While growing up in Connecticut, dancehall artiste Iesha Nova experienced poverty.  It is a hot-button issue that she is passionate about, and her wish is to see others living above the poverty line.

“Poverty has been and still is a major issue all over the world. I have been in situations in which poverty played a part in my life, and growing up made me understand there are certain levels to it. Some are controllable, and some are not,” Iesha Nova explained.

The artiste, whose mother is from Trelawny and father from St Elizabeth, shared that she had the best of both worlds when she was younger.

“Growing up, I had the best of both worlds. I was born in a poverty-stricken neighbourhood where I lived until I was nine years old. My mother moved us out into the suburbs. In my surroundings, I witnessed the use of drugs and guns, and I saw gangs first-hand and broken homes. But relocating to the suburbs, I witnessed the opposite,” said Iesha Nova.

Since she began to pursue music professionally about three years ago, Iesha Nova has, in her own way, given back to the less fortunate both in the United States and locally in the communities that her parents are originally from.

She is concerned about the levels of poverty that some Jamaicans are experiencing.  If given the opportunity to speak to the prime minister, she said that would be the first issue on her agenda.

“If I could have a one-on-one sit down with the prime minister of Jamaica, I would raise this issue. I would say to him that we have to put ourselves in the shoes of the less fortunate. Not everyone has the mental capacity to take on life.  I would also suggest the implementation of more programmes for mental health and housing solutions to help get people back on their feet,” the Dial Tone artiste reasoned.

Iesha Nova’s latest singles include Dial Tone, Life Sweet and Goodie Anthem, all of which are produced by DJ RoH for RoH Entertainments 0365 Records.

“The journey for me so far has been a growing and passionate experience. I have learned a lot, lost a lot, and gained so much more than I expected. At this point of my music career, it’s becoming rewarding. Because I see just what my hard work and dedication have done for me,” said Iesha Nova.

— Kevin Jackson