Recording artiste hits out at young scammers

Dancehall artiste Nerro says that despite the title of his latest single, As a Choppa, he is not endorsing the lifestyle, but rather addressing the stupidity of young scammers who take pride in bragging about the illegal activity.

Speaking with THE STAR, the singjay, who is the son of reggae stalwart Barrington Levy, noted that some of the new breed of scammers are not silent about their moves. Instead, they are constantly "braffing", and this is what has led to the arrest and imprisonment of many.

"The song really a talk about the youths who a scam and braff and not saving a dime. It a let them know that dem time soon come where they will be held. They are partaking in an illegal practice which they broadcast and have campaigns about. Instead of building a house or two, they buy up these bags of guns which make dem big and worthless," he said.

Released last month, As a Choppa has been making steady rounds on the local airwaves. Nerro emphasised that he earns his bread and butter through legal means, and shared that since the release of the track, he has got only positive feedback from music industry players, many of whom commend him for its message and his creativity.

"Nuff a dem (scammers) say dem a di breadwinner and all dem do is impress gyal with them money while them mother still hungry. Life is there to enjoy but because of them mouth, dem get catch a lot of the time. Karma is real, so everyone has to know what they do and where they get their money from. Some of these new scammers are just some big idiots and a dem make MOCA (Major Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency) know who fi track sometimes," he said.

Earlier this year, MOCA urged the public to be on the lookout for persons who are renting properties in upscale communities to carry out illegal activities. The agency said it has noticed a worrying trend of persons, particularly those involved in lottery scamming, renting upscale Airbnb apartments and using these premises as a location for their crimes. MOCA said it has arrested numerous persons involved in lottery scamming, and seized a number of identity cards, electronic devices and other paraphernalia related to the crime since the start of the year.

Nerro, whose given name is Leon Levy, got his first big break at Sting 2014, and has also worked on radio as a disc jockey. His previous songs include Money Best Friend, Mutate and Stay Clean.