Local saxophonist aiming for the stars

ROY Stewart has always been around music and music personalities, so it’s not difficult to imagine why he decided that a career in entertainment suits him best. Today, Roy, one of the leading saxophonists in Guyana, says his journey started in the womb.

The 35-year-old, who has roots in Linden, Baracara in the Canje Creek, and Suriname, reflected how both his parents were into music, and how his mom, a singer, would sing to him since he was in the womb.

His musical exposure continued in church, where he was part of the children’s choir, and then later in primary school. Coming from less fortunate circumstances, his parents were not able to purchase instruments for him and his siblings, nevertheless, the natural knack that they had for music sufficed.

“I have younger brothers who are a guitarist and drummer, sisters who sing and play the keyboard, and my older brother is a DJ. My dad played the trumpet in the Constabulary back in the days. So music was always around me,” he shared in an interview with Pepperpot Magazine.

Roy started to play the saxophone when he was about 18 years old. He bought a second-hand saxophone from his friend, Gordon, who was an “amazing” saxophonist. “I heard him play and asked what would be the price for one, and he said he was selling his,” Roy recalled.

At this time, he was working at a café called Zuszo, washing dishes. So he’d wash and sing, he reflected. When he purchased the saxophone, though, he learned the basics of the instrument and taught himself the rest. “I practised and practised and looked at YouTube videos trying to get better and better at playing.”

Wanting to study music, this option was not available to him, but how fortunate he was to eventually be able to enroll Online in the University of the Southern Caribbean Music programme in 2020, further being exposed to various music styles.

“When I was in the youth choir, I always wanted to have a lead role, but was not afforded the opportunity. When I played the saxophone, I was intrigued by it, and I loved it and it spoke to me, so I embraced it and I thank God that I did, because it has been a blessing to me,” Roy expressed.

Currently, he is a full-time saxophonist, playing for over 10 years now. Playing virtually worldwide, Roy is also an aspiring recording artist, having already recorded three cover albums: Miracle, Eclipse of Love, and Winds of Praise.

The father of two, who also tutors part-time, has also played for multiple presidents at various functions, private sector functions, weddings and other events. “I consider myself a trendsetter. To be a saxophonist of my calibre and of my expertise, it takes discipline, commitment, dedication, passion, persistence, and consistency, so I try to adopt those principles in what I do,” Roy said.

Roy believes that the commitment, drive and professionalism he invests in his art set him apart from others in the business. “I try to be very professional with what I do. I take what I do very seriously and I invest in good equipment,” he said.

In the near future, he says he sees himself as a bonafide recording artist, recording original music, touring saxophonist, and performing on major stages. He also wants to be the producer of his own music, honing his craft and working on building his capacity.

The intention is to become a global name, touring, producing, managing, and having his own record label.

He offers this advice for aspiring musicians: “Commit and dedicate yourselves to God and the craft and invest heavily in what you’re doing.”