Fast-rising recording artiste and songwriter Imeru has refused to listen to the daily news reports because there is too much war and death.

It is for this reason that he also finds it hard to enjoy the songs of his peers who have continued to inject violent lyrics into Jamaica's indigenous musical genres.

In a recent interview with THE WEEKEND STAR, Imeru said that he understands that crime and violence are a part of reality.

"But I don't want us to glorify or celebrate it. I refused to listen to the news because of the killings. So, when I hear a violent song, it is hard for me to listen much less enjoy it when people are really dying," said the Antidote singer. The son of reggae veteran singer Queen Ifrica, added that he wants his latest production, Option, to speak to both the youth and persons committing crimes and acting out violently.

"We cannot pretend as if violent music has absolutely no influence on the subconscious mind of the youth. We also cannot deny that violent music is a part of our culture. ' Brain darker dan a dungeon, kill a likkle girl, a suh yuh function?' This is a line in the chorus of Option, which is an alternative to that kind of message. But it's a play on words over a familiar sound," he said.

DIVERSITY

Imeru, who asserts that he is as diverse a singer as he is a deejay, said that people won't know what to expect from him until they listen to his music.

"My music has both a familiar and an unfamiliar sound and message. I want people to listen to my words and understand exactly what I am saying, why I am saying it and relate to it, too. My approach to delivering a message is also refreshing; it might not always be what you want to hear either. However, I have learnt that confrontation is the beginning of important conversation," Imeru said.