KAREEM Lewis, known also as ‘cKush’ in the entertainment industry, knows all too well the good that can result when young children receive support and mentorship. As such, he has come up with a plan to visit as many schools as possible to offer words of encouragement.

As a proud “ghetto youth” growing up in Lodge, Georgetown, the 25-year-old said he wants to also send a message to young people that where you come from has nothing to do with the ‘heights’ that you can reach in life.

Speaking with BUZZ recently, Lewis recalled his long walk along the musical path as a writer and performer. It was during his school days that he found his voice. At age 13, Lewis said he was part of the Drama Club at his alma mater, Central High School.

At the time, his brother and cousin were also into writing music. When a teacher told him that there was a ‘Mash’ concert coming up and that he should think about participating, it was not difficult to decide. Lewis performed a Calypso that became his first major writing project.

“I kept writing since then and eventually released my first single and then took the radio station over by storm,” he reflected.

When he debuted, Kush didn’t quite understand the music industry in Guyana, and the possibility of earning income from his music. So, he spent some more time writing and continued to increase his knowledge in the music business. He was on the hunt.

Lewis released his first music video last Independence Day titled, “Welcome to Moco Moco.” It was inspired, in part, by his love for Guyana.

“I came across an image of a young lady going up some stairs in Lethem and when I did some research I realised it was the Moco Moco falls,” he shared.

He believes that a career in music in Guyana is definitely possible provided there’s a love and passion for the work. “I plan to continue to work and do what’s necessary for my progression and see how far it will take me,” he expressed.

Stigma
“I am a ghetto youth but I love to make mention of it because there is a stigma attached to the ghetto,” Lewis pointed out. He said he had seen how many young people were afraid to say that they are/were from areas considered to be the ghetto.

Lewis said he just wants youths to know that they can be successful regardless of where they’re from. “The area does not define the heights that you can climb. You have a ghetto boy performing in parliament, meeting with ministers [of government] and other individuals with high societal status,” he said.

He recently visited the Harpy Eagle Nursery in Georgetown, which was the first in a line of schools he plans to visit where he will offer words of encouragement.

“I plan to visit as many schools as possible. If I can go to all, I would. I would just pop up and have a conversation with them,” he related.

Lewis speaks to the children on how they can develop and use their talents and balance them with their academics. The message he sends is also for them to believe in themselves and understand that attending school is necessary in order to obtain the best possible foundation of being able to function in society.

“Education is paramount… merge it with your talents and skills; be innovate and use it to benefit your society and your country as a whole,” he said, adding that it was equally important to be authentic and the best version of themselves.