The COVID-19 pandemic was a difficult time for the music industry, and England-based Jamaica-born recording artist Raas Kelly is among several who had to manoeuvre their way through the pandemic.

The experience had such an effect on him that he decided to share his experience in music, resulting in the release of the song Red Hot.

“The pandemic made certain things difficult, like moving around and going to work and so on. Plus, we were also fearful about what would be the final outcome of this catastrophe,” Raas Kelly told Observer Online on Thursday.

“I thought after the pandemic, people would be more loving towards each other and value human life and relationships. However, after the pandemic ended, it was back to business as usual. We saw countries going to war with each other,and  crime and violence are still rampant all over the world,” Raas Kelly reasoned.

Red Hot was produced and released by United States (US) based Barracks Productions. The track, which was recorded on a mid-tempo dancehall beat, carries thought-provoking messages about current affairs that resonate with music fans worldwide.

“I recorded this song after observing everything that happened during the pandemic and afterwards. The world has changed significantly in some regards since 2020, but a lot of things remain the same,” Raas Kelly said.

Raas Kelly says it has been difficult for more dancehall artistes based in the United Kingdom (UK) to get the big break that they seek musically.

“It’s very hard; opportunities are scarce. The DJs here aren’t willing to support UK dancehall acts. It’s almost impossible to get them to play your music. So, right now, with the help of my publicist Ralston Barrett, I am promoting my music in Jamaica and getting good results.  I would like to see more avenues of exposure for UK dancehall artistes. We need more support from the DJs and event promoters,” Raas Kelly argued.

He’s also promoting a new single titled Kisko on the Sweat Box Productions label.

Raas Kelly, given name Ruben Ennis, was born in Kingston. He grew up in Carisbrook in St Elizabeth.

He began his professional journey in music in 2017 with a single titled Body Haffi Clean on the So Sick label.