Shortly before the release of his first album last summer, J Written got a request from Telesha, his older sister, who was ailing. She wanted him to film a video for one of its songs in their hometown, Tavares Gardens, commonly referred to as Payne Land.

She died almost one month after the release of Kaleidoscope, his album.

Early this month, he honoured her wish by filming the visual for Work To Do in the gritty community with director Tattyana Atkinson.

The singer said Payne Land is the backdrop for many of his songs.

“Payne Land has influenced my music significantly because Payne Land has influenced me. I mean, that’s where I first opened my eyes, that’s where I first learned to play, that’s where I had my first crush, I had so many firsts there,” J Written told the Jamaica Observer. “I can’t even tell it all, but I can say I learned that deep beneath the rumours that keep you scared is just families coexisting in a small area…”

One of the low-income housing schemes built in Kingston during the 1970s, Payne Land is close to communities like Majesty Gardens, Greenwich Farm, Trench Town, and West Kingston, which have a similar history of political and gang warfare.

Despite economic challenges, these areas have produced people who excelled in entertainment, sports, and politics.

For J Written, Payne Land is resilient despite political neglect.

“It’s changed in many ways, but, ultimately, it’s still the same. The love is still evident in the homes, the smiles are still bright, the children are still playing, and the elders are still telling stories,” he said.

Kaleidoscope was released in June 2024 by Tafari Music, a company owned by Gary “Dr Dread” Himelfarb, who founded and operated RAS Records, an all-reggae label that was based in Maryland.

Before launching his solo career, J Written was a member of The Wailers Trio which also included Asadenaki, son of Bunny Wailer, and Blvk H3ro.

— Howard Campbell