IT isn’t every day that one stumbles across a singer with the vocal pitch strong enough to reach the heights that the classical genre of Opera requires. Moreover, in Guyana, where our Caribbean culture leads to genres such as Soca and Reggae dominating the airwaves, hearing an Opera singer in our midst would no doubt leave us surprised.
But local Opera singer, Kimberly Samuels is, by now, accustomed to the awe-induced reaction of those who hear her sing, and no matter how many times she has performed, she continues to wow her audience, all because Opera is not the first choice you’d think a young Guyanese would aspire to.
Yet, classical music has been a part of the young artiste’s life, for as long as she can remember.
“My father is a professional musician; so, as a little girl, I grew up watching him teach and sing classical music. And I loved it,” Kimberly said, adding that since her entire family had been brought up in the world of music, it was only natural that she became a musician herself.
“When I perform, people are shocked; they wonder if it is for real, because it is not something you hear every day in Guyana. But they love it; that’s how I continue to get booked,” Kimberly said.
LIVE CONCERTS
Over the years, she has performed at many live concerts, church functions, weddings and even for the US Embassy. Yet, she maintains a low profile. However, after hearing about the E-Networks Talent show, “The Spotlight”, Kimberly knew she had to compete; though it did take some encouragement from friends and family to actually get her to audition.
“When I went up,” she said, “first I sang a Whitney Houston song, because I wasn’t sure what they wanted to hear; and I figured people wouldn’t appreciate Opera. But the judges weren’t impressed.
“Then I asked them if I could sing something else. And when I sang Opera, they were blown away.”
Now that she is in her element, and as she awaits the next step of the conversation, Kimberly reflects on how much Opera means to her. Moreover, as one of the only persons well versed in the genre in Guyana, she no doubt appreciates her uniqueness.
“I feel comfortable with my talent, because I know that it is something lots of people are not accustomed to, “ Kimberly said, adding:
“Most times, it’s the older crowd that knows the songs that I am singing. Or maybe artistic young people can appreciate it; but other people sometimes don’t understand. But I love being different and unique, and I will push on and continue with it, no matter what.”
For the Golden Jubilee, Kimberlee recorded the song, “I love Thee, Guyana”, which, like all the other songs dedicated to the occasion, speaks of her love of country, and showcases the pride she feels as a Guyanese.