Music is a universal art form and is one of the best media for expressing the wide range of human experience – love, death, joy, sadness, dreams, despair, and all other facets of reality or fantasy.

Many lovers of artistic expression are able to appreciate good music in any language or form, even when they do not understand the spoken and written language in which it is expressed. This is because music in itself is a language that crosses geographic borders and reaches out across rivers, oceans, mountains, and valleys to touch the heart, stir the emotions, and carry a message to the listener. That message often needs no translation. The good artiste can bring it home with just his or her talent and instrumental accompaniment.

Growing up in Guyana, I was exposed to all kinds of music genres and to several formats – Reggae, Chutney, Asian Indian/Bollywood, American Country, Pop, Classical, solo artistes, Big Band, live performances, radio music, church choir, and a whole wide range.

People often associate some genres with specific racial, ethnic, or national backgrounds – and usually rightfully so. One must be aware, though, that a lover of good music, one who empathizes or commiserates with fellow beings around the globe, can cross boundaries and receive the story told without the limitation of time, space, or geography.

My hat’s off to all artistes who use their talent to portray life in all its manifestations – but who also are sensitive to universal standards of decorum and etiquette. As a writer myself, and an aspiring songwriter too, I do believe that while art forms and expressions must tell the tale of the human experience in all its aspects, a good artist – singer, painter, writer, musician, dancer, actor – must place self-imposed limits if they are to capture the widest range of potential listeners or readers.

May good music continue to soothe us, to liberate us, to tell the story of our struggles and victories, and sustain us as we continue the arduous journey of life.