When V Merchant and his management began selecting songs for his first album, two songs were certain to make the final cut — the title song and Warzone. Both were inspired by tumultuous events in Jamaican history.

We Will Rise was released in February by VIP Level Records, with the Toronto-based singer acting as executive producer and producer for several of the 13 songs. The title track, which features Sizzla, is based on the Coral Gardens incident of Holy Thursday 1963; that standoff between police and Rastafarians on the outskirts of Montego Bay resulted in the deaths of eight people.

Warzone revisits the 2010 West Kingston incursion in which over 70 people were killed. Security forces went into that community in search of Christopher “Dudus” Coke, the area’s enforcer.

“I believe it is crucial to highlight and remember the Coral Gardens saga and the May 2010 Tivoli Gardens incursion. Coral Gardens exposes the classism, prejudice, and injustice carried out against the Rastafarian communities in Jamaica. The 2010 Tivoli Gardens incursion demonstrated the resilience of the people, especially mothers who faced extreme vulnerability and hostile environments but still managed to overcome,” V Merchant explained.

The dreadlocked singer, who is from Falmouth, has lived in Canada for over 30 years. Most of the songs he has recorded were done in his adopted country.

We Will Rise also contains collaborations with Capleton, Dehva Don and Doreno. Because he lives abroad, sharing the mic with established artistes is critical to getting a break in Jamaica.

“Working with Sizzla and Capleton was a milestone in my musical journey. I was humbled to share in their legacy, their platform, and their audience. I hope the music and its message captivate the youth and resonate with the elders,” said V Merchant.