By Ravena Gildharie
OUT of a community where villagers often face harsh judgments from society comes the melodies of Shumba Blair better known as ‘Fire Fred’, a talented songwriter/singer/composer who is still determined to prove himself as ‘a musical Buxtonian’ on the pedestal of Guyana’s entertainment industry.
Just two weeks ago, he performed before a massive crowd at a private event in Berbice, following on the heels of similar shows on the East Bank and East Coast Demerara , as well as in Linden and Essequibo. Blair has on many occasions in the past shared the stage with other local, regional and international musical talents.
Involved in entertainment for about 10 years now, Blair’s songs are mostly set in the reggae genre and are inspired by his passion for what he terms “conscious and positive vibes.”

“I see music as a way of teaching and reaching out to people to spread good messages of love and guidance. Music is from the things we do and see every day. Music, in a way, is life that we transfer into lyrics and songs to share with others,” Blair shared during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine.
Born in the village of Buxton, the artiste recalled growing up among male relatives and friends who loved and enjoyed reggae music, which was played daily for their personal enjoyment. From an early age, he developed a liking for international reggae talents such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. He was further moved by local reggae artistes like Alabama and First Born. This inspired Blair to write, record and produce his own music, and he later entered the scene with releases from Platinum Recording, Alabama, Brutal Tracks and currently Extreme Studio.

To date, he has written and produced over 60 songs, some of which have been performed locally and aired on the local radio. In the last two months, he released three new songs including “Lay Down” and “Gain Knowledge.”
“To my fans who may think ‘Fire-Fred’ has gone out of style, let me say that is not so, ‘Fire-Fred’ is still very much around and got some brand-new music to share,” Blair stated, adding that his songs are inspired by experiences and his observations of people with whom he comes into contact each day. In studio, he said, he is known as the ‘freestyle boss,’ stemming from his ability to come up with impromptu lyrics to match the rhythms of the music he is recording at the time.

Though well into his 30s now, Blair still has a deep passion for music and remains hopeful of someday “making it big” in the industry, despite the acknowledgment that the field is riddled by stiff competition and numerous challenges facing rising musicians like himself.
“I see myself in the next five years representing Guyana internationally. That would be so great and this is something I look forward to,” Blair expressed.
In the meantime, he enjoys popularity at local shows and events where ‘Fire-Fred’ had developed his own fan base with reggae lovers.

This alone is an achievement for Blair being from a village which he believes still fetches a bad reputation for ills of the past and its villagers are often judged and shunned.
“Well we know Buxton got a bad name and a bad picture, but going out and doing my music for people, I never get no bad feedback from my fans. I tell them I am the Buxton music ‘criminal,’ but not a bad boy criminal because people don’t expect nothing good coming from Buxton but I bring my music to them,” Blair stated.
“I always get a warm welcome anywhere I go and I get respect for me and my music,” he added, quite pleased.
When not producing music, Blair operates his own vending business and also works periodically in the mining industry.