Canada-based Guyanese artiste chalking up notable points on the int’l scene

Sep 08, 2019 News

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By Alex Wayne
Canada based Guyanese artiste, ‘Negus’, can sometimes be mistaken for a Jamaican mainly because of his raunchy, energetic showmanship and of course his impressive style and dialect.
Negus, whose real name is Alwyn Nurse, is a natural lyricist with luring vocals and he certainly has a captivating stage presence which always leaves his fans riveted and wanting for more. This singer, with the fire of music broiling in his blood from a very tender age, catapulted on to the musical charts bringing recognition to his name. He is indeed a force to be reckoned with.
Although he lives in Canada there is high demand for him right here in Guyana. As such Negus who visited recently is slated to return soon for the much anticipated ‘Revelation Sound Clash’ event at which he is expect to blaze his customary scorching vocal trail. The event is billed for September 28, 2019 at the National Stadium and will feature international act, Tommy Lee Sparta and other top notch acts.
One may wonder just how a Guyanese could have broken down barriers to become a dancehall/reggae sensation in Canada, a country where such genres of music must be presented with absolute finesse, charisma, and captivating aura to be well received.
But according to Negus, “I love a challenge, since I think challenges bring out the best in anyone. For me, the difference in music taste did not frighten me. I was in a land where people were accustomed to their own sound, but a real singer breaks into an area to make a difference. He wants to bring a new sound and to have it accepted and kept alive in the hearts of the people. An entertainer has to be smart, thoughtful and creative, and also have to study the style of the people and create a ‘multi-mix’ of his own that would bring the people into his world, and keep them mystified. For me it was quite a task, but perseverance always brings eventual success…” he added.
But even before this, Negus was already making notable exploits in the musical world in Guyana. Gravitating to music from a very tender age, he was entertaining large groups who were clamoring for his talent. One may want to affirm that his talent is hereditary since he is the offspring of famous musician, Kenneth Nurse aka Small Man, who was the manager of the Mingles Sound Machine, a band which created tremors from all angles in Guyana during its time.
As a teenager, it was music, music and more music for Negus, and his melodious tones have been said to soothe the minds of the troubled, fearful, chastised and ill-fated. The messages of his song have been known to bring relief to the sorrowful, and those almost buried in the underground of life’s troubles.
“My music is not just songs made up of pulsating beats and catchy rhythms, my songs carry various messages behind them. My music is geared to bring solace, comfort and encouragement to the troubled minds of our time, giving them hope, and motivating them in a manner that brings peace to their very souls. The lyrics of my songs are always important to me, so I take time with my songs before releasing the final product. My intention is to bring about positive change with my music and take a lot of effort and concentration,” Negus said.
He grew up in the underprivileged location of Albouystown, Georgetown, and, according to him, that made me tough and gave me enough experience to work musically.
Negus as he prefers to be called grew up in Middle Road, Albouystown, Georgetown, and attended the St. Pius Primary School. At the tender age of seven he was already travelling between Trinidad and Guyana because of his family’s situation. Over a decade ago he decided to become a resident of Canada, but has been returning regularly to make an impact in Guyana owing to the fact that he has passion for the land of his birth. The fame he has achieved has certainly not changed him in any way. He remains the same approachable and simple individual he always was.
His most stirring selections includes: ‘Believe in Yourself’ which, he said, is a ballad fashion to give hope and confidence; Rat Race, Love You Forever, Act Crazy and others have sent him skyrocketing up the ladder of fame. To date he has penned over 60 songs, some of which were produced in Guyana. And his collaborations with top Jamaican artistes have certainly helped him to develop into the powerhouse he is today.
He has grazed shoulders with iconic artistes the likes of Beenie Man, Buju Banton and even ‘Red Rat’. His collaboration with Jamaican artiste, Konshens, in 2013 was also a definite hit when they performed ‘Dah whine Deh’. Although he is often mistaken for a Jamaican artiste, he made it clear that he always jumps to the forefront to let people know of his Guyanese origin.
Negus has been featured on many occasions in the press, both here and abroad.
In fact he might have gotten the most media attention, from his video for his hit song ‘Nuzzle-Up’ which many have pulsated to. His airplay around the Caribbean and the Diaspora has been rapidly increasing.
Despite his soaring popularity, Negus takes pride in the fact that he is able to write his own songs, most of which are based on current affairs and personal experiences.
He also has the ability to do graphic designs and video editing, talents which are motivational highpoints for a musician. Negus also works closely with top Guyanese artistes including Timeka Marshall and Natural Blacks and what many may not know in this part of the world is that he is a very proficient tattoo artist too.

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