Raheim “Raybetz” Betty, a 29-year-old Jamaican, has always been passionate about singing and is admired by many for his sweet-sounding music and captivating performances. Born in the parish of St Ann, Jamaica, he gained popularity after being a contestant on Jamaica’s Digicel Rising Stars, a popular television show aimed at unearthing the country’s finest musical artistes.
Before pursuing his musical passion full-time, Betty focused on completing his studies at the Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica, believing it would make him more marketable as a musician. While studying, he simultaneously strengthened his musical talent by taking advantage of opportunities to showcase his talent at weddings, concerts, and school functions.
After completing his studies in late 2022, Betty accepted a position as a high school teacher, still not fulfilling his ultimate dream of pursuing his musical passion. However, his manager reached out to him with a one-of-a-kind offer overseas as a Rockband vocalist, and he finally had the chance to say yes.
Excited by the opportunity, Betty turned down the initial offer, but later had a change of heart and accepted the position. “I was teaching at the time and turned down the offer, but then I had a second thought and then I said yes! It was so quick but I had to move!” he exclaimed.
As a full-time performer on a Carnival Cruise, Betty says his biggest challenge now is remembering the lyrics to all his songs. “Singing is not new to me, and doing sets is not new to me. What is new to me is doing a huge theatre-like production onboard a cruise ship plus singing two to three sets a night in a band doing Rock n Roll, Country, the 80s, Pop, Motown,” he continued.
Being one of the few Jamaicans on the Carnival Cruise Rockband show, Betty hopes to inspire other Caribbean people to pursue similar opportunities on a global scale. He also aims to highlight his Jamaican culture in future performances around the world, sharing that whenever questions are asked about his culture, they are always addressed and there are guaranteed teachable moments on each trip.
In his free time, Betty dreams of having two to three albums under his name, producing at least one movie or sitcom, and making it big before the age of 40. He believes that his dreams are big, but there is nothing wrong with that, and he is willing to work hard to achieve them.
The Rockband vocalist expressed that he is finally on the route to achieving his goal, touring the world and immersing himself in various cultures, but most importantly, he has made a better life for himself and is able to support his family, which he considers to be one of his top priorities.
Conclusion
Raheim "Raybetz" Betty’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and determination. From singing as a coping mechanism for his childhood poverty and abuse to becoming a Rockband vocalist on a Carnival Cruise, he has come a long way. His desire to inspire other Caribbean people and highlight his Jamaican culture is truly admirable.
FAQs
- What inspired you to become a singer?
Raheim "Raybetz" Betty was inspired to become a singer as a way to cope with his childhood poverty and abuse. - How did you get started in the music industry?
Betty got started in the music industry by competing on Jamaica’s Digicel Rising Stars and taking advantage of opportunities to showcase his talent at various events. - What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing now?
The biggest challenge Betty is facing now is remembering the lyrics to all his songs as a full-time performer on a Carnival Cruise. - What are your long-term goals?
Betty’s long-term goals include having two to three albums under his name, producing at least one movie or sitcom, and making it big before the age of 40.