The underdog syndrome took effect last Sunday at the GT&T Cellink Jingle and Song Competition showdown when it was narrowed to three finalists: Michael Thompson, Carlvin Burnett and Malika Boyd.
Thompson and Burnett’s musicality and command of the stage ensured that they gained prestigious positions among those who ‘also ran’, but it was the underdog, Malika, who was crowned the winner at the finale, held under the theme “Caribbean Rhythm, Guyanese Vibes.” Malika exhibited sheer euphoria at the announcement, jumping with wild abandonment and eventually collapsing on stage from what she described as the “shock” of having outclassed two fierce competitors for the coveted first prize, a Toyota Vios car.
For some, it may be difficult to imagine that a gifted performer like Malika Boyd, who during the competition had won the adoration of both judges and audience, would have been so shell-shocked, but in an interview with The Scene, Malika revealed that she was aware she did not fit the scheme of a typical television star or a magazine ad model.
Much better composed though still pinching herself into the reality that she won, Body said, “It was a big surprise, and it meant a lot to me. I didn’t even know that I behaved like that; I was so happy.”
She said even when first place was to be decided between her and Burnett, she still felt like the unlikely winner. “When Michael was announced as the third runner-up, I said Lord thank you for $500,000, because I knew Carlvin was most of the people’s favourite,” Boyd said.
She added that her astonished reaction was not because she was not a strong contender; rather, it had more to do with consciousness that she did not fit the bill of the classic pop idol. But now, Malika is the first to acknowledge that the competition was judged fairly and it was not on hinged on someone with easily marketable features.
The winner said she was reluctant to enter the competition, imagining that most of the contestants who would have been “younger and more attractive.” But she said those fears quietly dissipated and her confidence soared as she realized that her voice and stage presence was much admired. “People would meet me on the streets and say ‘you did well Malika’, so after a while the shape or the size did not matter anymore,” she stated.
To those who felt that she overreacted on Sunday, she said “You have to be in the shoes to know how you will react.”
Malika Boyd, 31, was born and raised in Linden, where she is a butcher and a single parent of three, Anneisha Persaud, 11; Antonio Persaud, 9; and Alicia Grandison, 6.
She made an immediate impression on GT&T Jingle competition with her bold gospel-influenced sound and her powerful stage presence. Her quarter finals rendition of Tessanne Chin’s “Hide Away” made her a definite favourite and the other stand-out performances in the following round, solidified her place in Sunday’s grand finale.
Malika said the gift she possesses is innate. When asked what she does to nurture her voice, she responded, “Nothing, nothing, it is just natural.” She added that she has never had any form of voice training, but usually challenges herself to “sing difficult songs.”
The single mom said she now anticipates that this achievement will cause her to “reach higher heights.
“I am hoping that winning the competition will not just be a one-off feat. This is something that I have been praying for a very long time, so I see myself going further.”
She said the GT&T competition had greater potential apart from endowing the winners with great prizes. According to her, it presents an excellent opportunity to expose talented Guyanese to arts developers or scouts to either secure recording contracts or opportunities for bookings and tours. “The competition shows that Guyana has a lot of talent, people want to do things but do not have to money to go into the studio. Some people have to go way out for their voices to be heard, so I see the competition helping people with talent,” she said.
Malika said her single “Dance, Love, Live,” was her first recording in a studio. Describing that experience, she said that it felt like it was a “long time coming.
“As I entered the studio I said a silent prayer that it would not be the first and the last.”
When asked whether she feels she can remain in Guyana and make a living through singing, Boyd was optimistic. “I am now entering into the music industry”, she said, “So I am not really aware of the how things work. But, I wish I would get the opportunity to say singing is my job… In America and other countries, people can say that singing is their profession and singing alone. I am hoping that in Guyana, if you are a singer you are a singer, you don’t have to go and look for another job, because singing is a job by itself.”
So far, she has not been offered any professional assistance to develop and market her talent. But while she waits for the push into national and international stardom, Malika said she will continue butchering. She admits though that being a butcher is not an easy task.
“It is really hard, especially being in the cold, but it pays the bills,” Malika explained.
As it relates to her excitement about the first prize she said, “I feel good, real great, knowing that I didn’t have to save a penny to buy a car… I feel really proud to be the first for Linden to win a car from singing. My children are now arguing who will drive in the front seat.”
However, Malika is still developing her driving skills. In the meantime, she is thankful for the supporters who embraced her throughout the competition.
And what is it about Linden and so many talented singers? It is probably “the bauxite dust,” Malika opined.
