Akeem Adams determined to make the violin a popular sound in Guyana

IN ACT One, Scene One lines one through three from the play Twelfth Night, Shakespeare said: “If music be the food of love, play on; give me excess of it…” Even as the Pepperpot Magazine attempted to tread the stairs of the National School of Music to have an interview with Violinist Akeem Adams, the sound of the violin being played somewhere on the top floor was both inducing and wooing.

It was Adams playing the violin; playing other music before going to the song he was asked to play on the eve of Mashramani at D’Urban Park. The piece is entitled: “Oh Beautiful Guyana,” but even more than that he was enjoying himself to the sounds that he has grown to love over the few years he has gotten into the violin.

“I initially came here to learn keyboard or guitar, but my sister wanted me to play the violin and I hesitated. I was like, ‘Why would I want to do violin?’ However, when I got into the door the first thing I heard was the violin – it was my then teacher playing it; she was a volunteer from the US Embassy – Ms Jillian Hoke, but she is not here anymore. After hearing her I just knew I had to play this thing,” said Akeem Adams.

THE LITTLE BOX
This small-built 21-year-old, who hails from Georgetown is now fascinated by what he refers to, “This little box that can make so much sound.” He said that while the violin is not yet well-known or appreciated a whole lot, he usually get ‘gigs’ where he is asked to play at special functions or events and for which he is paid.

FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY
Adams performed “Oh Beautiful Guyana” with guitarist Alana Wade at the flag-raising ceremony at the D’Urban Park. “I may also be involved in other activities – it depends on what comes up. I am always ready, always prepared for any event, once I am asked to participate,” Adams assured.

The musician does not only visit the National School of Music for practice exercise, he also assists in teaching an average of 12 young people who are also desirous of becoming experts at playing the violin. He noted that while he is confident that many of the children can play well enough to also take part in the Mashramani activities, some of them are not as regular as they should be because of the SSEE examinations, but he has been seeing progress with the group.

VIOLIN BEING MORE VERSATILE
“I hope to record music with the violin – to do something different, like deviate from the stereotype, i.e. the classical instrument and do something else with it; like teach and pass on the knowledge,” he said. “Also, I would like to see the violin becoming more versatile. It is not just for the orchestra and for the aristocrats. The sound of the violin is rear is this part of the world.

“I am striving for perfection – well to be the best that I can be, even as I move from one level to another because I understand that I cannot be right up there at one time, but I want to give satisfaction to the Guyanese people, most of whom are not yet appreciative of the violin music,” young Adams proclaimed.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is striving to excel and would like to see the violin not as competing with the guitar or any other instrument, but as a combination with musical instruments that can complement each other, even as the violin can still continue to stand out on its own.

COMMITTED PEOPLE
Mr Adams said that for the violin to stand its ground there would have to be committed people who are willing to encourage, and even invest in higher training for people who are willing to give their all toward the spread and improvement of this type of music, and to improving music in general.

“There are times when I feel frustrated and feel like giving up, but I love the music and desire to see it improve. At the moment I am teaching myself because there is no teacher available to teach me and that is not as good as having a tangible person there,” he said

Adams said that there was a teacher when he started but because she works with the US Embassy she was transferred to Mexico, as her job required her to be there. Since then there is nobody there.

COPYRIGHT LAW
“Playing for others gives you more confidence in yourself,” he said and so he has expressed the desire to get much more involved in the musical and general cultural presentations. At the same time he is hopeful of being able to put his music to the test by way of recording and marketing it in Guyana at first, but in other parts of the world as well. He expressed the hope and optimism that this type of music will become widely accepted, especially in Guyana where it seems to be less appreciated at this time.

However, Adams is of the view that for there to be success in the music industry within Guyana – with the violin, as well as with other types of music- “I think that the President should keep his promise to pass that copyright law when it comes to music, so that artists could make some kind of money. While we enjoy what we do, those of us who are serious do not only do it for fun – we have to live. It is not just about the glamour of being celebrities; we have commitments and families to maintain.”

He explained that President Granger’s promise is to help artists make a living so that their music is not sold cheaply and where they have no control over the people who record their recordings, take it out on the market and sell it for whatever price they want.

A VISION
“My vision is to see Guyanese appreciate the violin. Most times when I go to play I don’t play classical pieces because Guyanese people just shun those; I learn more popular music, contemporary music, music with melody and concentrate my effort in playing these,” he expressed.

Adams said that he envisioned the violin involved in many more musical presentations at the Cultural Centre; Theatre Guild; the University of Guyana; at various national and international events and so on. Being recognised is one major way of getting acceptance in the country, he posited. He, therefore, appealed to the powers that be to pay some more attention to the violin and at the same time implement the copyright. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)