She is fiercely competitive, and without hesitation, can belt out a tune upon request, she is Vanilla, Guyanese songstress and seven time Road March winner. But it was not always this way for the once very shy girl from Hopetown, Mahaica-Berbice.

In this Caribbean Entertainment Hub exclusive, the “One Voice” singer tells us of her aspirations and journey to becoming a household name in her native land, Guyana.

Vanilla, was born in Mahaica-Berbice but moved to the Capital city, Georgetown, during her teenage years and like most young people, she found her “thing” … dancing, which she says is her way of expressing her feelings and telling her story, in her words, “it’s my first love”

At a young age, as she danced her way through completions and cultural shows and events, Vanilla, whose real name is Melissa Roberts, would take up a job at a known recording studio in the city, Kross Kolor Records, and it was during this time that her singing abilities were discovered.
At Kross Kolor Records, she says, a lot of artistes would come to record and Big Red (known Guyanese singer) in particular, would always ask her “why you don’t start singing”

Vanilla said she was always too shy to ever venture in front of a microphone. However, there was one time that her boss needed a jingle done and none of the artistes on his label was available at the time, and the songstress was given the task.

“Mr. Simon called me to do it, but I was hesitant” she said. But of course Vanilla would end up doing the jingle, and this would mark the beginning of her music and singing career.

As she got comfortable in front of the microphone, Vanilla also became fiercely competitive, taking part in singing competitions during Mashramani and eventually winning Guyana’s Road March seven times.

Fast forward to 2019, she continues to make her mark in local entertainment, her song “One Voice” which promotes unity among Guyanese, was certainly the anthem throughout Mashramani 2019 in Guyana.

Vanilla says the inspiration for her song came while performing on stage and observing the audience “nothing but unity” she says. Her hope is that everyone, especially Guyanese, understand the message of unity and togetherness in “One Voice”. She released the song on her official Facebook page and in no time, it become an instant hit. In less than half day, the song was shared over three hundred and fifty times and viewed sixteen thousand times.

On her to do list, the young Guyanese artiste who is very much into fitness and entrepreneurship, and plans on getting into natural supplements and beverages, owning and operating her own business.

We at Caribbean Entertainment Hub wish this talented entertainer all the best, and look forward to seeing her climb the ladder of success.  

A Taste of Vanilla

1. One Voice Vanilla 0:45

2. Hold It Up Vanilla 0:45

3. Family Vanilla 0:45

4. Mash Up De Place Vanilla 0:45

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