Shelon Garraway, also called “Rose Trim”, but more popularly known as “Shelly G”, was born at the Suddie Public Hospital to Myrtle Garraway and is the third of four siblings.
Growing up on the Essequibo Coast as a child was like any other childhood – obedient and joyful. She was the little entertainer in the family. She also grew up with rich religious teachings and attended the Cotton Field Secondary School.
She became involved with music through her mother who strongly encouraged her to be the chorus leader at Sunday school. Her mother was one of the worship leaders in the church. While singing in the choir, she fell in love with it and elevated her talent by taking part in school concerts. It was from there that she blossomed in the music fraternity.
Her experience thus far as a performer was described as “a struggle” since everything she did required money and in the early stages, earning money was not easy. Likewise, the music business was not an easy road but she loved what she did, and due to her resilience, she swiftly moved to fame.
“I’m a fighter… and until I can make my dream come through, I’m not gonna give up… Regardless of what I’m going through, when I hit the stage it’s no longer there… the struggle is worth it once I get to perform,” she noted.
Her hits include “Touch Me” in 2005; “Daggerin” in 2008; “Swing it” in 2008; “Iron”, which is a collaboration with the Hitman in 2011; and “This Gyal Claim” which was recorded this year.
Her advice to young folks who would want a career in music is to never give up on your dreams and what you believe in.
“If you wake everyday having that desire to sing, then you’re supposed to be a singer. Ensure that you’re happy with what you choose to do to make that happen. And don’t do anything that’s going to cause you to lose self respect because if you don’t have self respect in this business, you are not going to make it”.
As a young ambitious young woman, some of her successes include winning the Carib Soca Monarch – the first female to win the competition. Apart from singing, she likes to write and come up with ideas to enhance her performance.
Meanwhile, Shelly G is one of the contestants to watch at the finals of the Chutney Monarch slated for this evening at the Parking Lot of the Synthetic Track, Leonora, West Coast Demerara. She will be competing with 12 other artistes for the coveted title.