-Guyanese Dancehall/Reggae recording artiste, ‘Missionary Don’ gives a glimpse into his life

KESTA Dowridge, known as ‘Missionary Don’ is a Guyanese Dancehall/Reggae recording artiste who believes that music is his ‘calling’ and that he has everything it takes to eventually be among the best artistes around, while creating a rich legacy for his sons.

The 31-year-old, who grew up in ‘A’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown, has always been bold. He found his passion for music at a very young age in a scenario that required him to be brave.

Around 10-years-old, he recalled how he was invited to church where a little concert was going on. He had what it took to spontaneously get on stage and perform, and from that day forward, there was no turning back.

With the support of his mother, he began his journey to further his music career with his first major performance being at the Sophia Community Centre in 2010; at an event held by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. He won first place ahead of 60 other singers.

In 2011, he performed “Alright Then” at a Sophia Village Day competition where he also won first place, and he has also done a collaboration with the chutney artiste ‘Lifeline,’ called “Nuh leff mi rum.”

Enigmas Entertainment Group held an event in 2014 at Giftland Mall’s parking lot where Kesta was awarded ‘Artist of the Year’ for the song, “Love must be in you and me.” They also hosted a talent-stage event in 2023 where he won a vacation package for making it to the final.

Kesta writes his own music, as many as eight to 10 songs per day. A list of his singles include: Sweet Dreams, Alright Then, Burn crime, Lock it & Load, Everything Gone Up, Your love hold me, Mek money, Pretty girl, You stop call, Me & you.

“It’s a calling in my DNA; it’s a natural thing that lives within me….that motivates me and gives me that zeal to go after it. Since I observed it, I took it and nurtured it over the passage of time,” Kesta shared with Buzz this week.

He added: “I am a self-motivated person. I am an entertainer. Nothing has to give me that inspiration. I wake up and think about my music. I want to be among the best and I want to leave a legacy for my six sons. I am a role model to the youths in my community. I want to see youths more occupied and employed and get themselves involved in stuff that can build them.”

Kesta believes that local artistes would thrive if given more support by authority figures. “They can pave a way for the young artistes…I wish they can link with the young entertainers. They need to fight for us to have copyright laws so we can see the benefits and rewards from our music,” he shared.

Kesta is certified in air conditioning and refrigeration and he dabbles in real estate. In fact, the young entrepreneur does different things to make an income. He also plans to further his studies in engineering.