Nature Ellis defends new song

Nature Ellis' recently released single, Love Me, a collaboration with Drew Stewart, has been creating quite a stir on the local music scene.

The soulful, lovers' rock song, which speaks about a heterosexual relationship, has landed the Montego Bay-born reggae singer in a sea of controversy because of his use of the rainbow symbol in the artwork for the single and the lyric video, which was created to promote the song on YouTube.

Many people see his use of the rainbow symbol as advocacy on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

"I'm not an advocate or representative for any group or organisation. I am an artiste, and I make music for the world. My music is for everyone. If a particular group of people love my song, what can I do? Should I tell them not to love it," said Ellis.

While a lot of people have been debating about Love Me online, Nature remains undaunted as he continues to promote the song, which is the first single off an EP, titled Drew Stewart Presents: Reggae From West Kingston.

"I'm known for making positive music. This is a great song, and it's a part of a wonderful reggae EP project that will be released soon. My team and Then Now Forever Music will continue to promote it because, despite the controversy, there are many people out there who love it," said the artiste.

Love Me was released two weeks ago on the Then Now Forever Music imprint. The full EP, which also features songs from artistes such as Jahmali, Teko, Deour Gardner and Knolij Tafari, is slated to be released next month.