OVER the years, many young people have had difficulties coping with the challenges that life throws at them, whether daily or over time.
Some have looked to musical artistes, of various genres to provide them with a recipe for counteracting the punches.

The Pepperpot Magazine spoke exclusively with Elton Williams, better known as D J Saffie, who is working with local artistes to create music that speaks about school dropouts, suicide and violence, among many other issues.

DJ Saffie, holds the view that music can be among many of the solutions that can curb these issues, having grown up finding solace in music in his own life. Now, he wants to work with musicians to do the same for others.

“We want to start a venture where we can do school tours. I am working with a number of artistes. There are songs that have been sung addressing life‘s challenges, including suicide, substance abuse and education. It, therefore, means that we are seeking permission from the Government to go into schools to address the prevalence of these issues,” the musical DJ told the Pepperpot Magazine.

According to the Guyanese entertainer, music is one of the vehicles that has revolutionised many young people’s lives, including his own.
“Music usage is showing the love and support, which will serve as a catalyst to deter persons from committing suicide and [will] certainly [reduce the dropout rate] across the country. Also, music can be used as an avenue for persons who would need counselling and guidance in areas that are critical in their lives,” Saffie said.

He revealed that, in this planned school tour across the country coming next year, he hopes that school-aged youths would be able to maybe seek help from well-known musicians and legends in the music industry, who themselves have been through their fair share of challenges, struggles and issues.

“I think that there are avenues where the children want to speak out, knowing a person or persons from the streets, an artiste that, it is not someone from the Government or the Police, it is an ordinary tradesman, that exemplifies that we were once your age and we choose to stay out of that and to develop our lives,“ Saffie explained.

The musical DJ expressed hope to receive support from Government and maybe private individuals who have a vested interest in reducing the stigma attached to young people. He intends to reach out to the Ministry of Education, updating them about plans to see what type of support he may be able to receive.

He believes that, through music and working with established and local musicians will [bring] revolutionary changes to the minds of several young people, particularly in schools across the country.

“In school, there are children that intend to make music and singing not only their hobby but a career. When the tours are ongoing, we can ask the children who want to sing to show their talent and nurture it to bring pleasure to their families, the country and its development,” Saffie noted during his interview with the Pepperpot Magazine.

According to the local musician, who is responsible for coaching and influencing Mattick Queen, who won the recently held Carnival Competition, there is a genre of music with a positive message that will promote positivity and channel school-aged children on the right path. Additionally, the marriage between music and the advancement of educational opportunities is also a priority for him.

He believes that more needs to be done in the promotion and support of Guyanese music both with regard to airplay on the radio stations and support from the Guyanese community.