In April last year Antiguan singer Causion was preparing to undergo major surgery for Stage 3 colon cancer. He had been diagnosed with the life-threatening disease in late 2019 and forced to put his career on hold.

That surgery lasted a marathon 11 hours and, after a period of recovery, Causion slowly got back in the groove. He is currently promoting the song, Antigua Me Come From, and made his acting debut in the movie, Deep Blue.

The dreadlocked artiste, who has lived in South Florida for over 25 years, was strong enough to attend the film’s March 25 premier in St John, Antigua’s capital. He is happy with his progress.

“What I’m trying to do is get my life back on track. I’m in a good place, and I thank God for that,” said Causion.

He co-wrote and co-produced Antigua Me Come From with Maurice Gregory, former keyboardist with Third World, with whom Causion toured several times.

The song has been used by the Antigua Tourist Board as part of its advertising campaign.

Since his grim diagnosis, he has visited Antigua and Grenada for holistic treatment a number of times. Those trips have made Causion realise how much family and his country mean to him.

“I look forward to going home more than ever, especially to Pigeon Point (Beach). I’m looking for great things from the song,” he said.

Deep Blue is produced and directed by the husband-and-wife team of Howard and Mitzi Allen, who are also from Antigua. It tells the story of a marine biologist trying to help residents of a fishing village maintain their homes and livelihood despite the efforts of a determined developer.

Causion plays Leroy in the movie which cost US$350,000 to make.

Born Gregory Bailey in St Paul, Antigua, Causion developed a liking for reggae from his youth. Among his biggest influences is Third World, whose 1981 album Rock The World made a lasting impression on him.

He has four albums to his credit.