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
blacka (2008-07-19 06:21:04) Yo mad props to you guys for getting your video on tempo..its only bigger things to come now..long now i saying why the GT artists don't market themselves on Tempo TV..which is played throughout the Caribbean and North America..I didn't even see the video its a friend who was asking me about First Born saying he saw the video and he likes the song..spread the word man let the others follow suit and send their videos, show the world that GT got talent too, that gonna be the day when yall come here to the Bahamas to do a show..mad respect!
kenneth benn (2008-07-15 13:27:14) keep up the good..
fatherjones (2008-07-09 17:27:47) Nuff love and respect keep it up boys:father Jones Rennaissance
Roger (2008-07-01 20:53:18) I haven't heard this group as yet...would like to !!! How can I? Maybe short clips of the music can be posted?
samantha daniels (2008-06-28 17:39:31) First Born has made Guyana look a whole lot better in terms of being in the spotlight when people normally hear about Guyanese they think about greedy people who often dont live in love and harmony but to be honest there is hardly any truth to that Guyanese are lovely people who know how to show our guests a wonderful time of fun and enjoyment, but if some of us were given the chance to show our true selves we wouldn't have to tell people they would be able to see it for themselves. First Born you made us proud and no matter where I am I will always support you guys good luck and keep up the good work. congradulations
kerryan (2008-06-05 22:16:36) bless up, and keep on rising. i am really happy to see more Guyanese artist.one love
Chantella (2008-05-21 12:11:14) Rasta love & much success keep up the good work. RIP to my cuz Anthony Smith (the man called Joseph). Missing & loving u cuz.
Aliyah December (2008-05-16 17:52:17) Big up Firstborn I love dem, my cousin "Anthony Smith" was in dat group but he died R.I.P Anthony I miss you and love you and big up to all of yall and mah Guyanese people mah luv unno
adrian dutchin (2008-05-11 20:04:05) big up my boys lol we having a ball in ny right now they got vibes
Rush (2008-04-08 14:46:32) I saw the group perform at Sumfest a few years ago. Has the group changed? I don't recognize all the members.
jerome (2008-04-06 15:03:16) great job you guys one love
vijai john (2008-03-21 15:17:16) BIG UP!!!.I'm a Guyanese from New York.great job guys.I like and have every song you guys have too
Gillian Nelson (2008-03-19 11:33:18) I listen to your music and work of my fellow Guyanese Artist and I am happy to see the talent and improvement among the youths over the recent years. I am, also, a songwriter and I invite you all to check out my work at www.myspace.com/songwriterginel I do hope you enjoy my music. Thanks and keep up the good work.
symone (2008-03-09 06:43:57) guyana is my home
A.D (2008-02-28 14:20:35) great job guys!!!...keep your heads up high, and continue to make Guyana proud!
Lennox (2008-02-23 12:16:00) i luv guyana till i die
lowann griiffith (2008-02-16 20:43:19) Great job. There is good things come out of Guyana
sherwin (2008-02-11 16:57:51) you guys look cool . I am in New York. I would to listen to you guys c.d
outlawz (2008-02-02 20:21:11) Hey Yo! jah work must go on thats what Anthony B said so First Born my fellow Guyanese keep up the incredible work that you all are doin. Jah will see you through.
R.O.C (2008-02-02 20:14:40) HEY yo! I've known the Firstborn family since I was a teenager and they are quite a fantastic band and I do hope they keep it up.I live in Barbados and the name "Firstborn" still ring a bell among us Guyanese over here, so my fellow Guyanese keep your head up and jah will see you all through !!! peace out.
quasan (2008-01-29 09:46:33) I think this is a real great group,and you have to keep the good work up.
jah live.
Alana176 (2008-01-28 22:39:23) The Fri night they just give us a lil sample in bamboo Gdn and then they repped Guyana lovely the next night. Albany Manor was packed. Can't wait to see them perform again!!!
Jah Rastafari
M (2008-01-25 15:00:38) Seeing Firstborn live in NYC was a treat, keep the vibes going
gibson (2008-01-22 11:36:08) i am the guyanes footballer keeping guyana football a live in the uk ... frist born go on keep up the good work in gt guyana talent is hear to stay the can,t stop we jah bless altime...
gibson (2008-01-22 11:36:08) i am the guyanese footballer keeping Guyana football alive in the UK ... first born go on keep up the good work in gt. Guyanese talent is hear to stay the can't stop we jah bless alltime...
Amy (2008-01-21 13:39:23) First Born is doing it be in NY making Guyana proud as they always do wherever they bless with their voices
mr marlon (2008-01-19 11:24:54) blessing,I love what my fellow Guyanese are doing,keep up the good work I am a DJ in the UK pushing the reggae music to a higher level.
TANDY TROTZ (2008-01-18 14:59:24) I LOVE YALL FELLAS. REALLY I DO. I AM A GUYANESE LIVING IN ST.KITTS AND TRUST ME GT GOT ALOT OF TALENT. NUFF LOVE
none (2008-01-01 01:54:13) man i love this group they are my favourite group loving them always hope that this year will be a successful year for you guys don't follow fashion keep your style love you guys so much...Bless
kia (2007-12-28 15:42:52) this is my fav group i luv them and yall keep up the good work
orlando (2007-12-14 00:12:43) this is my fav local group i love them i want to kno when an where can i get the stuff from wen i come home...Guyanalive.com we can always depend on u guys...got dem own style
Amy (2007-12-12 07:19:11) Hey Andries, First Born is currently in the studio working on some new stuff and they already have a new song out called "Black Joint" it's on the "She's Royal" rhythm. It plays on the radio almost every afternoon.
Andries (2007-12-11 16:59:36) how soon will i b hearing A new song even if its just for me.stay good guys.
GuyanaLive.com (2007-12-11 09:18:26) We don't see you as a know-it-all. Thanks alot for the corrections. If you see anything further; feel free to leave a message. We would get to it as soon as possible. Thanks again! One Love...
Amy (2007-12-11 08:03:25) I would just like to share some knowledge with u The First Born motto is actually: Forever Inspirational Reaching Souls Teaching Brotherhood Obedience Righteousness Naturally, and the correct spelling 4 his name is Rolston Richmond. Not trying to be a "know it all", just trying to help. Blessed love