Jamaican-born Rasta BlacSpade, a finalist in the 2023 International Reggae and Music Awards (IRAWMA), is seeking dialogue with Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica. Rasta BlacSpade, who has publicly endorsed the PM’s idea of a separate Ministry to deal with crime, hopes this meeting will begin a drive to dismember the violent lyrics permeating the society.

“One thing I can tell you and it is that the music is damaging, not only our morals, but destroying our efforts to create unity and peace in society.”

The singjay has already prepared the request, which reads in part:

Dear Prime Minister,
I am Rasta BlacSpade, an American-based artiste, who is Jamaican by birth. I love my country Jamaica world without end. However, I do not cherish any bad news coming out of Jamaica, especially when the word LOVING is used in our campaign to describe our people and to attract visitors and investors to the country. A large chunk of what we call music is infested with hate words, glorifying the illegal use of guns, scamming, disrespect, and torture. Our crime rate is embarrassing and the way we treat others, including elders and children, is shameful. As an entertainer I am positive that our music can help and reshape Jamaica, but how? We have to instill in our youths the gains from strong morals, attitudes, hard work, and success. That we should have ‘Love Over All Things’, the title of my present EP. Attached please find and listen to my songs which are entertaining and inspirational.

In 2022 some 1,498 murders were committed in Jamaica, 24 more than in 2021. These are figures which point to concern for a country with a population of less than three million people.

Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, blames the negative lyrics glorifying illegal guns and illicit drugs as one contributor to the decay of discipline and morality in society.

Rasta BlacSpade, born Wade Douglas will be sending similar requests to other Caribbean leaders, and his willingness to promote peace through music around the world.

He is also looking forward to performing on as many concerts as he prepares to release his ‘Love Over All Things’ EP.

The full slate of songs are:
‘Jah Jah Live’, ‘Ambition High’, ‘Nuh Accept Failure’, ‘Jah Never Leave I Alone’, ‘High Herb’, and ‘Be Like The Sea’. The EP is on the Thug Chemist production imprint.

(Photo contributed)