KINGSTON, Jamaica- When his sister Judy Austin passed away last month, recording artiste Uplift was devastated. She was an inspiration and a motivating force behind his musical pursuits.

“I was preparing to visit Jamaica in September to promote my new single, Fantasy, when I got the news that my sister fell ill at work. She died at the hospital two days later. I was shell-shocked to say the least because as far as I knew, my sister was in excellent health, and now she was gone. This is a significant loss for me and my entire family. Judy was a very loving and kind soul; everyone who knew her loved her,” Uplift told Observer Online earlier this week.

He added, “She was my rock; I could always count on her for good advice and guidance. It’s going to take some time for me to get over losing her, but I must keep focused and keep going with my career. That’s what she would have wanted me to do, so right now I’m moving full speed ahead with my career.”

Uplift also had a near-death experience on the day of his sister’s funeral when the car he was driving flipped and overturned on a section of the Santa Cruz to Pepper Roadway in St Elizabeth on October 5.

“My sister and I were close to the point where I felt like I was her bigger brother, someone who she can always call and talk to about anything. She always believed in me, and she supported my career,” Uplift shared.

Uplift, who released his latest single Fantasy, a collaboration with Nigerian afrobeats artiste Pupa Tee, in September, is from St Elizabeth. He moved to Vancouver, Canada in 2013.

He began to pursue music while in Jamaica and has continued his musical quest since relocating to Canada.

“I’m one of few artistes that play almost every instrument. This journey has been an experience to see. A lot of ups and down but still happy to be where I am today,” said Uplift.