Rushawn fights domestic abuse through song

May 11, 2020
Nannyville artiste Rushawn aims to produce more conscious music to raise awareness on problems within Jamaica’s society.
Nannyville artiste Rushawn aims to produce more conscious music to raise awareness on problems within Jamaica’s society.

Nannyville artiste Rushawn has joined the list of entertainers denouncing domestic abuse. He told THE STAR that while he has never witnessed any incident of domestic violence, he has seen countless news stories about the dastardly acts.

"Just hearing news of such cruel acts put me in a dark place thinking, what if it was my very own mother, sister, aunt and other female relatives, and it is heartbreaking to even think of it," he shared.

While it has been revealed that calls to crisis centres in Kingston and St James operated by Woman Inc have lessened since March 10, when the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Jamaica, Rushawn insists there is still "nothing to smile about". He has released a song with that title, which calls for an end to bloodshed in relationships.

"My Song, Nothing To Smile About, sends the message to act now and stop violence against all women. We are in the month of May when we celebrate the mothers, teachers who act as mothers in the schools, and mothers themselves and children, the message is very relevant," Rushawn said.

He continued: "The selected theme for Child's Month, 'Unplug Negativity, Connect Positivity ... Think!' also speaks to men and women who are parents to watch their actions that leave a child or children motherless and is known to trigger issues of mental health."

Born Rushawn Gary Williams, the on-the-rise artiste made his recording debut in June last year with the song Winter Fresh, which had a more uptempo, party vibe.

INSPIRING PERSONS

He said it was important to revisit the promotion of Nothing To Smile About despite the recent focus that has primarily been on the global health crisis because, "promotion of songs that are meant to inspire persons to act can never be enough; it can only support the message of other artistes with experience and have the capacity to reach a wider audience to do more in the fight against violence against all women".

"All I can do is positive music and encourage di youths dat positivity is di way out. For those youths who have witnessed abusive relationships between their parents, keep the faith and don't let this determine where you go in life, don't give up on life," he said.

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