THERE are many musicians who tend to hide behind the scenes even though they possess immense talent and musical versatility. One such musician is the beloved son of the soil ‘Fojo’, who, over the years, has maintained his coveted position as our local ‘music power house’.

Who is Fojo?
Eon Collis Corbin informed Bombshell that the name Fojo was actually not his idea; he was so dubbed by youths of his community in Linden. As one of his eyes is bigger than the other, his friends called him “Foji Eye”, and after hearing about the Fugees, the name was changed to a simpler ‘Fojo’. Incidentally, the word fojo means “music”.
Fojo began singing and performing in skits as a child in church. His life was centred on music. His first performance as Fojo, however, was at a night club some years after, when he participated in a competition. The fact that he was one of the youngest competitors was of no consequence, as was evident in the enthusiasm and appreciation the audience showed for his performance. They even called for an encore.
Because of Luciano’s “conscious vibes and [positive] messages”, Fojo was always inclined to listen to Luciano’s music whenever his spirits needed some uplifting. He also enjoyed listening to tunes from artistes like Shaggy, R. Kelly, Bob Marley and Michael Jackson.
The inspiration to officially begin his music career came one day while he was taking a walk on the streets of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. He was there working with his father’s construction company when he witnessed “Youth Pulse” in action. From then he began voice training, and was further inspired when he viewed the group “Immature” on the television.
The fact that members of this group were younger than he fuelled his creative engine even more; if they could do it, he reasoned, then so could he. The first song he wrote consisted of these lyrics: “Oh Jah I am a lion, can you find me a lioness? Oh Jah I need a woman, one that is truly bless”.
The adults he consulted on these lyrics loved the song, so he was off to the studio, but he did not record anything for an entire year. He shared with us that he is not generally one to rush things; he allows things to gradually take their course.
Eon was given opportunity to manage one of the biggest recording studios in Trinidad, where he met people like P. Diddy, Biggie Smalls, Sizzla Kalonji, Morgan Heritage and Lauryn Hill, when they would record at the studio. He knew then that it was finally time for him to record.
Following his stint in Trinidad, Fojo travelled to Toronto, Canada, where he was afforded the opportunity of working with some of the guys from the R. Kelly camp. He then returned home after Machel Montana saw him in action in Canada and became enthused about making him “the biggest thing in Guyana.” His uncle eventually convinced him to return to Guyana, as he had doubted the potential success of Machel’s plans because, as far as he knew, Guyana lacked substantial resources.
Additionally, Fojo wishes to inform all those who think he is a deportee that he is not. Upon his return, he set up the Platinum Records Studio. For the time he’s been back home, he has noted a vast improvement in Guyana’s music industry, and has expressed his pride in being a part of that change. He has confessed that at times he does feel the urge to leave Guyana, because of his talent and how many people tell him he is ‘good’. But he has decided that here is where he belongs, and that the only time he would be going anywhere would be to perform, and then it’s right back to good old Guyana.
Fojo has come to be known as Guyana’s most versatile artiste, as he has touched on more genres of music than any other Guyanese performer. His new album, “Different Sides of Me”, is a showcase of this versatility, and features songs of the R&B, hip-hop, soca, rap, reggae, dancehall, and chutney soca persuasions.
Because of his love for his daughters, the song “Babay Mama Drama” is his favourite. He could not highlight a single performance as his most memorable, but simply loves to perform here in Guyana. He loves the reactions the audience has to his Platinum Mobbs and other local artistes’ music.
On a somewhat negative note, he has commented on the “hard-to-pay promoters” in Guyana, noting that they need to realize that in booking any artiste, that artiste needs to be properly paid. He, for one, intends to put up a big studio, and this requires money, which does not come easily. He would like the promoters to keep in mind that though there is no he without them, there is also no them without him. As the saying goes, “It takes two hands to clap.”
Fojo has been on tour to Canada, Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Grenada. He has also done many shows in Trinidad, but since he considers Trinidad his second home, he doesn’t count the performances there as him being on tour. Asked to comment on the support he receives both locally and internationally, Fojo opened by saying, “I have never been booed and I’m happy for that.” This is indeed something to be grateful for. He is well-received, loved and appreciated wherever he goes.
In choosing songs to perform while on tour, Fojo ensures that he knows what songs the people of that nation listen to most, and selects those songs which would be new to them. In preparing for any show, he always whispers a prayer, and gives thanks to “The Most High”.
Fojo hopes to someday bring a Platinum Plaque to Guyana. He is confident that this will happen, as he knows what he, as well as the other Platinum Records artistes, is capable of. He is also grateful for his new young producer “KEYS”, whom he knows will help to move him to even higher heights. He advises anyone who is interested in beginning a music career to put God first. He also encourages these individuals to be themselves, follow their dreams, and stay focused and away from bad company.
He has expressed his gratitude to God for all he has been able to accomplish; and also extends thanks to his parents for being supportive throughout his music career.