By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Formed in 1996, iconic Guyanese roots reggae group First Born has carved out a enduring legacy across the regional and international music scene. Nearly three decades after their debut, the group continues to thrive, delivering inspirational reggae music in an industry landscape increasingly dominated by automated production and artificial intelligence.
Guided by the spiritual acronym that defines their name—Forever Inspirational, Reaching Souls, Teaching Brotherhood, Obedience, Righteousness Naturally—the group’s commitment to conscious roots music remains as firm today as when they first stepped onto the stage.
Genesis and the Jamaica Connection
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Nightly News, co-founder Troy Azore recounted the origins of the group and how their name was chosen:
“First Born began where the founding members are the first child for their immediate parents,” Troy Azore explained. “We started in 1996 when we performed on the Freddie McGregor Show, organized by Mr. Walter Fraser. Our manager at the time was a producer who took us to Jamaica, and from there we recorded our first album, ‘Exodus Chapter 13 Verse 2’, which reggae icon Dennis Brown was a part of.”
Over the years, the group’s lineup evolved from eight members down to five, and today stands as a tight-knit trio comprising Troy Azore, Trayon Garnett, and Rolston Richmond. Across their career, First Born has released five studio albums, toured extensively across Europe, Suriname, and the Caribbean, and shared festival stages with reggae legends such as Luciano and Buju Banton.
The Story Behind “Headlines” and Regional Impact
Classic tracks like “Irites” and “Headlines” remain deeply resonant among Guyanese and Caribbean audiences. Member Trayon Garnett shared the harrowing real-life tragedy in Sophia, East Coast Demerara, that inspired “Headlines”:
“It was inspired by the death of a Rastaman who witnessed a robbery in his hometown of Sophia and was targeted,” Trayon Garnett recalled. “When we went back to Jamaica, I asked for a classic Gregory Isaacs rhythm. When I wrote and recorded the lyrics, the Jamaican producers were exhilarated, and shortly after, a music video was produced by Steven Venture.”
For Rolston Richmond, who joined after starting his career with Linden-based group Jah Roots, entering First Born was a natural progression fostered by deep mentorship:
“Trayon’s father was like a mentor and father figure to me,” Richmond shared. “Through the years we kept a close connection, so when he passed on, these two brothers came looking for me, and that’s how I became a member of First Born.”
Preserving Human Craft in the Age of AI
In an era where digital automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping music composition, First Born remains dedicated to live instrumentation, organic vocal harmonies, and message-driven lyrics.
Azore urged the younger generation of Guyanese musicians to remain persistent, avoid negative shortcuts, and honor the work ethic of the elders who paved the way:
“We find the youths don’t always listen to the elders to help make it along the journey,” Azore cautioned. “To build a lasting legacy, you must stay authentic, keep clear from negativity, and put in the real work.”
