When Bronx-based reggae artiste Proteyn heard the back story of a teenage boy who was gunned down by police in a shootout that claimed the lives of four gunmen, he was upset.

The singer has grown increasingly tired of hearing the stories of young teenage boys, abandoned by society and their parents, who are then recruited by gangs who serve as surrogate parents, only for these young lives to be snuffed out in a life of crime.

“He could have been saved from a life of crime,” the artiste, whose real name is Lipton Errol Jones, said.

“It’s a shame that the blood of our young ones is running in the street, adults are failing these kids. That 17 year -old could have become a productive member of society with the right mother, the right influence in his life, he left school from about age 15…what a waste. I personally know how dangerous the streets are, that’s why mi feel it so.”

Proteyn was referring to a May 8 incident in which four males, including a 17-year-old, were gunned down during an alleged gun battle with the police in downtown Kingston.

He feels strongly about the importance of strong mothers and that’s why he is aggressively promoting his latest single, Mama, with an accompanying video. On the single, Proteyn effortlessly croons emotional lyrics about the strength he draws from his bond with his mother.

“The truth is, many of us wouldn’t be where we are now without our moms, they are the bedrock of our society and that is why I did this song,” he said.

Born in the parish of St Andrew, he grew up in Constitution Hill, Jamaica, before migrating to live in the USA.

Proteyn is eyeing major moves in 2024.

“I have two new music videos I am dropping this summer for two singles, Caribbean Girl and In Love,” he said.