Rasta singer very concerned about Ukraine war

Rastafarian singer Scepta. Allyson Ione
Rastafarian singer Scepta.
Allyson Ione

Queens-based Rastafarian singer Scepta, a proud Pan-Africanist and member of the Marcus Garvey-founded Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), says he is “very, very concerned” about the war and bloodshed caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“When I scan the news and look at what is taking place in the world, war, rumors of war, it makes me really, really sad,” he told Caribbean Life.

Scepta has never been afraid of expressing himself. In fact, he has been a sharp shooter lyrically all his life and is calling it the way he sees it.

“I feel that the world leaders are to be blamed,” he said. “They are accountable for their actions and must be held responsible for what is happening.

“The needs of the people are not being looked after,” he added. “It is just war all around. And it is just poor people who are feeling the brunt of the suffering.

“You fight war and then you have to rebuild,” Scepta continued. “The money could be used to deal with the suffering of poor people.”

Cover of “Nah Sell Out” by Scepta.

Scepta said he is also concerned about what is happening in his birth country Jamaica, as well.

“When I look at my own country Jamaica right now, I see everything is belly up,” he said. “The traditions that we grew up on, we have departed for that.”

The singer recently dropped a new single that speaks to his frustration.

The new single “Nah Sell Out,” which was recorded during the global COVID lockdown, provides food for thought for what he sees going on in the world.

His record label, World Scann Family engaged the services of expert audio engineer Lamar Reynolds, a platinum selling, GRAMMY-nominated producer who mastered the song.

The single has an infectious dancehall beat that compliments the potent lyrics of the song.

Recorded on the “Personal Gain Riddim,” “Nah Sell Out” was released during Black History month this year and is available online at Itunes, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and can be streamed on Pandora & Spotify.

“I will not sell out my life for fame, not even for personal gains,” Scepta said.