By Alex Wayne
NOT much is heard about Guyanese temptress Celeste David these days, and one often wonders what has become of the promising musical career she had started so gallantly some years ago.

When I last bumped into her about two years ago, it was while on a visit to Vizion Sound Records (Anira Street, Queenstown, Georgetown), where she was just enrolled as one of their new and very sassy female vocalists.
When this songstress invaded the local entertainment scene, she was a bit shy and secluded as could have been easily deduced from her somewhat timid performances at the Pegasus Hotel and other locations. One has to agree that since she came from a Christian background, she would naturally be hesitant to engage in all the onstage theatrics that come with being an entertainer.
But it only took her about a year to blossom and with much help from her sister, runway diva Jennelle David, she was soon on her way to becoming one of the local songstresses that possess that natural suave and sizzle that comes with presenting live dance hall, soca and even reggae performances.
Celeste has graced stages both locally and internationally, and has blazed quite a trail for others to follow. Even though she may have retreated from the scene somewhat, word is out that she is taking timeout to create joy, but this time for the Creator. And she is quite right, since it is always wise to use our talents for the glory and honour of the Creator, through whose grace we exist.
Folks at Vizion Sounds have indicated that Celeste in back in church, and is using her voice to spread the Gospel, and to warm many souls that are cold and hungry for divine blessings.
Celeste Felicia Dawn David, was born on October 30, 1986, in the ancient county of Berbice. On that date, a singer, the last in a family of six, was brought into this world by parents, Reverends Brian and Marilyn David.
Her educational background was derived from Trinity Street Nursery, Saint Theresa Primary and culminated at Canje Secondary School. Singing from the tender age of four in her parent’s church, “The Open Bible Mennonite Church”, she obtained an early exposure to the stage and subsequently grasped every opportunity to showcase her talent.
Soon enough, she became a regular feature, performing at school concerts, community gatherings and other forums such as weddings and funerals. With two strong influences, namely Lauryn Hill and the late Whitney Houston, she developed a distinct singing style which exudes poise, and confidence. She is also a quite accomplished song writer, dancer, model, and designer, all of which complements her stage presence. When she learnt of a Jingle competition that was being promoted by the local telephone company several years ago,she decided that it was time for her to venture into the big league and entered the competition. After the results were announced, she was awarded the number two spot from a field of over one hundred contestants. Although this did not result in her immediate stardom on the local scene, continued consistency and perseverance began to pay dividends in the form of a hot crossover single, “Back It Up’, which led to her tremendous popularity. This single was produced by Danley Major of Kingdom Friends Production of Guyana and was followed by others such like, ”Had Enough”, which depicted a passionate appeal to sisters to ‘keep it real’, and not accept any more sloppy treatment from their male partners.
Not long after, she delivered, “Ma Sweetness”, a hot soca rendition with the Cricket Dance Rhythm. With a rapidly growing repertoire, she is capable of singing Reggae/Dance Hall, R&B, Soca, Crossover Music, Gospel and even Jazz, and has recorded in Barbados with the award winning studio, Monstapiece Entertainment Inc, where she was tutored by Brian Corbin.
She then penned two more songs, “Little Secret”, which was produced by Peter Copin of Monstapiece Inc and Kurt Riley out of Jamaica on the Golden Gate Riddim, along with “Like So”, which was produced by ‘ Spida Man Studios’ out of Guyana and mastered by Peter Copin of Monstapiece. All of the above is a clear indication of the versatility of this young songstress. Dedication and hard work gained her even more recognition in 2011 on Bajan Stages at the Crop Over event, the Soca Titan Show and at ‘Thursday Nights Saga’ at Ship’s Inn with the Strategy Band.
She was happily accepted by the Barbadians and was further recognized in Trinidad and Tobago at the 2012 International Soca Awards where she was nominated for, “Best New Female Soca Artiste”. Baby Cham and Terbulance, both out of Jamaica, along with Robert Hatcher from 2007 America’s Got Talent, were all left in awe when she flawlessly accompanied them on different occasions with her rendition of Alicia Keys part in, “Ghetto Story Remix’, ‘Want a Natty’ and ‘Closer I Get To You”, at their various shows in Guyana.
She has rapidly become a force to be reckoned with and is even touted by some as “The Hottest New Find” in a vastly improved and very competitive local music industry. Favorable reviews from international and local music industry players are constantly showered upon her.
She is also consistently featured in the media on websites, television programmes as well as the newspapers. Celeste is now Guyana’s Diva! These, along with numerous other indications, have confirmed the widespread belief that this stunningly attractive musical personality, who is blessed with exquisite elegance, charisma and versatility, is indeed ready for the path she now pursues.