Musical Influences

Singer Samuel Medas is spreading comfort and hope through his music

By Venessa Deosaran

The transforming influence music possesses is very well noted by local gospel artiste Samuel ‘Muziq’ Medas. Samuel’s goal is to uplift the disheartened with messages of comfort and hope through his music.
Born Dec 4, 1988, Samuel grew up in the West Coast Demerara countryside. He spent his first 14 years in Uitvlugt, and then moved to Stewartville, (the village next door) where he still resides.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the talented singer said he grew up in music. Every morning he would wake up to his mother playing loud gospel music. Also, his three younger brothers are very good singers and they would compete with each other.
“My mother was a singer in her days. I’d be fascinated by musicians and singers whenever she’d take me to concerts; and in my younger years, my village had two popular sound systems that would blast music on the weekends, so I was surrounded by music. I can’t remember when I started singing, but I do remember the day that I realized I could sing. In 1995; it was at a Sunday school rally held in Georgetown, and my class had to sing a group song. It was my turn to sing my verse of the song and I did. I can remember the look on the faces in the audience and the unusual smiles. Then is when I knew that I had a talent,” Samuel recalled.
Samuel continued to pursue music, and became a founding member of local gospel music band, ‘Cross Carriers’, which was formed in 2004. In 2010, the band released an 8-track album called, ‘RePresent Him’, which was well received.
Samuel said too that he has had the privilege of performing in every county in Guyana; in churches and concerts and at Christian, social and government functions. He has travelled to Suriname, Antigua, Barbados and Jamaica to also share his music there.
Great things are indeed happening for the musician as he pursues his goal of providing hope through his music. Speaking on his influences, Samuel outlined: “My parents are my ultimate role models, apart from the life of Jesus Christ. They’re very humble people who lead by example, and for that I’m really appreciative. Life itself and the people I meet inspire and influence how I express myself through music – my writing and composition. My love for God and the desire to see people experience Him drives the worship music I create. One of my mentors is well known local gospel artiste Sean Sobers, who taught me a lot of what I know today and is in fact responsible for me being known in the larger part of Guyana.”
Wanting to share what he knows, Samuel founded The Comfort Zone, a Christian record label/artiste management agency. The Comfort Zone is his attempt at bringing structure to the way artistes have been making, sharing and marketing music in Guyana.
“Being a musician/singer myself, I understand how frustrating it can get to spend a lot of money to produce something of quality and then have no way to get it heard, or to even be paid for it. The Comfort Zone helps artistes find their musical niche and works with them to record something that Guyana will be proud of and that the world will hear, appreciate and pay for. We’ll take care of the marketing and booking of our artistes, the development of their writing and vocal gifts, and public image. The company is currently soliciting funding for a state-of-the-art recording studio, and if you are interested in helping, please call 656-7037 or email thecomfortzone2@yahoo.com,” Samuel highlighted.
The artiste’s goal is to take his music globally, pursuing it fulltime. He hopes to become a music producer, study music and sound engineering,  open an accredited music academy in Guyana and firmly establish his record label so that “Guyana’s multi-talented generation does not miss their chance to shine.”
Samuel urges government agencies and corporate Guyana to invest more into music programmes. He pointed to the need for such programmes in every school, which would help to provide a foundation for future musicians.
“Celebrate our talented youths by hosting well organized and publicized national programmes, and not wait on GT&T to hold a competition before youths can get a slim chance at expression. My advice to youths is to never lose their identity. Be original, follow your dreams and be decent,” he urged.
The singer revealed he would be launching his debut album come Nov 24, and  is very excited about the pending event.
For more information on Samuel’s music, visit his Facebook page, The Comfort Zone.