Intence blames crime on ‘fake friends’
Dancehall artiste Intence believes that most acts of violence in Jamaica stem from broken friendships and betrayals.
“To me, fake friends and family conflict is the main element or contribution to violence in Jamaica in terms of bad mind, jealousy, that would mek dem want to set up your life or tek your life. Only the people closest to you can harm you so you have to keep your circle small and loyal,” Intence reasoned.
Statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force show that approximately 37 per cent of murders committed in Jamaica stem from domestic incidents.
He is banking on the success of his latest single, the fake friend anthem Say Dem Real on the Sedway rhythm.
“Mi ah get a big buzz right now, it de pon everybody phone inna Papine and Tavern, mi career ah go from strength to strength,” Intence, whose given name is Tashawn Gabbidon, said.
The video was shot and will be released later this month.
“Everybody know the danger of a fake friend, so everybody can relate to it,” Intence said.
Intence grew up in the Tavern area, where he attended Mona High. His father was a dancehall deejay, so he inherited that particular love for music.
When he graduated, he began to spend more time in the community studio recording songs.
Since inking a deal with Boyzie Records, Intence has recorded songs such as Jett Life and Bad Gal.
The latter was too explicit for radio, but got added to several street mix tapes.