AFTER an eight-year hiatus, dancehall artiste Desperado is returning to the local scene with a new track and moniker.

The deejay, who now uses the stage name Prado, is slated to release the single Faith later this month.

“Faith is really aimed at encouraging persons to count their blessings and be grateful. The energy we put in is what we will put out,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The single is produced by Jahkine and Shaydz.

He also shared that he recorded another single Marijuana for producer Richard ‘Shams’ Browne. Both singles will be included an upcoming 10-track mixtape called Stop Stressin, due next month.

Explaining the reason for his absence, Prado said he took a break from recording and invested in party promotions.

“I went behind the scenes and started promoting stage shows… one of which was my birthday bash called Di Real Hype. It was held successfully for four years and I got support from several local dancehall artistes,” he said.

“I also started two restaurants with family members in the Atlanta area. However, I have closed those down and returned to music,” he continued.

Prado admits he is aware that the genre has evolved since he last recorded. But he says he keeps his ear close to the ground by watching the latest trends, attending dances and listening to the music.

“A lot of things are going on in the world that leave people stressed out, so I want to keep it more positive. I am still a dancehall artiste but it’s not going to be all about the ‘wining girls’. It has to contain a positive catchy message,” he said.

Prado, whose given name is Kirvan Cole, is known for the hits Desperado on the Diwali riddim and Style Up on the Applause riddim.

His other releases include Big Pimping, Tek It Off, Gyal Dem Time Again, and Dem Want War.

— Simone Morgan