Queen Cop launches new single

Sergeant Sasha Henry, the first cop to enter the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant (in 2019), launched her new single, ' Draw Close', at Ribbiz Ultra Lounge on Ardenne Road in St Andrew last Thursday.

Henry, whose stage name is Queen Cop, explained that in addition to the pressure of not becoming a 'one-hit wonder', following the release of her first single Style in March, Draw Close was also inspired by the various challenges of everyday life.

"Due to the pressure, I said you know what, I'm going to get back into writing. I sat down one night and started thinking about what's happening around me, everybody going through their different struggles, a lot of persons going missing ... and I just used that energy and started to write," said Queen Cop.

Draw Close is an invitation to draw closer to God or a supreme being, but there is a deeper meaning.

" Draw Close is a poignant musical journey that delves into the depth of the human experience, exposing the challenges faced by individuals in society. The song becomes a beacon of resilience, as it explores the ability to find hope amid the darkest moment. It's also beautifully capturing the essence of overcoming struggles," she explained.

"I am an individual who is all about positivity, and I believe that the energy you put out, that's what you get back. There are a lot of persons who are struggling ...[and] I want people to understand that no matter what you are going through, you still have to have faith," she added. At the launch, she said she was brought to tears with the positive responses to the single, which features singer, songwriter and producer Shawn Antoine.

She clarified that despite dabbling in music, she is still an active member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, but is currently on departmental leave. Queen Cop, who is currently attached to the St Andrew North Police Division, is also a law-enforcement instructor at the National Police College of Jamaica.

"With my job it would be difficult to have a career, but if it's possible I would definitely do it! But being a police officer comes first," she said, although she has been writing songs, poems and deejaying for years.

"I even got a detention for deejayin' in school. Then last year I took a long break from work and I was home bored, so I decided to write, and that's how everything started to come back," she said.

When asked about possible collaborations with established artistes, she stated that she is open to work with any established acts "on the more positive side". She also admires Shaggy's work and humanitarian spirit and penned his name in Draw Close, hoping that he would hear and acknowledge it so they can "create music and do business together".

Henry, who also entered the Miss Jamaica World (2017) competition, and who represented Jamaica at the Miss Intercontinental beauty pageant in 2018, said she has no immediate plans on entering another pageant.

"Now, I just wanna inspire those younger girls and anybody I can give some guidance and assistance to. I'll do that... I'm more like a coach and a judge right now," she revealed.

She is encouraging others who are gifted and blessed with talents and dreams to make the best of both worlds.

"Whatever goals, dreams and aspiration you have, do not sit on them because God gives you a talent for a reason. So let everybody else enjoy it just as you are enjoying it," she implored.