Policing the airwaves

• Cop uses music to tackle crime

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Policeman and reggae artiste Dezi B is confident that his music can facilitate positivity through uplifting and empowering content.

A constable for the past 13 years, Dezi B believes that music can cure the world.

According to the policeman, he has always had an appreciation for music, but the situation now facing Jamaica has facilitated his current involvement in the music industry.

"Crime and violence made me do music. One day I saw a cat and a dog eating out of the same plate and I was like, 'if puss and dog - that are known enemies - can live together as one, why can't we do the same?'" he said.

"I don't do negative music, I think music should represent who you are, now is the time for us to make a change as musicians and lead the youths onto a positive path," he added.

Dezi B told The Gleaner that many artistes do music that does not reflect their true persona and lead young people into negative directions, putting society and themselves at risk.

Power in the message

"Upcoming artistes must not only see music as being an agent to make a dollar. When you teach a man to fire a gun through your song, he will turn around to shoot you one day," he said.

The artiste is currently promoting his latest song, Dutty Monster. The song lashes out against crime, and Dezi B believes the content can have a reforming impact on Jamaica if the media gives it the attention it deserves.

"Dutty Monster came about after Coppa Cat was killed, I have a child of my own so I understand how it feels to love your child, it's a real tough situation losing a child to crime, I just want to get as much support as possible with this song," he said.

Dezi B is still acting in the capacity as a police officer but says that he aspires to be a full-time artiste some day. The policeman has also dabbled in production through his label Dezi B Production.

He recently produced a song for former 'Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall' second-place artiste Senita, called Rise From The Rubble.

Dezi B says that his music can be found on myspace.com/dezibmusic or facebook.com/desmondbrown.

"Support positive music, my number is not private so I can be contacted at 355 8482," he said.