Carlos Tha 1st hopes to heal with new song

Dancehall artiste Carlos Tha 1st has released a new single titled Disaster (Melissa) as a way to cope with the stress of the experience which has devastated communities, especially in western Jamaica.

"It's tough times, but Jamaica is built different. We bounce back stronger every time. This is just another chance fi show di world our strength and unity," said Carlos Tha 1st, whose given name is Carlos George Clarke. He opined that community and cultural expression reduce stress hormones.

"The response from the fans has been mad love all around! Fans been checkin' in, sendin' strength and positive energy. The support keep me motivated, fi real. We adapt through humour, music and connection and shared conversation and experience, so this is just about healing," he said. The single was released on the YGR and Rapid Production imprints.

Jamaica suffered extensive damage from the devastating force of Hurricane Melissa. It's just the second Atlantic storm ever to make landfall with winds up to 185 mph, and it left a high percentage of all structures in towns in Westmoreland, St Elizabeth and St James without roofs as it snapped power lines and toppled concrete structures.

Carlos Tha 1st is presently overseas, but he is helping to mobilise help for his relatives who live in rural Jamaica, and to otherwise respond to those in need. He said that he believes in lighting a candle, rather than cursing the darkness.

"I'm not on the ground - but I'm organising drives, and using my platform fi spread awareness and hope. Every likkle bit counts," he said.

Born and raised in Black Ants Lane in the Red Hills Road area, he discovered his passion for music at a young age. Growing up amid the rhythm and beats of his cousin's sound system, he found joy in the world of music. Inspired by singer Terry Linen, he began creating music with a focus on social commentary.