–hopes to perform it in front of President Ali

By Cassandra Khan
Y3K, a local band formally known as the Faithful Four or Cox Brothers, has released a new single called “Christmas with you,” which the members hope will further showcase Guyana’s musical talents and diversity to the world.

Two members of the group, Kwasi Cox and Keisanna Cox-Parsaram are currently planning to travel to New York to have their song promoted there, but they are in dire need of sponsorship for travel-related expenses.

Tianna Cox, Travis Retemyer, and the other members of the band will remain in Guyana to promote the song locally.

There are a few radio stations in New York that they will use to promote their Christmas single and they have already done the groundwork to procure a producer, who will help to bring their vision to fruition.

“Now it is just for us to go to the radio station…that physical presence would be integral,” members of the band told the BUZZ earlier this week.

The band wants to bring much awareness to Guyanese talent and also shared that they have some open mic spots where they will perform to ensure their goal is attained.

Locally, the band hopes to be a part of the Christmas Village and hopes they get the opportunity to perform their song in the presence of President, Dr Irfaan Ali.

Keisanna, sharing how the song was written, said that she always had the dream of releasing a Christmas song.

“It was coming up to Christmas and my husband was writing a song and I asked him what he was writing, and he said a love song. So I told him let us turn this into a Christmas song,” she recalled.

She related that she then invited the rest of the group to put in their ideas.

Kwasi told the BUZZ that there is something special about having a Christmas song. He said that they have noticed that the same tunes are played over and over during the Christmas season, and they wanted to add something new.

“Even after you write them, that Christmas feeling is very hard to accomplish and to accomplish it, we feel really good,” Kwasi said.

Meanwhile, Tianna said that the family is very big on Christmas, so to have a Christmas song for them is very special and it is something they are excited about having.

According to the group, their Christmas song promotes diversity and encourages all Guyanese to come together.

The Y3K band was originally an all-male cappella quartet song group, but over time it blossomed into a full-fledged family band.

“Being the children of a pastor in a church with a demand for good musicians, we all stepped up to the plate and with time, hard work, and dedication we quickly developed keen ear sound and now can skilfully play at least two instruments,” they said.

As word of their group spread they were invited everywhere to sing. They have graced the stage of various places that are well known for quality entertainment such as the National Cultural Centre, Ocean View Hotel, Zoom-inn Hotel, Pegasus Hotel, Princess International Hotel and De Impeccable Hall.

They have also performed at many popular events including Miss Guyana Universe, Miss Guyana World, The US Embassy’s Fourth of July celebration and Carifesta X Gospel Concert.

For Jam Zone International 2010, the group was the opening act for the concert at the National Stadium, which was headlined by world-renowned international singer and songwriter Ne Yo.

“We were also awarded the title ‘The Best New Band for 2010’…Back in 2015 we were privileged to represent Guyana and the entire Caribbean at One Billion Rising’s ‘Artistic Uprising’ in Manhattan, New York, where we shared the stage with world-renowned acts such as Thandie Newton, Emma Myles, Kathy Najimy, Rosie O’Donnell, Saidah Baba Talibah and One Billion Rising founder Eve Ensler among others,” the group shared.

The band’s performance at the Artistic Uprising brought many to tears, including Dylan McDermott whose fiancé rated their performance as the best of the night.

Besides singing acapella, dancing, and playing instruments they also write and compose their music. To date the group has written and composed over 50 songs. Their first single, “Share a little Love,” was written for the Ministry of Health, as part of the country’s efforts to fight domestic violence.