DUB POET Yasus Afari released his eighth studio album on Monday. Public Secret is a 15-track collection of 10 reggae songs complemented by five dub versions.

Yasus says he wants to make persons aware about political, social and cultural issues that are hidden from society.

“My goal was to create original, inspirational, uplifting and empowering music of peace, love, hope and unity, which is relevant and accessible to all humanity. I hope to touch people’s lives and souls in a personal and profound way,” he said.

Co-produced by the Mandeville Music Group and Dub Vision Band, Public Secret is distributed digitally by Foxfuse.

Poetree Caan Nyam, Wine Pon Paper and Let’s Talk New York are some of the songs for which Yasus has high hopes.

He recalls the inspiration behind Poetree Caan Nyam.

“When I told my mother I wanted to be a poet she was surprised and ask if poetry can nyam. There were also other persons in the community (Rose Hall, St Elizabeth) who thought I was going crazy because I was smoking too much ganja or if someone obeah me,” Yasus said, laughing.

Over 30 years ago when Yasus Afari began writing and recording, dub poetry was still finding its feet in Jamaica. Oku Onura, Mikey Smith and Mutabaruka were trailblazers.

He believes most Jamaicans do not have an appreciation for the idiom. He blames this partially on colonialism.

“We were exposed to Shakespeare and other colonial ways of life from way back in the days, so a lot of persons tend to adjust to that lifestyle. Also, the media and promoters aren’t that supportive of our work so we tend to not get the support we deserve locally,” he stated.

Turning to the state of contemporary reggae/dance-hall, Yasus says in order for the industry to improve, young entertainers need training and guidance.

“There aren’t enough workshops to guide these upcoming acts. All they really need is love and attention…no one is there to teach them responsibility. Some of the veteran artistes should teach some of these youths,” he said.