Assassin sings of JPS woes

Tweet

"... Every minute I got another BB broadcast promoting the initiative. So I say alright, let's give Black Friday a soundtrack,"

-Song done in support of yesterday's 'Black Out Friday'

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

As many people protest high bills from the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS), dancehall artiste Assassin has put his disapproval of the company in the form of a song.

Speaking with THE STAR on Thursday evening, Assassin said he decided to voice the song, which is also called JPS, after receiving numerous broadcast messages on Blackberry messenger about the planned protest that took place yesterday called 'Black Out Friday'.

"I got to the studio yesterday and every minute I got another BB broadcast promoting the initiative. So I say alright, let's give Black Friday a soundtrack," he told THE STAR.

In this new song, Assassin puts his musical touch to some of the complaints people have been making about the company in recent times.

"New ting a go round, serious condition/ It nuh matta bout race or creed or religion/ dark up yuh eye, blur yuh vision, worsa than malnutrition/ It name JPS, get Jamaica people stressed/ The brand new disease weh nuff people ketch/ If month end come and yuh depressed then a mus JPS/ Yuh betta mek doctor do a test fi see if yuh have JPS/ It out fi cause social unrest," he sang.

He continued, "JPS did only affect the poor/ Dem time deh society used to ignore/ But from weh day it bruck out like sore/ All type a action dem start explore like solar panel, windmill outta door/ Scientist search and caan find no cure/ Try treat it wid money but a more pon more/ It lock down a factory, shut down a store."

excellent response

Since the song's release, Assassin says the response has been excellent. "Social network tun up and in the streets too. A fi dem song," he said.

He added that he started doing music as a way of addressing issues. With tackling an issue as topical as 'JPS', Assassin said the song is already having an impact.

"I am already seeing an impact. Having the discussion is therapy. That within itself is action to add more to the discussion. I believe this is entertainment as well as commentary. The massive appreciates it, so my work is done," Assassin told THE STAR, noting that the song will be available for free downloads.

JPS is one of the songs on the 'Big Dog' rhythm, which is a Boardhouse Records production. He said the rhythm also features another song he did called Bad Inna Gang, as well as songs from Mr Vegas, Suku from Ward 21, Lady Alli and Ricky Frass.