B52: Guyanese musical heavyweight reaching for the stars
This lad is certainly reaching for the ultimate stars
This lad is certainly reaching for the ultimate stars

 

OFTEN described as “the next big thing in Guyanese music”, the talents of Guyanese musical maestro Wilbur Levans by far surpasses those of many of his competitors.

With his raunchy stage presence, high-energy performance, and superb vocals, Wilbur Levans has, with great style, made a name for himself in the soca arena. And because he operates under the Kross Kolor Records label, it has surely helped him to pave the way for many other singers originating from that music camp.

Wilbur Levans gives true meaning to the statement ‘Guyana got talent’
Wilbur Levans gives true meaning to the statement ‘Guyana got talent’

Hailing from Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, Wilbur Levans, now called B52, is undeniably a very consistent, hard working individual. Guyanese by birth, B52, formerly known as ‘Lil Man’, has been proving over the years that he has what it takes to keep the standard of Guyanese entertainment on top.

Born November 15, 1979, B52 began his career in music at a very young age, starting first as a songwriter during his teenage years, and later grooving into singing, winning the first-ever Junior Calypso Competition held in Guyana.

He continued winning this competition for three consecutive years, (2002-2004), a trend that has since not been equalled. His success at that competition motivated him to remain a musician, and it was during that time that he slowly started to gain recognition in the entertainment industry in Guyana.

In 2004, B52 went on to win the national ‘In Search of a Star’ competition, and became a member of the now defunct group Impulse. It was during that time that the Western Union R&B Flava Competition was launched, which was hosted by Chris Wilson, an artiste of Kross Kolor Records. The group entered to show what talents they had available, and came out quite successful, placing fourth, but all was not lost. B52 was recognised as one of the most promising artistes from the group, and after conversations and agreements, he was later signed to the Kross Kolor Records.

He has grown tremendously over the years; and later, with advice from his manager, he took a turn and started a new era in the genre of Soca. In 2005, he released his first single, “Wine and Touch Yuh Toes,” on the ‘Wine Til Yuh Drop’ album, which was the first of its kind produced by the company. This song became a national hit, and recommended him to international audience. He found his true potential in performing and decided to persist with the Soca genre of music. In that same year, he entered the second annual Carib Soca Monarch competition here in Guyana.

He placed eighth but did not give up. He continued in the competition from 2006 right up to 2009, and placed third and second in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and second and third in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

With his song ‘Fireman’, which he performed in 2008, he was chosen to represent Guyana in St. Lucia at the International Soca Monarch Competition. He placed among the top ten, and proved there is a lot of talent resident in Guyana.

To date, B52 is known as one of the Kross Kolor Label’s most popular artistes in Guyana, and is featured on all of the albums that have been released from the studio. He is a Fireman by profession and is a very talented songwriter. He already has a few hit singles to his name, which includes his newest release, “Put It On Me,” on the fifth edition of the “Wine Til Yuh Drop” album.

He is releasing his first album, entitled “Sen it On”, being produced by Burchmore Simon. The name B52 was given to him by his manager, and it means “Bomber 52.” The bomber’s true potential is yet to be realised.

 

By Alex Wayne

 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.