Josie Mel is generating a buzz stateside with Dollars and Cents, a song preaching the merits of financial independence and a long-term financial plan.

The song was released on the Josie Mel Music label in January 2023.

“I had a dream when I was growing up that I wanted to be an independent individual whatever it takes, once it’s honest bread. So one day, while I was giving praises to the Most High, I got the chorus or punch line: ‘saving up my dollars and cents’, and then everything else just came together,” he said.

Dollars and Cents is distributed through Distrokid and is available on all digital platforms including Spotify and iTunes.

The track is part of an upcoming album which will be released later this year.

“I am testing the waters with this fiery song, setting the stage for the album,” he said.

Josie Mel last released an album, This Whole World, in 2007. He had previously released his debut album Freedom on Walboomers Music, and his second effort, Rasta Still Deh Bout, on the Minor7 Flat5 label.

Born in the sleepy district of Bryant’s Hill in Clarendon, Josie Mel started singing in church at the age of 10. While attending the Crooked River All-Age in the parish, he sang with the school group and performed at school festivals before getting his first raw exposure to dancehall with the Creation Sound system.

He gained popularity for songs such as Youths Fi Big featuring Capleton, and the timeless Rasta Still Deh Bout featuring Lutan Fyah.

He has performed at major events such as the Rochester City School District Adult and Career Education Services New York, USA, Sting 1997 and Ram Jam 1997, Reggae Sunsplash 1998-1999, Rebel Salute 1998-1999, and Everton Blender Birthday Bash 1998 and 2002, and graced the stage of Reggae Sumfest in 2005.