From Kuru-Kururu to Stardom: Nekeita Stands as a Beacon of Musical Excellence for Guyana’s 60th Jubilee
By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – As Guyana commemorates its historic 60th Independence Anniversary, the vibrant pulse of its cultural and musical landscape shines brighter than ever. In celebration of the nation’s rich artistic heritage, Nightly News is featuring Tennicia De Freitas—popularly known as NEKEITA—a powerhouse musician and songwriter whose journey from the village of Kuru-Kururu to regional stardom continues to inspire a generation of Guyanese creators.
A Cultural Legacy Rooted in Calypso
For over a decade, the iconic Junior Calypso anthem “Mama, I Don’t Want to Be Born” has resonated deeply with audiences nationwide, remaining a defining piece in Guyana’s modern musical archive. The track catapulted a young Tennicia into the national limelight. Today, rebranded as Nekeita, she is building upon that formidable foundation to solidify her place in the competitive Caribbean music industry.
Speaking exclusively with HGP Nightly News, Nekeita opened up about the exact moment she realized music was her true calling.
“I wanna say that God spoke to me—like something just flipped in my head that I needed to sing for a Father’s Day church service,” she recounted. “When I finished that performance, I got a standing ovation in church, and I felt at that moment that was something I was meant to do.”
Mentorship, Evolution, and the Heatwave Band
Nekeita’s raw potential was quickly recognized by legendary Guyanese producer Burchmore Simon of Kross Kolor Records, who took her under his wing. Joining as the youngest member of the Kross Kolor family, she credits the label for accelerating her professional growth and providing her with invaluable insights into the business side of global entertainment.
Her artistic evolution took a dynamic turn post-pandemic. While her roots lie in calypso, R&B, and reggae, she has successfully pivoted toward the high-energy world of soca. Today, she is a frontliner for the popular Heatwave Band, captivating audiences with an eclectic, genre-bending repertoire.
“I am still traveling and making people happy,” Nekeita shared, emphasizing her love for the stage. Her recent solo releases, including lively tracks like “Right Hey,” “Jammish,” and “Vibez Again,” reflect her growing mastery of soca’s infectious essence.
Bright Future and Words of Wisdom
Looking ahead, Nekeita is poised to unleash a wave of party-themed tracks engineered to amplify the upcoming carnival season. While she has no immediate plans for a specific Independence Day release, her steady output keeps her at the forefront of local airwaves.
When asked what advice she has for the next crop of Guyanese youths trying to break into the industry from humble beginnings, her message was simple yet profound:
“Invest in yourself and develop your skills. Be the best at what you want to do. Be yourself. There may be someone else in the world, but we don’t need another one of them.”
Nekeita’s story embodies perseverance, passion, and uncompromising originality—qualities that mirror the very spirit of Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee.
Connect with Nekeita:
Fans can follow her musical journey, stream her music, and catch her upcoming live tour dates across her official social media platforms:
- Instagram: @iamnekeita
- Facebook: Nekeita’s Music
- TikTok: @Nekeita
- YouTube: @Nekeita
