SPRAGGA Benz is delighted with his recent trip to the Caribbean island of Barbados where he met with that country’s Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

“I had always wanted to meet Prime Minister Mottley. She is such a strong woman who is not afraid of making decisions for the benefit of her country,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The deejay said he was pleased when the prime minister expressed her love for his music and affirmed her position on positive music.

The deejay was among 300 participants attending the three-day Fintech Island Seminar held at the Hilton Ballroom in St Michael from October 5-7. The global conference was aimed at increasing business through digital monetisation, blockchains, cryptocurrencies, and other technological emergencies.

“It is better to learn to navigate amidst this new reality than to be streamrolled by it when it is fully launched,” he reasoned. “Six participants pitched their business ideas and one came in first and third.”

In November 2021 the Barbados Government removed the British monarchy as head of state for that country and became a republic.

While in Barbados, Spragga Benz said he used the opportunity to promote his music via radio interviews.

“We all know the power and magic of reggae music, and now is the time we need music to fight the battle of poverty, crime and discrimination,” he said.

Barbados has accommodated a number of reggae acts over the years. These include Sizzla, Wayne Wonder, and Agent Sasco. The country, however, placed a ban on Mavado and Vybz Kartel.

Spragga Benz, born Carlton Grant, began his music career in the 1990s with a slew of songs including Jack It Up, Could a Deal, Girls Hooray, No Fun Thing, and Things a Gwaan. He has done collaborations with a number of high-profile artistes including Foxy Brown, Wyclef Jean, KRS-One, and Nas.

He made his acting debut in the cult classic Shottas (2002) alongside Ky-Mani Marley. His latest movie is Second Chance (2022). He hopes it gets into schools and penal institutions because of its universal message.