In the opening scene to the music video for her latest song, Mind Frees, 1Suga Dhon is in a classroom and deejays about longing to party. A recent graduate of Buff Bay High School in Portland, she plans to do more recording now that her studies have eased.

Mind Frees is 1Suga Dhon’s first released song for 2023. The 19 year-old left Buff Bay High School with six CXC passes and hopes to attend university in Jamaica to realise her dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

“Now that I’ve left high school, I have more time to focus on music, getting more studio time and shooting videos,” she said, adding that while education took priority in the past two years, her vocals and writing have improved.

Like most of her songs, Mind Frees is produced by Ansel Owen for Crown International, who has been 1Suga Dhon’s mentor. The South Florida-based label also produced Ghetto Product, her last released single, which came out in late 2022.

Strongly influenced by Koffee, Chronic Law and Masicka, 1Suga Dhon (real name Jelisa Coke) has split her time beating the books and recording songs for the past four years. While excited about increasing her studio time, she is not one for the spotlight.

“I’m not a party person but mi will build a vibes when mi waan free mi mind,” said 1Suga Dhon.

Howard Campbell