The new champion of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s jingle and song competition, 2011 disclosed that the road to success was not easy, but with hard work and determination, his dream has become a reality.
A favourite in the competition from the inception, Brandon Harding, the 17-year-old from Coomacka Mines, Linden, was named the winner of the competition just before midnight on December 19 at the National Cultural Centre.
Coming in second spot was Poonam Singh and in third was Esther Osborne.
Harding was born on April 14, 1994 in Linden and at the age of 10 he migrated to St Lucia, where he later took auto mechanic classes.
He also recorded a few singles while in St Lucia; the last titled “A Little While” in 2008.
He returned to his country of birth about nine months ago, with the aim of building his fan base, since he believes “before someone makes it overseas, they must be a recognised artiste in their own country.”
He subsequently left for Suriname where he heard about the jingle and song competition. He explained that the auditions were nerve-wracking, but he put his head down and made the best of it. He praised his mentor, Oswald Charles who inspired him to reach for the stars.
Brandon Harding during his winning performance
He said he was elated to be chosen in the top 11 and knew that he stood a good chance of winning the competition.
The young man related that he has made lifelong friends during the competition, and has memories that will last a lifetime.
He said that the competition was stiff and he received little advice from the professionals who are supposed to be mentors.
Harding said that nothing comes easy. He wants to encourage young people in his age range to come out and live their life. “Nothing in life is gettable without hurdles, but all you have to do to be disciplined and determined and you will be there,” he said.
He noted that the experience and popularity he has gained by entering the GT& T jingle and song competition will definitely work to his advantage. This talented singer is in the process of recording another single, which is expected to be released shortly.
One challenge, Harding said, was that he had to sing his way out of the group and be on his own. He noted that he felt more comfortable singing by himself. The winner highlighted that it was his dream to be an artiste and he will use the foundation that GT& T has given him to shape his future in the music industry.
As a performer, he noted that he loves to get his fans involved so that they can also feel the vibes. He promised that he has great things in store for his fans who have supported him during the competition. Harding is not the only member of his family to sing, but he is the only one to win a competition of this magnitude.
His two brothers and two sisters are all overseas, but he thinks that Guyana has a lot to offer, hence the reason he has decided to stay a while.
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