Strugglas speaks out

Since relocating to Jamaica last year, roots singer Strugglas says he has been struck by the level of poverty throughout the country. He believes little is being done by politicians and the private sector to help improve economic conditions of average Jamaicans.

Water Up The Hill and Just The Money are his latest releases. They touch social issues like un-employment which, according to recent polls, is among the biggest concerns for Jamaicans.

Water Up The Hill and Just The Money were released by Roaring Tone Production. The latter takes a jab at the business sector which Strugglas says has had little impact on modern Jamaica.

"They are not putting their money where their mouths are, is jus' a lotta talk," said Strugglas. "They say education is the master plan an' look how many youth cyaan read an' write."

A recent Gleaner-commissioned poll by American pollster Bill Johnson showed that most Jamaicans have seen little improvement in their living standards during the past year.

The polls also reveal widespread distrust of politicians. The statistics are not surprising to Strugglas who says elected officials have had little impact in inner-city areas like Drewsland, the Waterhouse community where he grew up.

But he also has strong words for his colleagues in the entertainment industry many of whom hail from these areas. He says they have added to the stigma that people in the inner city are irredeemable.

"Reggae music always deal wid what happening in the communities, but nowadays artistes more interested inna jump up an' down an' hype," he said.

"It's important we sing 'bout the problems 'cause is a way fi get the bigger heads fi mek a change," he added.

Just The Money follows the conscious vein of previous Strugglas (given name Tafahee Campbell) songs, like John Prophecy and Ghetto Love which were both produced by his father Caractacus Campbell, founder of the Waterhouse-based Roaring Tone Productions.

Strugglas' debut album, What Life Has Taught Me, was released by Roaring Tone in 2008. His second set is scheduled to be released late this year.