From reggae to R&B, Melody Thomas is passionate about putting Guyana on the music map

FOR most people, music is shaped by the culture and traditions of their home. But some musicians transcend boundaries, blending influences from across the globe. Melody Thomas—singer, songwriter, and producer—is one such artist. Born in Guyana and raised in London from the age of three, Melody has spent much of her life abroad. Yet her music has always carried a Caribbean touch, and her latest work is more rooted in her heritage than ever.

Recounting her early years growing up in East London, Melody told Pepperpot Magazine that she has always been drawn to the performing arts. “I was born in Guyana, but I grew up in London with my family,” Melody recalls. “I’ve always been drawn to performing arts from a young age, but I think around 11 or 12 years old, I decided I should actually take it up as a hobby.” Her first formal experience in performance came with a London theatre company called Reality Bytes, where she explored acting, singing, dance, and songwriting. “That was my first taste of the performing arts world,” she said. “I did songwriting there, I did dance, and I did acting and singing.”

From theatre to music production, Melody’s career began in London, where she was signed to a label called Star Vibes. She wrote songs for various artistes and released her own reggae tracks, which quickly gained recognition. Despite her success in London, her connection to her Guyanese roots drew Melody back home. “I started talking to other artistes in Guyana because, obviously, I’m from Guyana,” she explained. “I was curious to see what other artistes are from my country. After a few years, I decided I wanted to come home and see what it’s like to work with my fellow countrymen.”

Her first visit to Guyana, in 2018, brought both surprises and lessons. Emphasising the vibrancy and talent in Guyana, Melody says she wanted to see more of a buzzing community. Comparing Guyana to other Caribbean counterparts, Melody noted that although smaller in population, there is still a real need for a stronger local music community. “I was a bit surprised about Guyana’s music scene because, obviously, living outside, we have our own assumptions of what the industry is like here, and you think all Caribbean countries are similar. But that wasn’t the case. Guyana was not behind, but not where I expected it to be,” she said.

Talking about her creative process, Melody says it is fluid and intuitive. “I don’t really have a format. Sometimes I write and then I produce, sometimes I produce and then I write. I also make my own beats,” she added. While she started in R&B and soul, reggae became a key part of her music catalogue. “I don’t just do reggae—I do R&B, soul, and reggae,” she explained, adding that, like Guyana, the UK’s melting pot of cultures helped her music find its audience. “In the UK, it’s a big melting pot of cultures. There’s a lot of Caribbean people living over there, a lot of African people. Mixed genres happen quite a lot. I started singing R&B and soul first, but then I got into the reggae scene through some contacts in Jamaica. Reggae is a huge genre in the UK, so it was easier for me to get into the industry there because of the contacts I already had.”

Melody has written and produced a rich catalogue of her own material as well as collaborating with and writing for local and international artistes. She has also performed at various venues across London, Canada, France, Antigua, Montserrat, and Guyana—including the 291 Show at Hackney Empire, several songwriters’ competitions, the Canadian Reggae Fest, and Hootenanny, just to name a few.

Despite her international experience, Melody sees opportunities for growth in Guyana’s music scene. “I would like to see a proper community—something similar to a musicians’ union—where all artistes and creatives can have access, whether it’s learning materials, funding, or just opportunities to advance their careers. There needs to be a fraternity in Guyana for musicians so we can get the correct support to drive the industry forward,” she emphasised.

Melody’s work in the local scene has been marked by significant accomplishments. This year, she was nominated for two awards at the Demroc Music Awards, one of Guyana’s premier music platforms. “I have been nominated for Reggae Female of the Year and also Best Culture Podcast of the Year. For the podcast, I’ve been the content manager at HGPTV for the last two years and produced a show called Inside Culture. It highlights Guyana’s culture, arts, and creatives to the rest of the world,” she explained. The Demroc Music Awards ceremony will be held on November 22 at the National Cultural Centre. Tickets and voting information are available at demrocmusicawards.com.

Melody’s plans extend beyond music and awards. She is launching a new TV show, Guyana After Dark, at the end of November on HGPTV. The show will highlight nightlife across Guyana—covering bars, clubs, restaurants, exclusive events, and top stage shows. “We’re showcasing all the top nightlife in Guyana,” she says. “Bar owners and proprietors can get in contact with me if they want to feature their venue.”

Adding another milestone to her career, Melody recently launched her own record label, House of Melody Entertainment, said to be the first female-owned record label in Guyana. The label is actively seeking new talent and offers full label deals, including management, production, and distribution. “At the moment, I only have one artiste signed, but I’m looking for the best of the best—any genre, any style,” she said.

From a child immersed in performing arts in London to a multifaceted artiste, producer, content creator, and mentor in Guyana, Melody Thomas has carved a unique path in music. “I want to see the music scene in Guyana grow and thrive,” she stated, adding, “There’s so much talent here, and with the right support, we can take it to the next level.”

As Melody continues to release new music infused with Caribbean rhythms, host shows that celebrate local culture, and build platforms for emerging artistes, she stands as a growing voice from Guyana to the international stage. For music lovers, there’s plenty to look forward to from the talented Miss Melody.