Old-timers in Jamaica remember a time when May Pen was a bustling market town, the hub of commerce in Clarendon parish. In the last 10 years, however, it has become one of the most violent regions in Jamaica.
Singjay Bashwa, who is from May Pen, recalls the days when his hometown was a fun place to live. He yearns for a return to civility on Table Turn, his new song.
It is self-produced for B13 Records, a company he started seven years ago with his friend, DJ Andre.
“My memories (of May Pen) were exceptionally great. I enjoyed going to river, bird-hunting, playing marbles, etc. While growing up I had to be very vigilant, and keep a positive mindset,” said Bashwa.
A video for Table Turn was filmed in May Pen, showing the commercial activity there as well as some of its natural sites.
May Pen was once home to hundreds of persons employed in the bauxite and sugar industries, but the area has evolved into one of Jamaica’s criminal hotspots.
Bashwa has been personally affected by the rash of murders.
“I started to notice a rise in crime in 2008. In that year between April to September, I lost seven of my close friends in gang war,” he said.
Born Jermaine Freeman, Bashwa has been recording since 2015 when he did Cheap and Clean for B13 Records. That label has released most of his songs including One Day and Mama Life Soon Change.
Clarendon is not only rich in natural resources. Derrick Morgan, Toots Hibbert, Freddie McGregor, Denroy Morgan and Everton Blender are some of the artists from the parish.
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