You are not Guyanese if you do not know ‘Guyana Baboo’ and by extension the talented artiste that brought us this mega hit.  Since the release of the patriotic anthem, Terry Gajraj has catapulted to super stardom and became a household name in Guyana.  Terry Gajraj is today, one of the biggest music acts in Guyana and boast a decade’s long career characterized by a reputable string of hits.

Terry Gajraj explained that leaving Guyana has strengthened his love and appreciation for his homeland and it was this longing for Guyana’s unique culture that inspired the lyrics to the 1992 hit, ‘Guyana Baboo’. Caribbean Entertainment Hub caught up with the super star via a virtual interview where he spoke at length about his life and career.

Born into a family of musicians, Terry Gajraj credited his early inspiration for music to his upbringings. His musical talents were nurtured at the religious temple where he would play and sing for religious functions and gatherings. Gajraj explained that he has stuck to the Chutney/ Indy musical genre because of his appreciation for Sundar Popo who he described as the perfectly balanced mixed cultural sound. Gajraj said that being of Indian Decent and a born Guyanese exposed him to both the Indian Culture and Guyana’s Caribbean influences, and he strives to blend that to create his unique sound.

The self-professed patriot paid keen attention to the current political crisis in Guyana and by extension the brooding racial tension and decided it was time for a unity themed collaboration to show solidarity within the music industry. He teamed up with the Reigning Soca Monarch Jumo Primo for a smash called shake ‘Yuh Kangalang’. The song fuses chutney and soca; paying homage to the two major ethnicities in Guyana and the race conflict that usually characterizes our elections cycle. The song has been well received by the Guyanese populace and is becoming a regular radio feature based on its timely significance and captivating beats.

Family values are important to the legendary singer. He told Caribbean Entertainment Hub that his career has seen him touring continually for some 25 years. Although it was a lot of work, he expressed that he still manages to balance family time with the demands of his career. He explained that most of his performances are on the weekend so while others have the weekend to be their play time his routine is a basic reversal of roles. He would perform on weekends and enjoy down time on week days.  This creates some strain since many family functions are hosted on the weekend and he would have to miss some occasions as a result.

When asked what the future holds for the great musician, Terry Gajraj enthused that he would like to continue making music that showcases and represents the unique culture of his homeland. He told Caribbean Entertainment Hub that he would love to collaborate with young musicians looking to get a foot in the door. Gajraj expressed elation with the success that he has enjoyed thus far in his career and is looking to the future with great expectation.

A taste of Terry

1. Shake Yuh Kangkalang Terry gajraj & Jumo Primo 0:45

2. Guyana Baboo Terry Gajraj 0:45

3. Lilawatie Terry Gajraj 0:45

4. OMG Guyana Terry Gajraj 0:45

5. Ganga Channa Terry Gajraj ft. Rikki Jai 0:45

Terry closed the interview by acknowledging the many persons that would have helped him during his career including Machel Montano and Calypso Rose who he fondly regarded as great motivations and personal friends.  He gives thanks to family, friends, and his fans without whom there would no Terry Gajraj. He advises young artiste to do it with love since it is the love that preserve you through the many adversaries. He spoke of the fact that talent alone is insufficient and opined that the right attitude, discipline, and love must be coupled with talent to materialize success in the industry.

Caribbean Entertainment Hub wishes this talented musician continued success with his life’s journey and career.

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