Raymond Francis, the vibrant singer from Village Farm, Kingston, has returned with “Cease De War,” a song he feels will help to unite the world.

Released fourteen years ago, the song is on the Cut and Clear label and is featured on all major digital platforms, including Spotify.

“The song came as a result of ongoing warfare, not only in Jamaica but worldwide. As a teenager, I have had several friends gunned down by gang members, some innocently murdered. What is even more heart-rending is, that mothers and children are caught between these crossfire and are counted among the dead.”

“I started music while attending Greenwich Primary and All-age school. I was a dancer and deejay then, fully established by performing on Echo Vibrations, a community-based sound system. We went performing even outside the community, reaching as far as Ocho Rios, Mandeville, and Montego Bay.”

“The ’80s and ’90s were the days when there were many sound clashes. A truck would transport both sound equipment and crew, including DJs. Departure time from Kingston was as early as 9:30 am for the 5-hour drive arriving in Montego Bay about 2:00 pm. It takes close to two hours to tune up for the session, starting at about 8 o’clock in the night with music lasting until sunlight.”

Raymond got the opportunity to record his first song ‘River Jordan’ when Owen Williams gave him the opportunity.

“I cannot forget Williams going into the bank and withdrawing enough funds to have the song recorded. This was at Channel One studio.”

Raymond has decided to put his music on the front burner. He’s hoping to release a number of tracks to fully prepare for both local and overseas shows.

(Photo contributed)