By: Sueann Wickham
AW Lyrical, born Alexander Williams on the island of Leguan in the Essequibo River, is rapidly becoming one of Guyana’s most prominent musical talents. Known for his hit song “Jaray”, his versatile voice and musical depth, Lyrical’s rise to fame is as inspiring as it is remarkable, marked by a journey filled with resilience and determination.
His story is one of overcoming immense personal hardships and using his experiences to fuel a successful career in music that now captivates audiences both locally and internationally.
Early Life and Struggles
In an interview with the Guyana Standard, Lyrical recounted his humble beginnings and the challenges he faced from a young age. His parents, struggling financially, made the heart-wrenching decision to hand him over to his grandparents when he was just two years old. Despite their best efforts, his grandparents also faced financial difficulties, and by the age of 15, Lyrical experienced a profound loss with the deaths of his grandmother and father. This left him with no choice but to fend for himself.
“I had to go work in the backdam for them (family members) just to have a meal to eat. I did that for three years and after that, I ran away,” Lyrical shared, reflecting on his teenage years. “Fortunately, someone who was close to me helped me build my life. I started my first job earning $800 a day. After a year, I moved into construction and eventually started to get on my feet.”
Turning to Music
Music became Lyrical’s refuge, a means to escape the pain and pressures of his daily life. While working in construction, he would often sing for his co-workers, who were captivated by his voice. “My coworkers encouraged me to take my singing to another level,” he recalled. “So I gave it a chance and I was put to perform on stage at the age of 20. My first appearance to sing professionally was a success, as everyone loved my voice and my style of singing.”
Lyrical shared that his initial performances were met with overwhelming positive responses, which led to more opportunities. Lyrical said he soon found himself entertaining crowds in Lethem, Brazil, Berbice, and Essequibo. His ability to blend various musical genres such as Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, and Chutney showcased his versatility and helped him carve a unique niche in the music industry.
Before his hit song Jaray, one of the defining moments in Lyrical’s career was collaborating with Terry Gadjraj, also known as the ‘Guyanese Baboo.’ The song, “Shadee Karo,” was a hit and quickly gained the attention of the local and international audience. This partnership was not just a professional milestone but also a personal triumph for Lyrical, who had long admired Gadjraj’s work.
Lyrical’s rise to fame, however, was not without its challenges. He recounted the difficult times when he was a construction worker struggling to make ends meet. “There were nights when I went to bed without dinner because I simply could not afford to have anything,” he revealed. These experiences only fueled his passion for music, which he used as an outlet to express his struggles and connect with others who might be going through similar situations.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought the entertainment industry to a standstill, including Lyrical’s burgeoning career. However, he used this period to refine his craft and prepare for his comeback. When restrictions were lifted, Lyrical said his career took off explosively. He became one of Guyana’s most booked artists, performing at multiple shows every weekend.
Lyrical also made significant strides in competitions, winning the male category at the Cricket Carnival Chutney Competition in 2022 and earning a million-dollar prize. Reflecting on his win, he said, “I was speechless and shocked. I went on stage with a clear mind and gave it my all.”
His famous hit, Jaray, he said—while one of his most successful songs, many would not believe it was written and recorded in the same day. He said, “Well the Jaray Song I wrote it one day and recorded it the same day. It was an idea that came to me and I said I’m feeling this is something that the people will definitely relate to and have a good time with hence I went for it and it became the biggest success of my life.”
While Lyrical’s journey is one of personal triumph, he remains deeply connected to his community. He said he frequently gives back to orphanages and the less fortunate, using his success to help those in need. Although he prefers to keep these efforts low-profile, it is evident that his difficult past has instilled in him a strong sense of empathy and generosity.
“I’ve come from nothing to something,” Lyrical reflected. “If you want to be that person, pursue it and believe in yourself. Your personality decides how far you go. Remain calm and humble. Push yourself.”
Lyrical also noted that his fans have played an essential role in his career, providing him with the motivation to continue and excel. “The love and support I get from the people make me want to bring more and do more for them,” he said. “From the beginning, the fans were motivating. The love and support I get from the people make me want to bring more and do more for them.”
Despite achieving significant success, Lyrical remains focused on his long-term goals. He aims to become “Guyana’s best” and gain international recognition. “I want my name to be big,” he said. Over the next five years, he envisions himself as one of Guyana’s most versatile artists, continuing to explore and excel in various musical genres.
Lyrical also recognizes the importance of social media in building his brand and reaching a broader audience. In fact, he actively engages with his fans and uses these platforms to promote his music and connect with supporters worldwide.
As he looks to the future, Lyrical said be remains committed to his craft and his community, promising to bring more music, more joy, and more inspiration to his supporters. “Let the public know, I give gratitude towards them. I really appreciate the support,” he concluded.
AW Lyrical’s journey is far from over, and with his unwavering determination and immense talent, the world can certainly expect great things from him in the years to come.
