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18-year-old Emanuel Jonathon Assanah is a past student at President’s College and is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of Guyana. He hails from Haslington, on the East Coast of Demerara, and is the second of five sons, to parents Ray and Dawn Assanah.
Despite graduating from President’s College as salutatorian, and being exposed to multiple extra-curricular activities, Emanuel was still very shy and reserved..
However, he stepped out of his comfort zone by entering various debate competitions, poetry competitions, essay competitions, and now for the first time ever the junior calypso monarch competition.
Asanah has a passion for youth advocacy, and networking, which saw him joining multiple NGOs, such as The Nyah Foundation, Guyana Youth Action Network, Youths Arise, One Nation Youth Movement, University of Guyana Economics Society, University of Guyana Geographical Society, and the Rotaract Club of the University of Guyana.
Now walking in his purpose, by being in multiple leadership capacities, as an Executive member of the Nyah Foundation, and University of Guyana Economics Society. He founded his business, “Start smart E-Tutoring services” which caters to students sitting and re-sitting CSEC examinations.
Emanuel is passionate about academics, as well as a firm believer that students should be well-balanced, while simultaneously wanting to try new things. He has been a member of the President’s College choir for two years.
He said, “I opted to enter this competition, having seen the Junior Calypso competition online every year. I looked at the competition and made it my personal goal to enter before the age requirement had expired.”
He deviated from the conventional areas that calypso music in Guyana is typically based on, and opted to sing about the constant disappointment the Guyanese populace has endured at the hands of the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The song presents humour and a cry for an answer to his mind-boggling question “When we gon win?”
With every goal there are challenges but determination and resilience, two of Emanuel’s strongest attributes, have aided him throughout this journey. From having rehearsals, exams, classes, interviews, a business to run and other NGO obligations, Emanuel at first struggled to find the balance, however he found balance swiftly.
He attributes his successes in life to God, because he believes that seeking Him first is the key to having all other things added onto you.
He also encourages others, both young and old, to follow their dreams and work towards actualising every goal, because no matter where you start, the possibilities to your future are limited only by the depths of your own imagination.
On February 18th, 2023 at the National Stadium, Emanuel Jonathon Assanah and his competitors will be vying for the crown of the Junior Calypso Monarch 2023.
His song can be found via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5T2HB2f5bw.
