Guyana’s songstress Lisa Punch, who just over a year ago commanded the international stage to become a finalist in the ABC-TV show “Rising Star,” will once again take the world by storm.
The 23-year-old chanteuse, who released her first reggae single, “Secret Admirer,” in 2009, was selected by the Miss Guyana World Committee to represent her country at the December pageant in Sanya, China.
During a recent visit to the Calvary’s Mission Food Pantry in Queens to volunteer, the talented Punch, who formed an organization called Prevention of Teenage Suicide-Guyana in 2009, spoke passionately about her fight to end suicide that has risen to epidemic portions in her homeland.
Wearing her crown and Miss Guyana World sash over a pretty red and white mini dress, the stunning 6-foot-7 beauty said she was inspired by her predecessor Rafia Husain, who used the “Beauty with a Purpose” platform during the 2014 pageant to speak out against domestic violence.
“This struck a cord with me and since I have always wanted to address the issue of suicide in Guyana, I too want use the Miss World stage to bring to attentions this epidemic that affect Guyanese,”
Articulate and confident, Punch has not given up her singing career, and plans to use her artistry to score points at the Miss World pageant.
“I have been in Guyana preparing for the pageant and I am very proud to say that I have learned to play the piano, and learned to swim, that is quite an achievement,” said the Kingsborough Community College student.
“I will be singing in the talent segment of the pageant,” said Punch who wowed an international audience with Whitney Houston’s hit “How Will I Know,” and Alicia Keys’ ‘Girl On Fire” to reach the final round in the singing completion on “Rising Star” the same year she and her family immigrated to the U.S.
Punch, who is passionate about her music, also released the tracks “My Inspiration,” “How We Party,” “Wickedee,” “All I Need,” “Wipe Those Tears,” and “Stars Align,” and hopes to top the charts one day.
The former DJ, broadcaster, and actress who had performed on television in Guyana and Barbados, and who was nicknamed “Knockout Punch” during the “Rising Star” competition, said the fame she acquired on the California stage will definitely help her in the competition in China.
“Becoming a finalist in the ‘Rising Star’ completion was a stepping-stone to take me to the level where I am today,” said the songwriter and Brooklyn resident who will compete among more than 180 other contestants from around the world.
The beauty queen advises youth to be their authentic self.
“The important thing in life is to be yourself, when people see who you are, they will love you as a person,” she said.
