Conscious singer Prince Talib’s background is not typical of most contemporary Jamaican entertainers. A graduate of Moneague Teacher’s College in St Ann, he earns his living as a poultry farmer.

“My grandfather was a farmer so I grew up planting stuff, packing stuff. It’s always been a part of me,” he told Splash.

Prince Talib (Kemar Turner) operates a small farm in Ocho Rios but still finds time to record. His latest music project is Sons of Royalty, a mixtape that contains seven songs including Africa is Calling, Live On and Dem Nuh Care.

Africa is Calling reflects Prince Talib’s Afro-centric convictions. The 32-year-old’s recent productions address social issues, a difference from when he began recording in 2001 as a member of the group MO (Modus Operandi).

Then, he was known as Timmy T, a computer technology student at Moneague Teacher’s College who was big into hip hop.

Born in Jackson Town, Trelawny, Prince Talib splits his time on his farm of 60 chickens (it produces 300 eggs monthly) and a studio in Exchange, St Ann where he records.

“I love the music yuh nuh, so I have to find the time (to write and record). When I’m not there my cousin runs the farm,” he said.

Prince Talib plans to release Africa is Calling to mark Black History Month in February.

Howard Campbell