THERE has been extensive discourse about the prevalence of music glorifying violence and drug use since a ban was imposed on such songs by the Broadcasting Commission one week ago. For dancehall sensation Jeff Fullyauto, the commission, nor citizens should be surprised at these songs, because art is simply imitating life.

“Though I understand the objective of the ban, that will not prohibit my music. Violence and drugs will still be standing even after this ban,” the 21-year-old, whose given name is Jeffery Roy Grant Jr, told the Jamaica Observer‘s Splash.

“They [artistes] are seeing it present in the environment and also, they sell and stream more than other topics,” Jeff Fullyauto continued.

The Glenmuir High School past student burst onto the music scene this year with a slew of hits including Big Guns, Call It Quits, Protection, Dutty Song, and most recently Jericho. The latter, produced by Ragz To Richez Production, was officially released on September 1 and has over 2.4 million views on YouTube.

Jericho has been given the red light by the Broadcast Commission which last week issued a directive to operators of electronic media to ban, with immediate effect:

“any audio or video recording, live song, or speech which promotes and/or glorifies scamming, illegal use or abuse of drugs (eg Molly), illegal or harmful use of guns or other offensive weapons, ‘jungle justice’, or any other form of illegal or criminal activity;

“any edited song which directly or indirectly promotes scamming, illegal drugs, illegal or harmful use of guns or other offensive weapons, jungle justice, or any form of illegal or criminal activity. This includes live editing and original edits (eg edits by producer/label) as well as the use of near-sounding words as substitutes for offensive lyrics, expletives, or profanities.”

“The track is a storyline based on how protective my friends are of our brand. It outlines how they will go all the way to instill violence to protect ourselves and our reputation if they are violated or we are physically threatened, without me having to be involved,” the artiste explained.

In creating the final product, he was naturally inspired by real life events.

“I used a storyline based on how I see people operate in the garrison to protect their area to narrate the song, hence the concept ‘Jericho’ which is actually a brand of firearm,” he added.

The video for Jericho was filmed in the artiste’s home district of Curatoe Hill, Clarendon, and co-directed by Jojo Ink Designs, Ghost Studios, Ragz to Richez and Fullyauto.

Describing his music as “Sui-Generis”, a Latin term which suggests ‘in a league of its own’.

“What makes me stand out is the context of my music and the sound I deliver. I have a very unique tone of voice so that my melodies create an addictive sound,” the artiste said.

Jeff Fullyauto is open to collaborating with anyone with similar drive and passion, and has big dreams for his career.

“[I see myself] being more recognised internationally and certainly sharing my platform with other young artistes,” he said.