Arnett Gardens-based producer focused on community building

Growing up in Arnett Gardens, St Andrew, Akeem Grant had two passions, basketball and music, both of which he believed were viable career paths and kept him from getting caught up in crime and violence.

"The most complicated part about living in a volatile community is being influenced negatively or getting in the middle of the crossfire," he told THE STAR. Today, Grant, who is known widely as 'Jungle Jesus', is a producer and the owner of Jungle Jesus Entertainment, a respected entity in the community. He is credited on songs by Shane O and Gage, among other established dancehall acts. But his focus is on his community.

"Truth is, the number of successful entertainers or established acts that come from this community (Arnett Gardens and the neighbouring areas), I expect to see more getting involved. But I don't see them doing anything, especially now when the youths need the encouragement. For the past two weeks, there has been an increase in shootings and murders," he continued.

Grant said he has not lost any relatives to violence, but he has worked with entertainers such as Prince Ikeem, whose son was shot dead in Arnett Gardens last July.

Grant has ideas for a remediation programme that involves music. Describing himself as a talent seeker, he said that he has the ability to tell who has the potential to become a celebrated entertainer, and he has been offering his services and rhythms to the youth.

"I make the riddims, issue them and tell them to try and write something from what they see or feel, and put it on the riddim in their own creative way," he said, opining that some of them may decide to become songwriters, producers or engineers. He is currently working on a project for which he has already recorded five young artistes and is seeking more from within the community. He said the rhythm is solely for the motivation of up-and-coming reggae and dancehall entertainers.

"I believe what I'm doing can make a difference and impact change. Our focus needs to be on giving youths an opportunity to work on their craft and to provide encouragement, especially as public figures who are seen as an epitome of what they'd like to be," he said. "They need resources, no matter how small, and a boost for their careers. For those whose talents are not discovered, they only need encouragement. Don't put them down if they are not hitting the right notes, but let them know it is not a rush type of business, and just work on finding the right niche."