A’mari DJ Mona-Lisa getting therapy - Wants to start online ministry

Three months after her former lover, Collin Jones, was gunned down at a local gas station, recording artiste A'mari DJ Mona-Lisa says she is still grieving, but is one step closer to finding peace.

She explained that the incident has put her in a reflective mood and is the reason for her changing the direction of her music.

"At first, I didn't think it was real. I guess because Collin was a big part of my life. It has showed me the value of life and how we need to take it seriously and how important it is to want to live," she told THE WEEKEND STAR.

The artiste, whose given name is Veneice Fung-Chung, said that she finds it difficult to return to Jamaica because of the memories she shared with Jones during her previous trips to the island.

She said "It is hard to take a plane knowing that the destination will be Jamaica, as often times he was the one waiting on me. I know I need closure but it will be difficult to return home and visit his graveside."

A controversial figure in dancehall, A'mari recently embarked on a spiritual journey and has revealed her wishes to start an online ministry.

"I know I'm not ready, spiritually or otherwise, as there are things like controlling my temper that I need to work on. God is still working on me (so) I am not stepping out like I'm a goodie-two-shoes or someone without sin, when so many things in the mind need to be corrected," she said. "I get psychological evaluations, I speak to my psychiatrist every week and do cognitive therapy [so] this is me getting myself together, physically and mentally for 2023. I've also been doing a soul search in regards to my life and career, knowing to myself that it's not about getting up and singing a song because it will trend. I want my name to be associated with positive music."

She recently released I Pray and I Don't Wanna Die (2023), which she said is dedicated to Jones.

"My music is still dancehall although I touch on other genres. I just realise that with everything going on in our society and the world, that people need to know when to let go of childish things. I know I don't only represent myself, but I represent the country of my birth or my home. So I have to come on a more intellectual level and act accordingly; that's how those songs come about," A'mari said.

Dancehall remains her number one passion although she is very serious about her relationship with God.

"I think I have the ability to reach the people in dancehall. I write for the masses but I'm true to who I am, that is a comical, real woman with different personalities. This year, let the rest of the artistes get their shine. But 2023 will be mine," the artiste declared.