Music is known as the universal language that brings together people from all walks of life, to either to enjoy the different genres and sounds or to create a masterpiece.
In this case, music brought together five young men who all share the same dream, to create music and one day be some of the greatest performers to represent Guyana and the mining town of Linden.
This group of young men are a part of a local dancehall music group called ‘1syde’ led by its founder 25-year-old Orwin Hermanstein better known by his stage name Iwin, who is also the lead vocalist and lyricist of the group.
The other members are: 25-year-old Felix Braitwaite aka Cramps, who merged his love for critical thinking, entrepreneurship and music, dubbing him the managing director of the group; 25-year-old Ronnel Domer aka John and 23-year-old Orvin Hermanstein aka Ivin. These two young men bring their love for writing and producing to the group, making them the promoters and content creators for the group.
The last member who is the youngest, 19-year-old Domar Hermanstein aka Slick is also a gifted lyricist and a genius in the art of performing freestyles.
The group of young men met while they all were perusing a tertiary education at the University of Guyana (UG) however soon after meeting, the young men all bonded over a common interest which was music.
“While we were at UG we realized we have a real passion for music especially dancehall music. We would always find time to write songs, do freestyles on instrumentals and listen to the latest dancehall and hip hop music despite most of our time being taken up with academics. After we were successful in obtaining our bachelor’s degrees in our respective fields, Iwin realised he had a gift to be a professional artiste,” the group said.
After the leader of the group, Orwin decided to record his first song ‘Special to Me’ the young men officially decided to come together and form the ‘1SYDE’ group in 2017.
Like many other artistes, the group’s goal is to one day perform globally and have Guyana recognised for not just being the land of many waters but also the land of many talents.
“Our main objective is to take Guyanese music to the highest level possible to compete globally. The sky is the limit for us we know there will be challenges, but together as a talented team, 1Syde members are very optimistic we will make it,” they said.
Describing their group dynamic as a brotherhood and a safe place for young creatives, the young men said, “It is about building a brand that will put Guyana on the map to compete with the world. We want to break the stereotype that ‘The Guyanese music industry is dead’ and pave the way for younger artistes to carry on the dream of becoming an established artiste right here in Guyana.”
Despite the woes of the COVID-19 pandemic the group has still been making music and is currently working on a new project which they believe will be the one to put them on the map.
“The 1Syde team is currently working on a track titled ‘Brand Name’ voiced by Iwin. This one is going to take the bars a little higher literally and figuratively. In short, it will be a catalyst to help the 1Syde team be more recognised. The video shoot will be done in Georgetown, Guyana and some parts will be done in the USA. We won’t be stopping there, for sure, there is also a mixtape in the pipeline so stay tune people it would only get bigger and better,” they said.
Additionally, the group will be launching their very first clothing line in November of this year.
