“Guyana holds a special place in my heart,” expressed 20-year-old Chutney and Soca singer Emily Moore. Born in Canada, the Toronto resident’s family’s roots run deep in Guyana. Her father hails from Enterprise, and her mother from Annandale, both on the East Coast of Demerara. Singing Chutney music has become a profound link to her parents’ homeland.
Moore elaborated that despite her Canadian birth, her household was imbued with a strong Guyanese cultural influence. Her father, in particular, filled their home with the sounds of Guyanese music, which eventually ignited her own passion for singing. Notwithstanding her versatility in various music genres, she discovered a natural inclination towards Chutney and Soca. Her latest single, “Stay Away,” celebrates financially independent women who revel in their freedom and firmly warn deceitful men to keep their distance. The song is delivered in Guyanese Creole, a testament to Moore’s connection to her roots, even while growing up in Toronto.
It serves as both an uplifting anthem for women and a stern caution against men with a penchant for excessive alcohol consumption. Moore explained that the song has been embraced by different types of people and it has received over 130,000 views on YouTube. These two achievements have made her especially proud of the impact her songs are having on her listeners.
Feminist themes shine prominently in her music. In another of her singles, “Natural Beauty,” she lyrically explores the notion that those who lay eyes on her are eager to transform her into a movie star due to her exceptional beauty. However, Moore clarified that while she is the focal point of the song, its deeper message is to underscore that beauty is inherent in everyone. This track serves as an empowering anthem, intended to boost the confidence of its listeners and remind them of their own beauty.
The stage is where Moore’s self-assuredness truly comes to life. She shared that singing has been a part of her life for a considerable span of time and performing has always been intertwined with her identity. Her passion for performance was evident early on, as she even attended a high school focused on the performing arts, specialising in drama. Singing naturally complemented the artistic path she was already embarking upon.
When discussing her performances, Moore’s enthusiasm became evident. Her face lit up with a smile as she spoke about the exhilaration she experiences on stage. She described the sensation as a “rush” through her body. Moore elaborated that this surge feels almost separate from her conscious self, as though her body takes on its own life and channels her emotions through her music. For Moore, the key to a successful performance lies in surrendering to the emotions and allowing the music to flow naturally, rather than trying to exert excessive control over the experience.
Her dream is to perform at a Guyanese show. She elaborated on the unique connection she feels to Guyana, emphasising that it evokes a distinct sentiment compared to her life in Canada. “When I set foot in Guyana,” she explained, “I immediately feel a profound sense of comfort. The culture, the food – it all feels incredibly homely.” Moore went on to emphasise that the warmth and friendliness that are ingrained in Guyanese culture stand in stark contrast to North American norms. She mentioned the simple yet meaningful gestures like exchanging greetings and offering a friendly “good morning,” which are among the things she loves about the country.
While the culture is not experienced as much as she would like, Moore said, “Chutney Soca has been the driving force and connection for me and many other children whose parents are immigrants, and this has helped me to stay connected and maintain my love for Guyana, despite not living here.” She described this feeling as important.
“Your roots are very important,” she emphasised. “They are basically the foundation of who you are. If we don’t have that foundation and we don’t continue to build on it, if we don’t teach our children and the younger generation how we, as a society, are going to continue, … without that, you will become a version of a different culture.”
Moore shared that this was definitely a struggle in high school, where her culture was not as ubiquitous as popular pop songs and some students would downplay its merits. “But luckily,” she laughed, “I have a very hard head.”
Moore refused to assimilate herself to fit in. Her parents’ words also played a vital role in keeping her connected to her Guyanese roots, as she recalled their advice: “Remember who you are and don’t forget who you are.” She expressed gratitude for being able to have open conversations with her parents about both music and life. They have consistently encouraged her to pursue her dreams without holding her back, always motivating her to give her best. Beyond her parents and brothers, her aunts, uncles, and grandmother also provide significant support. She shared that whenever she’s in need, especially during music video shoots, her family rallies to her side, reinforcing the idea that they are there for her so she can succeed in executing her vision. You can check out Moore’s music on https://www.youtube.com/@emilymoore_k and connect with her on https://www.instagram.com/emilymoore_k/ and https://www.facebook.com/emilymoorek/.