Young calypsonian raising awareness with ‘Children of Today’

DPI, Guyana, Friday, February 1, 2019

As the days draw closer for the Junior Calypso Monarch Competition, young Denisha Washington of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara (WBD), is hoping to emerge winner with her hit, ‘Children of Today’.

While winning is important, 20-year-old, Denisha is more concerned with raising awareness of child abuse and highlighting the social issues affecting children in society.

The song was written by popular producer Bonny Alves, and Washington said that she is more than honoured to perform the song, since it raises awareness on how detrimental child abuse can be and what role everyone has to play in ensuring that children are protected, loved and cared for.

“We want to get society to treat them better and to be concerned about them a little more, so the song is basically children speaking out for other children,” Denisha said, adding that “They have a voice, they have needs, potential and a future and we should look into that and be careful with what we do to them and say to them.”

Though this is the first time Washington has entered a Mashramani competition, she is no stranger to Calypso as she has won several competitions while attending school. She began singing at the young age of ten, at various community events, in her church and the Patentia Primary School. Being a part of such a national competition, however, has given her the first-hand feel of the local music industry. She was able to produce her first video for the song and described the experience as exciting. Her video has already been released and looking back on how professionally she performed for the video, her optimism level has spiralled, and she is optimistic about emerging as a winner; more so, knowing she is coming with a little experience.

“This is my first time in the competition, and I am coming just like everyone else, I am confident, but not overconfident, I have overwhelming support from my family members and producers, and I am just remaining humble,” she said.

All in all, Denisha believes the competition is one that gives singers the opportunity to fly with wings and realise their dreams of singing in the local music industry.

Story and Images: Vanessa Braithwaite.