Never imagining that music, the rhythm of hope and struggle, would be the vehicle to carry him from Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, to the hearts and minds of those longing for change.
Carlvin Burnett, a country boy with a dream too big to ignore, found music to be more than sound; it became a calling.
With a heart rooted in God, family, and a vision fixed on uplifting others in his community, across Region Six, and in Guyana, Carlvin’s mission has always been clear; he wanted to make a difference, inspire, and leave behind more than melodies; he wants to leave a legacy for others to emulate.
Sitting across from the humble and down-to-earth artist, Carlvin shared exclusively with The El Dorado Beacon that although his family lacked financial wealth, he and his siblings were raised in a household filled with love and strong values, one of the richest in New Amsterdam.
According to him, “Being a boy who came from a close-knit household, one where God is the centre of our lives, I am not easily fazed or excited over material things.
Growing up in Stanleytown taught me a lot about the good and the bad of life, church, and sports.
These elements taught me about the dos and the don’ts of life in a sense, and with that, I have always been cautious about what I get myself involved in.”
Carlvin shared that although his mother, Collette Burnette, was often the parent at home, she was far from being just a mom.
According to him, she was the disciplinarian, the educator, and the steady hand who raised him and his siblings with structure, respect, and purpose.
The talented artist further explained that although his father, Carlvin Burnette Sr., worked as a marine engineer and was often at sea and across countries due to his job, he was still “the man” of the home, whose presence was never too distant.
“Even though my dad was away working to ensure that we were taken care of financially, it is as though he was right there. He was just a phone call away if my mom needed him to set us straight,” Carlvin recalled with a smile.
“When I was younger and I didn’t want to go to school, my mom would beat me and ensure that I went.
I didn’t have a choice. Like the other elders in my community during those days, she was also the mother who looked out for and disciplined every one of my friends. Today, I appreciate her for doing that.
My mother was always someone who fostered education. She made sure we understood that education is the key to success and our way to fulfilling our dreams and bettering our lives.”
With his father away from home and Carlvin being the eldest of his siblings, he explained that he always tried to fill the gap until his father returned home.
According to him, his mother always carried herself with strength and grace, never once complaining as she took care of the family, but even as a child, he sensed that it couldn’t have been easy managing the household and raising the children in his father’s absence.
It was that quiet understanding, he explained, that moved him to help his siblings after school, doing what he could to ease her burden, even if she never asked.
Noting that his responsibility was to ensure that he “rivalled the trope” when they got home from school, ensuring that their assignments were done in time and they were prepared for school the following day.
“Now that I am a parent to my beautiful daughter, my responsibilities at home, the lessons learnt, and the discipline that my mother taught me are some of the qualities that I am instilling in her.
With my daughter and her mother living in the United States, I can also better understand the challenges that my dad had. But like him, I am going the extra mile to be a present father.
Trying to work for a better life for them, but at the same time, be there for your child, your wife, and/or your partner,” Carlvin said.
Although it is not easy to be away from your loved ones so often, the 2024 Guyana Soca Monarch winner emphasised that he is grateful for the understanding, respect, and trust that he and his partner have for each other.
Furthermore, Carlvin shared with a light-hearted chuckle that, growing up, his parents, particularly during his time at Tutorial Academy Secondary School in New Amsterdam, had always envisioned him becoming a pharmacologist.
According to him, their expectations were high; they fully believed in his academic potential, as did he, but life had a different path in store.
“I never thought I’d be achieving my dreams through music,” he said, reflecting on how his passion ultimately led him to a different kind of healing, one that happens through melody and rhythm rather than medicine.
“Even though I went to Tutorial Secondary, and that wasn’t what my parents and I wanted, I quickly realised that it didn’t matter what school you attended; the examinations were the same, but your accomplishments were based on your application,” he stated.
“Positivity Still Sells!”
Believing in his dream and the journey into the music industry, Carlvin told The El Dorado Beacon that the road was anything but easy.
Leaving his home and venturing off to the capital city of Georgetown with no experience or anyone to guide him in the music world, Carlvin quickly learnt that “not everything that glitters is gold.”
According to him, walking away from an opportunity to build a career in the medical field and follow a path laid out with stability and prestige meant stepping into uncertainty.
Although it was a leap of faith he wrestled with more than once, especially when faced with the challenges of becoming an artist, one thing remained constant: his belief in his calling.
According to Carlvin, “I was in Georgetown some days with no food, no money, and singing at every single karaoke spot in Georgetown,” Carlvin shared. “Hoping to get recognised by someone who would hire me for a show.
Integrity is a big thing for me, and even though I would have had friends who had a similar vision as me, I am always the logical thinker who listens to the voice in my head.”
He continued, “I question everything. I always want to know what the consequences are for me, working with or for someone. If I am somewhere, associated with someone, it is because I see that person’s purpose and I like it.
I was raised with values; I am the one who believes that positivity still sells. You do not have to be seen in a negative light or lose yourself just to get noticed in the spotlight.”
Special recognition and gratitude
With a deep sense of pride and relief, Carlvin reflected on the transformative support now available to artists in Guyana.
Acknowledging the leadership of His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and the opportunities his administration has created for artists across the country, Carlvin explained that he and many others were unsure how, or even when, creatives like himself would have been able to get a breakthrough in the music world and on the national stage as often as they do.
“Let us be real for a moment; it’s hard to say how we would have made it happen without that kind of support from President Ali,” he admitted.
“We are in a time now in Guyana where there are many stages to showcase our talents on. That was never there before.
There is a space for all of us. All we have to do as artists is to work hard, support each other, and produce the best quality of work so that when we hit the stage, we are bringing nothing but the best.”
“On behalf of all artists in Guyana, thank you, Mr. President; we needed this type of recognition, this type of support, and this type of opportunity for a long time,” Carlvin added.
The artist also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, for consistently making himself available to offer support and guidance.
Word to young people and fellow artists
In a world that often glorifies overnight success and instant gratification, the passionate Guyanese artist has chosen a different message: one of patience, perseverance, and perspective.
To the young people and fellow artists who may be struggling to find their way, Carlvin explained in a heartfelt plea grounded in his own experiences.
“Nothing happens overnight; get a strainer, shake out the impurities, and understand that everything worthwhile never comes easy,” Carlvin said.
The singer further explained that instead of looking at someone else’s success with envy, take a step back and reflect. Ask yourself: What are they doing right? What can I apply to my path? Am I leading my life—or just following someone else’s dream? What struggles did they overcome to get where they are?”
Furthermore, Carlvin explained that success isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about showing up consistently, being willing to fail, and most importantly, being willing to grow.
He also added that it is not just about art; it’s about life serving as a reminder that meaningful progress takes time and every setback can be a stepping stone instead of a disappointment.
Dealing with Public Scrutiny
Not being exempt from the scrutiny that comes with life in the spotlight, Carlvin is no stranger to public opinion. However, he shared that his focus and staying grounded are a conscious choice.
Instead of getting distracted by criticism or misconceptions, Carlvin explained to The Eldorado Beacon that he chooses to channel his energy into his craft and his message.
“Truth needs no defence. If you do nothing, fear nothing; I am a man of God. Knowing that he and my loved ones know me is what is important.
I don’t worry about the noise,” he shared. “People who don’t know me will always have something to say, but that doesn’t define who I am.”
Continuing his path to inspire, motivate, and help others through his music, Calvin concluded by stating, “With God being the centre of my life, I know that my future is secure.”
