A ‘GANGSTA’ image is part of the package for many dancehall artistes. It is a profile deejay Iyara is looking to shed.

Iyara is a member of the Bounty Killer-led Alliance Next Generation, and although he considers his music aggressive, says he is not violent as some critics believe.

“I have a clean record…I have never been arrested or have ever been on the wrong side of the law,” Iyara (Eric Sommers) told the Jamaica Observer. “My songs are not always based on personal experience but that of other people. I have been around people who share their stories and I just put it into a song,” he added.

Some of the Portland native’s more popular songs have violent themes. They include Rise up The Gun Dem, Ready Fi Kill and Dat Mi Say, a collaboration with Bounty Killer.

Among his latest releases are Put Out Mi All, Night and Day and We Taking Over.

One of the high points of Iyara’s career came last year at Sting when he defeated Devra Brat in a lyrical contest. That victory enhanced his image as a rabble-rouser.

“I do not want to be branded or marketed as only a clash artiste. I am an all rounder,” he said.

Iyara returned to Jamaica on December 5 after a one-month stint in Canada. He said he plans to show his new, positive image during upcoming performances at GT Taylor Extravaganza in St Elizabeth on Christmas Day and Galiday Bounce in Ewarton on December 30.