Artiste attacks abuse... Does song to empower women

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

United States-based reggae/R&B artiste, KC Jockey, seeks to empower women in his recent single Girl You're Free.

The artiste encourages women to distance themselves from abusive relationships which, he says, can be either physical or verbal.

According to the artiste, the song has been doing well internationally, and he believes it is because of the positive message.

The song has the top spot on the WXAC 91.3's Urban Reggae Charts for the third week, though it was only released in August.

"The music I make is timeless and significant. And when you have a good sound and a good message, people are drawn to it," KC Jockey told The Gleaner.

According to the artiste, the message in the song is global, and so he wants to create a visual image in the form of a music video that will be shot in Jamaica and Atlanta. The video, he says, will be premiered worldwide.

According to KC Jockey, unlike many entertainers, he seeks to inspire and empower through his music, and to give his audience a positive option.

"I wrote this song because there are so many women who have experienced and are experiencing domestic violence. I want to give them hope ... . What many don't realise is that abuse isn't necessarily just physical. It's a way of taking away someone's power and invalidating their self-worth," the artiste explained.

"Almost everyone knows someone who has been in an abusive relationship, whether they're aware of it or not. Because many people are so ashamed, they tend to hide it from others," he said.

While KC Jockey says he has not personally experienced abuse, his friends' and family's experiences have motivated his desire to write the song.

"Experience with my friends and family compelled me to express this through music and the fact that these situations don't have to be permanent. I just hope this song gives people the courage they need to leave these unhealthy relationships, because there's a better life if they are willing to take that first step and leave," he told The Gleaner.

The artiste also had some advice for his fans and potential fans. He says "We must all watch our thoughts before they become words, watch our words before they become actions, watch our actions, or they become habits."

The song is recorded on an up-tempo rhythm resembling disco, with a touch of reggae, and can be found on iTunes and Amazon.