Original Lyrics

Relon Sumner, better known by his stage name Original Lyrics, is known for his powerful lyrics and diverse style. Born and raised in the mining town of Linden, Guyana, Relon’s journey into music is both inspiring and deeply rooted in personal and social challenges. From an early age, Relon faced significant medical and personal hurdles. He was diagnosed with Congenital Toxoplasmosis, a condition that led to vision loss in both eyes. By nursery age, his mother, Ronella Jarvis (later known as Ronella Waldron), had already noticed something was wrong with his vision. Despite these limitations, Relon maintained a strong bond with his younger brother, Roell Sumner, who is also visually impaired. The two brothers became each other's source of support and motivation. Relon began his education at Wismar Hill Primary School, which he attended with Roell. Their home in Christianburg was nearly two miles away, and with limited financial means, the two boys often walked to school on hilly terrain, sometimes facing bullying from other students. Though these daily challenges were harsh, they were met with the support of dedicated teachers at the school’s low-vision unit. However, as Relon transitioned into Mackenzie High School, he was eventually forced to leave in fourth form due to a lack of proper accommodations for visually impaired students. It was during these challenging years that Relon found a passion and escape in music. Together with Roell, he began experimenting with songwriting and freestyling. Their raw talent and lyrical creativity quickly gained recognition in their Linden community, especially in Blue Berry Hill, where they would amaze locals with their impromptu performances. The duo adopted the name Original Lyrics, a name that represented their commitment to authenticity and originality in their music. Their public debut came in 2019 at the Linden Town Week opening ceremony, where they performed Town Week Time Again, a vibrant track recorded at Elevate Studios that became the official theme song for the event. Although their first written track was Money Time, recorded around 2017, it was this performance that introduced them to a national audience. Initially focusing on dancehall and soca, their music reflected Caribbean rhythms and local flavor. As his career progressed, Relon began building a solo identity under the Original Lyrics name. A defining moment in Relon’s early career came in 2020 when he won the Junior Soca Monarch competition with his vibrant anthem Celebrating. The win not only showcased his musical talent and stage presence but also sent a strong message about overcoming disability and pursuing dreams. Later that same year, he participated in the 592 Soca Monarch (Senior Category), where he was named Best Newcomer and placed fifth overall, outperforming several established artists. In a local industry that often overlooks differently-abled talent, Relon has remained vocal about the need for inclusion. He and his brother have appealed to promoters and DJs to offer equal opportunities to all artists, regardless of physical ability. Through persistence, creativity, and a deep love for the craft, Original Lyrics is steadily proving that talent knows no limits.