The Demerara region of Guyana is known for its bountiful sugar production. Singer Nesta, who was born there, expresses her love for dark-skinned men on Chocolate Boy.

It features Nigy Boy, who hit it big this year with the Rvssian-produced Continent. Chocolate Boy, a dancehall song, capped a strong year for Nesta who has been performing since age three.

“I believe 2024 is showing positive progress with Chocolate Boy doing well. The high point (of the year) was its release,” she said.

Nesta connected with Nigy Boy through her manager, Gordon Andres, who thought he would be perfect for a collaboration. Chocolate Boy is produced by fellow Guyanese Ridwaan Razak, who has produced songs by Teejay, Shenseea and Shatta Wale.

It is Nesta’s latest crack at dancehall-reggae, having recorded the song Body Callin with Tarrus Riley. There is a strategy behind working with Jamaican acts.

“Breaking my music outside of Guyana is a priority because there aren’t a lot of artistes capable of doing that,” she said.

Born Ernesta Nelson, Nesta has been crowned Guyana’s Calypso Queen multiple times. In recent years, she has broadened her sound on songs like Body Callin, Hot Gal and Essence.

Guyana has produced several reggae artistes, the most famous being Eddy Grant of Living on The Frontline and Electric Avenue fame. Natural Black, a singer known for the 2006 Don Corleon-produced Far From Reality, also made a name in Jamaica.

– Howard Campbell