Entertainment On The Go

Failure is never an option for Ajaniah

Reggae artiste Ajaniah believes that now more than ever people need motivation and encouragement as Jamaica grapples with the deadly COVID-19 virus.

The dreadlocked singer, who is a lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, says that music is an effective tool in motivating and uplifting people.

"I've been using music to motivate students in my mathematics classes since 2014 and the results have been extremely positive," he said, while opining that, "With what's going on now we all need some positive vibes to get us through this pandemic so I would like to encourage everyone, both young and old, to listen to music that carries uplifting messages."

He believes that his latest release, To Fail Is Never An Option, is one song that carries such a message. Ajaniah recently released a video for the single, shot on location in Hope Gardens.

"I hope a lot of people will watch it and draw inspiration from the different scenes in the video. The video highlights the value of courage, determination and resilience," said Ajaniah.

To Fail Is Never An Option is the first single off Ajaniah's Listen and Learn EP.

Mr Khool enjoying buzz from 'Dust Mask'

Dancehall artiste Mr Khool is on a musical high, as the Manchester-based deejay is currently enjoying much attention with a new single, Dust Mask.

"I am pleased about the support that this song is getting. A lot of fans in the US, Canada, the UK and in Jamaica have posted videos of themselves on social media wearing their masks while singing the song. It's a good look," he said.

The easy-going entertainer explains how he recorded the song which speaks about the importance of wearing masks to prevent the spreading of the deadly coronavirus.

"Some of my close friends suggested that I record a coronavirus song. One day while I was driving through Mandeville, I began to create the lyrics in my head for the song. At the same time I heard the Joy Ride rhythm on the radio. So, I decided to source a copy of the rhythm and voice the song on it. As soon as I got the rhythm I just pulled up in a parking lot and recorded the song on my laptop," said Mr Khool.

Mr Khool, given name Damean Carter, is known for songs such as Jah Know and Bar Sheller.

Mexmo gives back to hometown

With the help of his team, dancehall artiste Mexmo has used his platform to give back in a positive way.

He has assisted residents in and around his community of Steer Town in St Ann, by giving away crop seeds. His aim is to alleviate pressure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I wanted this idea to encourage my community to start farming," he said. Through this initiative, his team has provided the community with seeds for corn, pak choi, carrots, cabbage, callaloo and tomatoes.

The musician, who has been in the business professionally for the past 15 years, started out as an engineer and producer, eventually venturing into songwriting and singing.

Balancing the music side with his philanthropic efforts, Mexmo also hopes to inspire others to do the same, where possible.

"I would just love to encourage everyone who has the potential to start something like this in their community to do so. We import most of what we use in Jamaica and after coronavirus, things could take some time to get back to normal. So while you're social distancing, you and your family can spend some time working together to take care of your crops," he advised.