He is A Guyanese
“I am just a person who loves creating music, but I am from Guyana.”
Photo: JamGuy Graphics
If you are Guyanese, or even if you just know one, you are likely already aware of Adrian Dutchin. The GT-born singer currently resides in the United States, but his dedication to promoting his culture has never wavered. Although he initially wanted to use his phenomenal vocal skills for R&B, a studio manager encouraged him to pursue soca. That decision would lead to Adrian Dutchin becoming the iconic face of Guyanese soca music.
Mayor de Blasio & Adrian Dutchin. Photo: NYC.gov
The six-time Road March champion got his start in 1998 as the lead singer of a boy band called SEVEN. He decided to go solo and the young artiste was quickly signed to Kross Kolor Records. Adrian went on to win Carib Soca Monarch three times and was awarded the Songwriter of the Year award at the 2009 Accolade Music Awards of Guyana. Although a veteran of the stage, he admits to being nervous about performing in front of Mayor de Blasio.
On February 27th, 2020 Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray honored 50 Guyanese citizens who have made outstanding contributions to their homeland and the diaspora. The Guyana Republic Jubilee Committee and Three Counties Foundation helped organize a night of cultural pride and celebration to recognize Guyana’s 50th Anniversary at Gracie Mansion. But a GT celebration would not be complete without Guyana’s premiere artiste leading everyone (including the Mayor) in a rousing chorus of “I Am A Guyanese!”
DysChick & Adrian Dutchin
Accolades aside, Adrian has worked to ensure that Guyana is always included in the conversation about soca. He has consistently released music for Mashramani and Carnival to promote national pride and unity - a message never more timely than now.
As countries around the world try to deal with the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, artistes are unable to tour or record as they used to. Many are still writing, promoting their brands on social media, or just taking time to relax with family. Adrian, however, is an essential worker with the United Postal Service and is thankfully still able to support his wife and children. Although not actively making music, Adrian’s music video for “Roll” was recently released.
Before New York’s stay-at-home mandate was enacted, Adrian enlisted the help of New York’s top videographer Kordel Fermin to bring the song to life. Kordel has been featured on the “Rant and Rave” podcast discussing the dos and don’ts of music videos and Roll is definitely a music video do. I was able to be on set and get some behind-the-scenes images as the two brought the song to life.
Kordel Fermin shooting Adrian Dutchin’s music video “Roll”
The video begins with Adrian sitting at the piano playing the song’s mellow intro and, as the baseline comes and the energy builds, the video becomes more fun and free-spirited. I asked why he was wanted to create a video for the song and he said that people need the visuals to help them get the vibe. Right now, this is exactly the kind of vibe we could all use. “It don’t matter which country you come from, baby. Make yuh bumper roll!”
Check out the music video for “Roll” now!
