Some sixteen years ago the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica banned Chuck Fenda’s ‘Gash Dem And Light Dem’ because they thought it was too harsh and inciting violence. However, there are signs that the controversial ‘Gash Dem And Light Dem’ ghost is surfacing with the release of Chuck Fenda’s ‘Heartless’.

“I do respect people’s views, but I will not enter any form of controversy. Chuck Fenda bun out all controversy. I come to spread righteousness and truth and to take the guns out of the hands of youths. I also come to defend women and children in society and to heal the broken-hearted.”

“‘Gash Dem And Light Dem’ was the response to a most heinous crime of a six-year-old girl being raped and killed. It is the first reaction to a very brutal crime against a minor. For one minute, put your feet in the same shoes as the deceased mother or father, brother, or even the teacher. That innocent life cannot be replaced and the memory haunts everyone.”

“I vent my feelings then to show how important we should react to crimes of this nature. And, those ‘Gash Dem And Light Dem’ words are referring to the spiritual fire the perpetrators should get from the Almighty.”

In terms of ‘Heartless’, Chuck Fenda explains that “this is the most suitable word that could embrace my utter disgust to recent reports of even a 9-month-old being killed by bullets.”

“The ban on ‘Gash Dem And Light Dem’ has made my career bigger because more people wanted to find my music and the mission of my career. So, there are no regrets. I also want to make it clear that I am not doing songs to intimidate anyone,” the Living Fire deejay shares.

‘Gash Dem And Light Dem’ was recorded at Big Yard studio in 2016, while ‘Heartless’ was recorded at 203 studio in New Jersey in November 2023.

The deejay is the talk in Jamaica after completing four back-to-back shows, including Sting 2023, with amazing results.

Chuck Fenda, born Leshorn Whitehead, grew up in Spanish Town, a community torn by violence. He got his first break recording ‘Jah It’s All About You’, a King Jammy’s production. He recalls Stone Love and Fifth Element among those influencing his career which led to performance in several countries, including Canada and the US.

Among his catalogue of songs are ‘Heartless’, ‘I Swear’, ‘Coming Over Tonight’ feat. Cherine Anderson, ‘Eternal Fire’ and ‘Love Marijuana’.

(Photo contributed)