Shelon Garraway, who goes by the stage name Shelly G, and who describes herself as hot, tantalizing, sexy, electrifying and dynamic, has carved out quite a niche on the Guyana music scene, as a cross-over artist, meaning, she is versatile and extraordinarily talented.
In a recent, exclusive interview with Caribbean Life, the attractive multi-ethnic young lady, whose provocative performing style and captivating stage presence wows audiences, just confirmed the venue for her Reggae album launch “L.O.V.E. ME ” comprising a collection of 13 reggae singles from 2006 to present.
The unveil will be held at Caribbean Fest, 116-14 Rockaway Blvd., Queens, on Friday, April 28. Showtime is 11 pm. Admission by ticket $20. Everybody gets a free CD. Visit www.watzhot.com for more information.
Shelly G. who has now taken up permanent residence in the United States, and travel to the Republic for regular performances, noted that she is the only female to win the Guyana Carib Soca Monarch. She says she can only speak about the impact she has had on Guyanese women in music, because that is where she spends most of her time trying to better herself.
She proudly announced, “I was crowned Queen in 2009 and no other woman has claimed that tittle to date. They always reference me as their motivation accomplish the task of being the next woman to win the Guyana Soca Monarch when competition time comes around,” adding that she has been performing professionally since 2005 when she competed for the crown, for the very first time.
The gifted artist became a national sensation with “Touch Meh” a song she wrote. It was produced by Dynamix Music.
A daughter of Guyana’s gushing Pomeroon River, Essequibo Region, Shelly G, has become a household name, and popular favorite of music lovers.
The very bold, and fearless musicmaker, says she is Guyana’s superstar, who have been in the headlines since she started her career twenty-seven years ago. She placed second in the Guyana Soca Monarch contest, the first time competed with the song, “Touch Meh,” sharing that she has performed throughout the length and breadth of Guyana entertaining fans “who celebrated me everywhere I went to perform.”
With over 50 original songs on five albums, it is safe to say Shelly G is a successful recording artist, and skillful lyricist, who had little bit of help from songwriter Ian Corbin (Fojo), who penned some of her lyrics.
Her latest recording, titled: Me Nah Like People written and produced by Dynamix Music, is climbing the charts, she said, noting that she is a Guyanese performer, “meaning we cross many genres of music.”
She performs Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, R&B and Hip Hop. However, the lady singer would love to perform a mix of Jazz and Reggae.
The international chanteuse has thrilled fans in the Caribbean Region, French Guyana, Suriname, and as recent as last month, at famous Guyanese banquet Hall, Woodbine, Brooklyn, as one of the artists at Lady Ira Lewis’ Mashramani dance. Popular Guyanese Reggae artist, Pablo G, was also on stage.
Shelly G said she is influenced by superstars, Beyonce, Rihanna, Spice, Allison Hinds, Destra, Lady Saw, Bennie Man, and America’s top rapper, 50 Cents,
explaining, that nipped a piece of talent from each of these multi-platinum artists, to carve out her performance style.
“I pinched a piece out of everybody to carve out my performance style,” said the songstress, who has a packed schedule at any given time. She performs at private events, and claims she receives referrals on a regular basis because her customers are at all times satisfied with her performances.
Her up-coming confirmed bookings include an Aug. 14 – “Come Ride Wid Me” Boat Cruise,” leaving the Brooklyn harbor.
The queen of Soca will also perform at the Annual Guyana Day Celebration in Long Island, on Aug. 28.
The songstress who says she is always in her own portable studio in New York recording, is set to release a new Dance Hall track, in the very near future.
Some of the lyrics include “Some boy dem Chat too Much talk how they gon beat it up. Talk how dem bruise it up Two minutes nah pass and dem done bust a Nut Just like Holiday dem boys gon fade away Dem can’t handle the ride when you knock on dem door, Dem affi hide.”
There is no doubt, Shelly G, has a charming personality, and a consistent work ethic that has taken her to the level she had reached in her budding career. Her performances have also earned her accolades.
She was recognized by the City of New Jersey in 2016, thanks to Lady Ira Lewis, legislative aide to Assemblywoman Britnee N. Timberlake’s office, of the 34th Legislative District, NJ, and her team who nominated her.
She was also acknowledged by the Guyana Ministry of Culture Youth & Sport that celebrated Shelly G on winning the 2009 Carib Soca Monarch, and presented with a Large Trophy at the winners’ ceremony.
“Look out for my new project of which I am part owner of, releasing soon “Watzhott Radio” featuring Guyanese music 24/7,” she said with excitement, as the go-getter entertainer extends her reach in the performing industry, while influencing another generation of artists.
Follow www.watzhott.com/radio – for Shelly G radio.
