Name: First Born Motto: Forever Inspirational Reaching Souls Teaching Brotherhood Obedience Righteousness Naturally Founded: 1996-10-01 Manager: Kevin Adonis Group Type: Music Talent: Singing Mission: To take Guyana to the pinnacle
Group Picture
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Members
Troy Reggae Artist
Lambert Reggae Artist
Rolston Reggae Artist
Shawn Reggae Artist
Trayon Reggae Artist
Additional Photos
Biography
This group has grown to true stardom since its formation in late 1996, and has indeed represented and made Guyana proud. First Born played a vital role in raising the standard of Guyanese music. Reggae music is the soul of First Born's inspiration as the members believe it is "a cry of the people."It began as an acapella group with Rastafarian beliefs, and was influenced by persons like Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh who have "gone through the struggle"as they are now doing. As young men growing up in Guyana and having to face the same struggles as these music legends, First Born decided to express its cry through music. Buju Banton and Garnett Silk were also sources of motivation and inspiration and First Born was dawn to the vibes they generated.
Initially, the group used the melodies of these artistes to accompany original lyrics, but as they developed their talent and became more confident in their ability their songs in their entirety were original. Once the melodies and lyrics were compiled they were sent to their neighbour, Russel Yagasta. Seeing the potential in us, Campton Garrett was convinced that we had the potential to accomplish great things and decided to work with us.
Our debut performance under Mr. Garrett's guidance was at a Freddie Mc Gregor show. At this performance the audience was quiet and still and the group members felt that they would not be able to reach them. Actually, they were listening intently to the lyrical content of the music, and taking it all in. After the performance the crowd erupted in applause.
When asked to identify a personal favourite track, members of the group members responded as follows:
Troy Azor feels that though all the songs are dear to him because of the positive message each sends, his choice is "Better world, better place."This is his choice simply because a "better world"is really what we need with all that's going on today.
Rawlston Richmond didn't single out a track but said that his "favourite songs are basically those that speak of clean heartedness and [his] kind of levity and respect."
Lambert Semple chose "Only love can set the people free"because he believes that this song, which was done by the entire group, "sends a powerful and positive message telling us that if we don't share one love amongst our brothers and sisters we wouldn't be free."
Finally, Shawn Williams chose an old school hit "How are we gonna survive?"He related to GuyanaLive that "this track is really potent. The message is important: how are we gonna survive if we continue taking from each other and killing each other?"
2005 was breakthrough year for First Born as the group had both of its two most memorable experiences that year. The first of the group's most memorable tours occurred in August of 2005 at Summer Fest in Jamaica. The second was in December of the same year at Sting. These are two of the biggest reggae shows in the world. Apart from performing at these incredibly recognized events, First Born also did will with the songs "Iris,"(which was aired frequently and ranked at number three on the charts) "Uplift Yourself,"and "Ras Shiloh."The feedback from these tracks was phenomenal, and the Jamaican population really got a chance to know and love First Born. First Born became such a power group that the manager for I Wayne called in on a radio programme to say that "Iris"should be the song of the year 2005.
They haven't been on any tours since returning in December 2005, but have been working, helping young artistes and "showing them the ropes."They built the "Vizion Sounds"studio with the purpose of raising the standards of music in Guyana- they have not failed. They were recently requested to do a three show tour in New York City, but were unable to do so, due to unavoidable, undisclosed circumstances. They know that they will continue to go places, but right now their main goal is to ensure that a strong foundation is laid at home so that our music industry can continue to grow.
First Born has made waves not only regionally, but also internationally. They have a fan base that reaches Jamaica, Canada, Suriname and the United States of America. And here in Guyana, they are supported nationwide, by all ethnicities. When asked to reveal the secret to getting hyped for a performance, GuyanaLive was told that "the hype is within each of"them.
First Born is grateful to Mr. Walter Fraser of Vizion Sounds who was the promoter for the group's debut show. Though Mr. Fraser had initially declined to have them be part of the show because there was no more room, Mr. Mc Gregor said that he should give them a chance. Mr. Fraser asked them to do an acapella for him. They sang the following:
Just the other day I took a little trip out to the city/ And I found that life is worth living where there's a peace of mind/ Where the waters flow you can be sure that joy is near at hand/ So brothers and sisters hear me/You got to go back to the land/ We're gonna find a place where we'll be free where we can see his majesty.
After this performance they were asked to return the following day. They returned with "Asha"their then road manager. Basically, First Born was selected to open the show.
Though the group did not necessarily foresee success of this magnitude, the members agreed that it's all about what you put in. Once a person or group does good work and continues to improve, many doors will be opened to that person or group and they will travel the world as people recognize that they mean business and are committed to perfecting their art. Of the five hit albums currently on the market, the members agree that the most requested one is their debut album, Exodus Chapter 13:2.
First Born members encourage potential stars to continue focusing on what you are doing; being quite sure that you are performing every task to the best of your ability. They also urge artistes to expect support from others, and to keep "the Almighty"in every aspect of your work. It may also help to note that member, Rawlston Richmond, believes that there is nothing in this world to fear but "the creator."So even when the road is rough and you feel as though failure will surely be yours, just trust in your
creator- He won't let you down, if He hasn't got somewhere much higher to take you.
They have been many places, but are still "one hundred percent Guyanese [and] regardless of where [they] go [they] will continue to keep flying the flag proudly."
Shout Outs
First Born sends shout outs to all Guyanese, especially those from Laing Avenue, Lodge, Tucville, Meadow Brook, Sophia, Guy-Hoc, Linden, West Ruimvedlt, South, and North. Special big up to GT&T Cellink Plus and the Blue Power Family, Malcolm Perreria of 98.1, all the Deejays from the different sound systems, our road manager Kevin Adonis and the people who are supporting us in the fight to make creativity in Guyana go far because we need to break the struggle. Not forgetting all the representatives from Vizion Sounds Studio, Brutal Track Studio, The Platinum Family, Mr Dynamix, Spiderman and the crew, De Kulture Ambassadors Family and all the other local artistes.
- Written by Donnecia Lowe
Comments
RORO (2010-08-01 22:00:00) keep up the good work .
adele austin (2010-02-25 01:01:20) In regards to your work and commitment to righteousness ,obedience and brotherhood I commend you for your hard work ,by the way i love your pics . Adele Austin
felicia washington (2010-01-14 19:16:16) u all look like a official rasta. i love u all musics.
dubble-o (2009-10-07 16:01:58) jah bless u my brother stay bless.
Manaie Buchanan (2009-07-07 14:29:03) I would like to know how I can get your music on a CD. I am writing from Bermuda..
