Mariannridge Musician: Golden

Personal History
Golden Khanny, a thirty one year old musician from the Ghetto section of Mariannridge is a vocalist for the hip hop group called YGB. Golden is a Christian and also sings in the praise and worship team in his church, Assemblies of God. Golden has two siblings and was raised by his grandmother Peggy Khanny. Golden is single and does not have any children.

Teen Years
Golden has never lived with either of his parents who are separated but he has being motivated by the elders of his family who are educated, career driven people, to value education and make good choices. Even though there were gangs such as the Touch Boys, Dudah Boys, Riverside Boys, ABC’s TBZ and YGB (Young Ghetto Boys), Golden chose friend who were like-minded and had a positive influence on him and never participated in gangsterism or drugs.

Golden completed his grade twelve in 1997 and took a year off from studying. In 1998 he worked in Pick and Pay and Lamberti’s Biscuit factory. His love of reading , writing and poetry led him to do a two year freelance journalism course via correspondence and started working on a temporary as a journalist in 2001. Golden also did a one year ABET (Adult Basic Education Training) facilitator’s course and worked at Mariannridge Secondary School in 2002 to 2003.

The Music
Golden was approached in 1997 by John Dunn and Clive Mhlongo, members of a hip hop group called PJC and influenced to join the group as a vocalist, after hearing him sing at his cousin’s funeral. This group grew and became YGB (Young Gifted and Black) and recorded their track called Party Anthem for the East Coast Flava which was a success. Golden is currently working and recording alongside John Dunn, owner of  Dunndidit entertainment.

By Beverley Webster

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