TERRY Linen is making a comeback with a slew of new releases. One of those singles is the socially conscious No Longer a Slave.

“Terry Linen is back! I took some time to hold a meds (mediation) and come forward. Dem can’t go ’round this one,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Released in August for Tads Records, No Longer a Slave espouses the singer’s belief that Caribbean people need to shake off the legacies of slavery.

“I wrote the song to let my people know that we are no longer slaves to the system, slaves to society, or our station in life. We can break the shackles so we can become better parents and teach the youths to love. We need to come together and stop the killing,” he said.

Official figures from the Jamaica Constabulary Force show that the number of murders committed in the island up to October 12 was 1,026, an increase over the 997 recorded for the same period last year.

Despite the state of public emergency in St Andrew South Police Division, it continues to lead the island in terms of murders, with 127 recorded so far.

The division covers communities, including Payne Lane, Riverton City, Seaview Gardens, and sections of lower Maxfield Avenue.

“We have to stop the killings for such a small island. Why do we have these unnecessary deaths? It is the legacy of slavery and colonialism,” he continued.

The reggae singer is also pushing It’s Over, which will be released this month on the Almoni Music label.

“I’m getting a favourable response, so I am expecting big things from it,” said Terry Linen.

It’s Over is on the Life Wise rhythm, which also includes Gyptian (Give Thanks), Nitty Kutchie (No Waste No Time). Devarro and Shane E are also on the project.

Terry Linen (given name Kiplin Simpson) is known for songs like Couldn’t Be the Girl For Me, No Time To Linger, and the Whitney Houston cover Your Love is My Love.

— BW