Joel Browne was at the gym when a song idea for the Soca Monarch Competition struck him. He promptly called his collaborator, Carlvin Burnett, expressing that he had, “a crazy idea” for a song which he wanted to produce, as Burnett later recounted. Burnett said Browne even began to sing, brimming with enthusiasm about the idea. Although Burnett agreed to produce the song, he didn’t initially share Browne’s level of excitement.
Later that night, the producer showed up at Burnett’s home, blowing his horn until Burnett stepped outside. According to Burnett, Browne said, ‘Callo, If I go home and this idea come out of muh head, I gon vex…listen.’ He then sang it again for Burnett, who still didn’t quite match his enthusiasm.
Browne returned home but later called Burnett, having already penned the first verse, which garnered a stronger response. “Alright, let’s do studio tomorrow,” Burnett recalled, consenting. The following day, Burnett effortlessly wrote the second verse, remarking, “it came like a breeze.” Together, they crafted the chorus and the hook for the song.
Burnett and Browne aimed to convey a narrative through their music using double entendres, noting that contemporary music about sensuality often lacked subtlety. They wanted their song to be about wordplay, open to interpretation by the audience. Their efforts proved successful as “Handyman” clinched the Soca Monarch 2024 title, employing numerous double entendres to captivate the audience with its true meaning, yet also accessible to children who might not grasp its deeper implications. Burnett reveal-ed that the preparation for the Soca Monarch competition was far from easy. Many late nights were spent tirelessly fine-tuning his performance, often resulting in insufficient rest but he expressed it was worth it in the end.
While Burnett has achieved success in his music career, it wasn’t always his primary ambition. Initially, he harboured aspirations of becoming a doctor, but this changed. He was more drawn to the technological aspects of the sciences. He pursued computer science at the Government Technical Institute, where he found enjoyment in his studies. Although he was prepared to continue his education at the University of Guyana, his passion for music remained steadfast, prompting him to reconsider his career path. Participating in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph jingle and song competition in 2009 provided a pivotal moment, confirming his inclination towards music as his true calling. Burnett said music became the centre of his life.
“Music is everything,” he expressed. “Music has gotten me out of some of the most difficult times in my life. Music is a force. Music is something you kyaan hide from.”
While music has undoubtedly been a significant aspect of Burnett’s life, he has also encountered challenges as a Guyanese musician. He recalled instances where local radio stations hesitated to play Guyanese music, citing concerns about its quality. However, Burnett perceives this as a lack of appreciation for local talent among Guyanese personalities. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of understanding the business side of the music industry to safeguard against exploitation by unscrupulous individuals. Burnett reflected on his past experiences of being exploited in the music industry due to his ignorance, emphasising the importance of learning to avoid such situations. He underscored the notion that artists should not handle negotiations with promoters themselves. Instead, he advised artists to assemble a dedicated team capable of brokering deals on their behalf, allowing the artists to concentrate on their creative endeavours. He cautioned against entrusting this critical role to just anyone, stressing the need to select individuals motivated by more than just financial gain. According to Burnett, aligning with someone solely focused on monetary rewards might lead to decisions driven purely by material interests rather than artistic integrity and a performer’s well-being.
He has found support for his well-being outside of his management team, crediting his upbringing in Berbice as instrumental in this support. He described the community as tight-knit, where respect was ingrained, with every senior person addressed as aunty or uncle. This close community provided encouragement and backing for Burnett in his career.
He also acknowledged the Philadelphia Adventist Church as a significant factor in his success. The church offered programmes focusing on human development, including those centred on public speaking and arts and crafts. Burnett highlighted how the church’s practice of impromptu speeches helped him engage with audiences onstage. He believed that addressing the crowd helped break the ice and fostered a relaxed atmosphere for performances, enhancing the enjoyment for everyone involved. However, he encountered resistance from some church members when he ventured into singing secular music. Despite this, he remained steadfast in his belief that not everyone would be able to accompany him on his musical journey.
“You have to decide what is best for you at the end of the day,” Burnett said. “I decided this is what I want. I am going to do this, this is what I want. I know that I was going to be met with some resentment. I know that I was going to be met with some pushback, but I went for it. I just went full force.”
Burnett did not rely solely on his own strength; he credited his faith in God with aiding him in overcoming challenges. He revealed that he often turned to prayer, seeking divine guidance and strength to remain steadfast. One of his favourite tracks, “Guide My Way,” reflects this reliance on God to help navigate life’s obstacles. Burnett acknowledged that this song has been instrumental in providing him with the courage and perseverance needed to overcome many hurdles in his life.
