Essequibo teenager Simeon Raywaram is a prime example of how well music and science gel. Sixteen-year-old Simeon, who has always loved singing, is pursuing that dream while pushing ahead with his career goal of becoming a doctor.
The Pomona, Essequibo resident, in an interview with The Scene, explained that he would often sing at his church. However, earlier this year, when for the first time in history the celebration of Guyana’s Independence was taken to the county of Essequibo, he was selected to perform in front of a packed gathering, which included the President of Guyana.
“I was excited and nervous… I thought to myself that this is an opportunity to either prove that I have it or I don’t. And I kept thinking what if I messed up. But I went out there and I did my best and everyone was so excited and happy for me,” the fifth-form student said.
After performing at that event Simeon gained some recognition and was then selected to sing on several occasions to celebrate Amerindian Heritage month in September. “The Independence celebration was a little push. Before that nobody really knew about me and then I sang at many events,” he said.
Simeon is currently in his school’s science stream in the fifth form. While ideally, he wants to become a successful singer, he believes that academics are also as important and so he is hoping to eventually pursue further studies to become a doctor. “Sometimes we tend to want to give up on our dreams, but it’s things like these that keep pushing, knowing there’s support,” he added.
According to the young man, after writing his Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, he would love to create some of his own music, as he also has written some songs. However, he said that his mother, who some years ago became a single parent after she and his father separated, cannot afford to assist him with venturing into a studio.
Simeon stressed that while both of his parents are supportive, financially he is not able to do much. He explained that his older brother is disabled and so they are tasked with taking care of him as he is not able to do anything for himself.
The young man who also has a twin brother hopes that he can become successful and assist his family in the future. “Music has always been a part of our family and no one ever carried it on. I want to be that person to be the difference and pursue and carry out that aspect,” he said.
Stressing that there will be time in his life for all of his dreams, he said at present he is putting his academics on the front burner. “It has been challenging. CSEC is coming closer but there is a time for everything. I have planned to push this aspect – not to stop singing – but to try to focus more on studies as of now,” he said. “While I think being a singer is amazing and is something good, it would be even better having an education and pursuing that aspect as well.”
Raywaram enjoys R&B, and reggae and has recently started to “groove” with soca music.
He advised persons his age to “have a dream” and that “regardless of whatever it may be, go after it.”
He said, “We all have challenges but it is up to you to boost yourself and manage with it. Keep on pushing.”
Setting a timeline for himself, he stressed that in ten years he hopes to be “successful.”
Meanwhile, according to the young man, he believes that there needs to be more opportunities available for youths in Essequibo when it comes to talent and creative arts. “People don’t know about us here, we have a lot of talents and I am looking for a push and opportunities, things to boost me,” he said.
