What a difference a year makes. This time last year Gregory Ayuen, 20, was just getting used to being called sexy, filling out as soca heartthrob. Back then he was a key lead vocalist and member of music band Imij & Company, though still discovering himself as an entertainer. Today, he's under the banner of another music band–Karma. After months of being courted Ayuen could not refuse the temptation to accede the call of the chutney fusion band.
It's his first week on the job as the newest addition to the band's frontline which includes Ravi Bissambhar, Nisha Bissambhar and Anil Bissambhar.
While the line-up might seem a bit crowded it would not affect Ayuen in his role as "the soca specialist." Serving up chutney fusion styles for Karma fans would be the responsibility of the band's principal members. Karma lassoed Ayuen since August of last year, but he resisted, quietly. "Members of Karma approached me and said they wanted me. I was firmly in Imij. I was learning so much from Uncle George (Ng Wai) and Joey (Ng Wai), which accelerated my growth. I could not see myself leaving the band. "A formal meeting followed with Karma. I liked the terms. That's when I realised I would have to say goodbye to Imij." Searching the echoes of his mind Ayuen admitted surprise that he actually found courage and made the move.
He said he thought he would have been with Imij at least three more years before even thinking of considering a change, but the time came sooner than he first thought. "It was unexpected. But the offer was too great. It was an opportunity to prove what I've learnt," he said. Having signed on to the idea of becoming the newest musician with Karma, Ayuen had no clue how he would break the news to Imij & Co. He said when he found the nerve to break the news, he said: "I've learnt a lot from the band and thanks for being there for me for the past two years. I'll never forget the band. This is where I started." He recalled the atmosphere being tense. Faces in the room wore expression of shock. Settling nicely so far with his new band Ayuen said being assigned the task of revamping the soca element in Karma's repertoire did not faze him.
"I'm confident that I can help create that impact," said Ayuen.
Communicating his probation with Karma, Ayuen spoke of a new experience where everything is smooth and complemented by nice vibes.
"Members are focused and working to make the band the best. They need me to do the soca, reggae and R&B styles, while I get a chance to learn chutney. "I don't want to sing chutney professionally, but I like the idea of singing it." It turns out that Ayuen's impact in Karma has gone beyond the music. The gym buff has convinced management to invest in gym membership for the entire front-line with a view toward improving stamina and endurance. "The gym routine can't affect the music," he said. "You can look good and have as much energy as you want, but if the music is not together, then the band won't hit its target. "Music is what I love. I can't see myself doing anything else. I would die."
