There has been no shortage of ‘weed’ songs since the Jamaican Government relaxed restrictions on ganja in the last two years.

One of the latest is Ke Ke by singjay Oniel Silva, who works out of Connecticut. His track was inspired by the historic legislation passed in Jamaica.

“Is about my love for herb and spices that started years ago when I was living in Jamaica. It is really great that herb is now legalised for recreational and medicinal use in various states here in the USA, and it was decriminalised in Jamaica for small amounts. Peter Tosh and Bob Marley must be rejoicing in Zion,” said 41-year-old Silva.

The St Elizabeth-born artiste has lived in Connecticut for 10 years. Though he entered talent contests in his home parish prior to migrating, it was not until 2007 that he began recording.

His first song, Two Face, was produced by Steven McGregor. It was followed by Jah Is There, No Guns, No Knife, and Party Night.

Most of his songs get adequate airplay in Connecticut.

“The reggae scene (in Connecticut) is OK in some sense since we have a number of college and community stations playing reggae. We get the occasional reggae song that get played on mainstream radio, but it is far from where it could or should be,” he said.

With the climate for ganja in Jamaica less smoky, Silva sees Ke Ke is his breakthrough song.

“It’s very important to have a presence in Jamaica. It’s the grassroot.”

–– HC