Shellstreet a singjay from ‘Jungle’, a gritty community in Jamaica, is bent on changing negativity to positivity through music.

“My music is spreading hope, determination, peace, and unity,” he declares.

‘Jungle’, a name given to Arnett Gardens, Kingston, is known for sporadic and regrettable violence.

Shellstreet, along with Marlon Graham, owner of MG Promotion LLC, is setting the stage for more youths to join their positive movement by harnessing the talent of young men in inner-city communities, like Arnett Gardens.

“It is true that Arnett Gardens, known as ‘Jungle’, has its problems, one of which is violence. This is common in many other communities across Jamaica. But, we cannot escape the reality that violence affects everyone – the good as well as the bad.”

“I have seen the scars on so many families, including grandmothers and grandfathers, and babies who will never know their fathers.”

Shellstreet, born Ellsworth Cummings, grew up between Zimbabwe and Angola, so-called because of the tribal warfare which offers no peace.

“Growing up and attending Iris Gelley Primary, and later Excelsior High School, made me street smart to know that I need to keep out of trouble. I grew up loving football and music, the latter which I played with Marlon Graham, my producer.”

“He was several years my senior but I saw in him a positive role model, someone I could emulate. We would talk about life in general, including ways of making our community a better place for everyone.”

“Music seemed to have got the better place in my life. My uncle, himself an entertainer, was also an inspiration, known as the original ‘Thriller’ and one I would watch performing on television.”

“Both teachers and students were amazed of my lyrics, centered around the importance of education. This was during school concerts or even when school was on recess.”

According to Shellstreet, “Marlon migrated abroad but continued to contribute to his community with several youths benefitting from back-to-school gifts and his sponsoring events, including football.”

“About a year later, when Marlon returned, he visited one of my performances, He was amazed and gave me the assurance that we would be doing some work together. He later sent two riddims and I began recording.”

So far Shellstreet has recorded some seven songs. The first is titled ‘Make Money Make Move’, released on MG Promotion LLC in 2022. Others include ‘Ride It’, ‘King’, ‘Caption Dis’, ‘Guerra’, and ‘Corruption’.

(Photo & logo contributed)