Growing up in gritty Olympic Gardens, Alberto Fray was exposed to poverty and violence. He saw many lives lost in that Kingston community to rampant crime.

Fray, a former national footballer known as singer Alfray, hails the fallen soldiers on his new song Good Memories, co-produced by Studio Vibes Entertainment and DJ Eva Bling.

“The inspiration came from listening to the rhythm and that’s the feeling I gravitate. This is personal because I have lost many friends and family, so singing this song was the perfect way to express my feelings,” Alfray told the Jamaica Observer.

According to the 38-year-old artiste, coming from a so-called garrison area has a profound impact on his music.

“Growing up in the inner city did help me because that’s what I know, and it really helps me to be the person I am today, which you can hear it in my music,” he said.

Football fans know Alberto Fray as a striker for Norman Manley Comprehensive High School in the Manning Cup and Waterhouse and Boys’ Town in the National Premier League. He also donned national colours.

Fray was close friends with Beenie Man, who is from Waterhouse. In fact, it was the Grammy-winning deejay who encouraged Fray to become an artiste.

Several of Alfray’s early recordings such as Mama Africa and The System were produced by the Dub Tonic Kru.

Good Memories is scheduled for release on June 24 by Hapilos 21.

— Howard Campbell