Neil is not busy composing a song or rehearsing it, he spends his spare time playing cricket and football for his community.
He regrets dropping out of school and does not want any other young person to make the same mistake.
He urged them, especially those attending school on the coast, to make the most of the opportunity, noting that, “education is the only way to stop exploitation.”
Meanwhile, Remington called on residents to put their political differences aside and work in unity and togetherness to boost development in the community.
He also said that the toshaos “should move away from the propaganda of the past and work in the best interest of the people.”
