LOCAL artiste Sharona Haniff Katriah has loved singing and dancing for as long as she can remember, and recently released her first single called ‘My Guyana.’
The 26-year-old, of Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara, is more of a pop/crossover artiste and believes that her love for the entertainment industry springs from genes passed on to her from several family members who all love music and dancing. Even with the restrictions that the Coronavirus pandemic has brought on, Sharona went ahead to release her video song because she took into consideration that it was something badly needed by people who were bogged down and depressed over the pandemic.
Out for about three weeks now on Youtube and social media, Sharona has promoted her music video at several radio and TV stations. Explaining the concept behind it, she said: “I wanted to start with something that was dear to me. I wanted to pay tribute to my home; I’m Guyanese first.”
The song prominently features a theme of togetherness, love and unity and is rich in cultural displays. “I wanted to shine that kind of light on Guyana,” she said during an interview with Buzz this week.

Mostly self-taught in dance, Sharona said she went ahead to release her music video because she wanted to spread positivity. “I wanted to showcase that even though we’re down, we can be together and still love and heal. I thought it was needed.” In the video, Sharona is seen performing three dances – an Indian classical, along with African and Amerindian dances in the traditional wear of each group. “I wanted to show diversity as much as I can,” she expressed.
She danced in the video with members of the Euphoria Dance Crew, the Ishara Dance Troupe, and the Adona Dance Group.

Sharona has also tried her hand successfully in pageantry, winning the ‘Miss Guyana Talented Teen’ in 2011 and coming in as second runner up in the ‘Miss India 2019’ pageant. “I was a country girl when I moved to Georgetown and it was a big transition but I always had a vision for myself. I wanted to inspire and motivate others.”
Apart from working to propel her music career, Sharona also studies at ACCA (Association of

Chartered Certified Accountants). “I don’t have boundaries when it comes to my music career. As far as it can take me, that’s where I want to go; internationally, wherever it takes me,” she expressed.
Sharona said she believes education is a privilege and she loves children, nature and “anything that is positively motivating.”
She is also passionate about activities that are charitable and that contribute to the betterment of communities. “It is my aim to use my talents to make a positive difference in this world,” she said.