AMELIA ‘Melody’ Thomas has a bright idea in mind. It is one that will not only bring her plan of starting up her own publishing and distribution company to fruition, but one that will significantly aid local artistes who are often forced to leave the country to get their music published.
Having returned from London three years ago to live in Guyana, the 33-year-old mother of two told Buzz this week that the company she has in mind will alleviate the troubles, financially and otherwise, of local artistes who find it extremely difficult to get their music online and published.
“They seem to think it’s so difficult to do here in Guyana because we don’t have a licensing agency here. So, it’s really hard for artists,” the singer/songwriter and producer expressed, adding, “I want to make it easier for them to come to me and publish their music and have an agency that can collect royalties on their behalf.”
Thomas is still in the planning stages but she believes that things can really kick off next year once the country gets back to normal and the effects of the pandemic subside. She wants to conduct a conference with local artistes even before she introduces the business.

Thomas is a pioneer in royalty management and music licensing through her previous employment as a music licensing agent for a company in London and aims to educate artists, music businesses and music users alike on the benefits of protecting their work and making money from their music.
Formerly known as ‘Miss Melody’, the Reggae and R&B singer went to England with her family when she was three years old and began singing when she was 12. At age 14, she began working with vocal trainers and artist developers during which time she realised that songwriting and the art of compiling lyrics were her passion.
Thomas subsequently wrote and produced her own music as she collaborated with, and wrote for local and international artists. She has also performed at various venues across the UK, Europe, Canada and the Caribbean including the 291 Show at Hackney Empire, a variety of songwriters’ competitions; Reality Byte’s Showcase, the Canadian Reggae Fest; Guyana National Stadium and National Park, and Hootenanny Brixton, among others.

In 2010, she enrolled on a degree course in music industry management where she learnt a lot about royalties, artist management, music law and more. At that time, she was also working on management and administration in various labels, production companies and recording studios.
Thomas has released three singles from her debut EP ‘Reggae and Blues’ so far but it was ‘Love everlasting’ that won her the 2016 ‘Single of the Year’ during the Jubilee celebrations in Guyana. She also picked up ‘Best R&B Female’ and ‘Best Lovers Rock Female.’
Further, she released ‘Told Me’, in July 2020, along with her single ‘Shoulda Told Me’, which did well worldwide, gaining her a top 20 spot on the UK Reggae ‘Best Singles of 2020.’ Her new release ‘BETTER’ is a blend of dancehall and R&B and was released last August 1.
“If I’m doing it, I’m doing it big! I love performing and being able to project my feelings to audiences through my music. Whether my songs make you laugh or cry…. I just want my fans to connect. It’s all for the love of the music,” Thomas said.