MAKING it on the local scene as an artiste is an uphill task. But for Kwesi Callender, he is poised for success.Under the nickname “HazeTheOfficial”, penning and singing hip hop songs in Guyana is very difficult and with two years under his belt from instrumental music, he has morphed into an artiste who prefers hip hop.

Callender told this newspaper that he has sung four songs titled “One chance”, “Rush Hour”, “What I Do”. and “Chance Day”.

His latest, “Dream West Trilogy”, was released last week, and he is part of a five-member group that operates in a studio locally.

The 21-year-old explained that when he sang his first song, “One Chance” and took the CD to a radio station for it to be played on the airwaves, it was rejected, and the authorities did not even collect it. And just like that, he was shut off. However, that did not deter him.

Callender said the incident actually motivated him to do more, and to make his name known on the local music scene, because he believed in himself.

He added that he was aware of his talent, and would build on it as he was still exploring possibilities and seeking sponsorship.

Callender said, “Local artistes needs a break, a little support goes a long way and if they are given that push they will succeed.’

At his age, the young artiste said he sees himself as a voice for the local artistes and will not vanish from the music scene since he is determined to make it big here then further afield.

This ambitious musician spoke about the challenges local artistes encounter but he looks past that because he feels that music is an art form and once one knows himself or herself anything was possible.

Callender has a day job as a Clerk at the Ministry of the Presidency’s Immigration Citizenship Services, and he hails from Pattensen, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara.

His message to young artistes like himself is to not get disenchanted but look ahead.