• Canadian singer-songwriter celebrates her roots through soulful global hits

CANADIAN singer-songwriter, Anjulie Persaud, known simply as Anjulie, is proudly putting her Guyanese heritage on the international music map. The award-winning artiste, whose parents hail from Guyana, continues to captivate global audiences with her distinct blend of soulful pop infused with Afro-Caribbean and South Asian rhythms.

Since the release of her self-titled debut album in 2009, Anjulie has steadily built a reputation for her smooth vocals, empowering lyrics, and cross-cultural sound. Her most recent album, Loveless Metropolis, dropped in 2022, but it’s her latest singles, Cinnamon Girl and Chai and Sunshine, that have taken the international charts by storm.

The latter, Chai and Sunshine, has amassed over five million Spotify streams, and, earlier this year, it was chosen as Instagram’s official anthem, inspiring more than 100,000 videos in just one week. The track — a soothing yet uplifting tune — perfectly captures Anjulie’s Indo-Guyanese roots and her message of mindfulness and peace.

In a brief interview, Anjulie described her artistry as a “mix of groove, mindfulness, and emotion.” She explained, “My goal is to create music that helps people feel grounded, free, and connected to their inner peace.”

Beyond her musical talents, Anjulie is passionate about meditation, wellness, and storytelling, viewing songwriting as a form of therapy. She credits her philosophical curiosity — inspired by thinkers like Yuval Harari — for helping her explore deeper themes about connection and self-discovery.

Growing up, her sound was shaped by musical legends such as Bob Marley, Sade, A.R. Rahman, and Lauryn Hill. “I was drawn to artistes who combined soul and substance — people who made you feel something,” she shared. “That blend of introspection and rhythm still drives my sound today.”

Anjulie’s songwriting credentials are equally impressive. She has written for several of the biggest names in the music industry, including Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, and Nicki Minaj. Reflecting on these collaborations, she said, “It’s been inspiring to live vicariously through other artistes and hear them bring my lyrics to life. Every collaboration taught me something about confidence, storytelling, and resilience.”

Recounting the inspiration behind Chai and Sunshine, Anjulie shared that the song was born one morning at her parents’ kitchen table, a place filled with childhood memories. “After years of ups and downs in the music industry and a lot of inner work, I wrote the phrase ‘All I need is chai and sunshine’ in my notebook,” she said. “It became a song about mindfulness, self-care, and refusing to compromise your peace or your values.”

Similarly, Cinnamon Girl explores themes of femininity and empowerment. “It’s about stepping into your soft, strong, feminine energy and embracing who you are with warmth and confidence,” Anjulie explained.

Later this year, Anjulie plans to visit Guyana for the first time to shoot a few music videos, a journey she describes as deeply personal. “This is where my parents grew up. I can’t wait to explore this part of my identity more deeply, to see the land, the colours, and the rhythm of life here. It feels like coming full circle.”

She also expressed her interest in collaborating with local Guyanese and Caribbean artistes, saying, “There’s so much raw, beautiful talent in Guyana and across the Caribbean. I’m always looking to connect with artistes who share a love for authenticity and fusion.”