Dancehall artiste Carlos Tha 1st subscribes to the famous American televangelist Robert Schuller quote, “tough times never last but tough people do”.

He affirms that belief in the resilience of Jamaicans even more so in the face of the crushing disaster of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane that has devastated western Jamaica, leaving many homeless, marooned, without power and lacking basic necessities.

“It’s tough times, but those never last, Jamaicans will overcome and outlast that; Jamaica is built different. We bounce back stronger every time. This is just another chance fi show di world our strength and unity,” Carlos Tha 1st, whose real name is Carlos George Clarke, said.

That’s why he has recorded a single, simply titled Disaster, as a way to cope with the stress of the experience. He believes that community and cultural expression reduce stress hormones.

“The response from the fans has been mad love all around! Fans been checkin’ in, sendin’ strength and positive energy. The support keep me motivated, fi real. We adapt through humour, music and connection and shared conversation and experience, so this is just about healing,” he said.

The single was released on the YGR and Rapid Production imprints.

Last week, Jamaica suffered extensive damage from the devastating force of Hurricane Melissa. It’s just the second Atlantic storm ever to make landfall with winds up to 185 mph, and it left 90 per cent of all structures in towns in Westmoreland, St, Elizabeth and St James without roofs as it snapped power lines and toppled concrete structures.

Carlos Tha 1st is presently overseas, but he is helping to mobilise help for his relatives who live in rural Jamaica, and to otherwise respond to those in need. He believes in lighting a candle, rather than cursing the darkness.

“I’m not on the ground, but I’m organising drives, and using my platform fi spread awareness and hope. Every likkle bit counts,” he said.

Born and raised on Red Hills Road in the vibrant community of Black Ants Lane, he discovered his passion for music at a young age. Growing up amidst the rhythm and beats of his cousin’s sound system, Carlos found joy in the world of music.

His educational journey took him through St Richards Primary and Pembroke Hall High School, culminating in achieving his CXC qualifications. His journey into the music realm was sparked by watching his cousin tune up his sound system. Inspired by Terry Linen, Carlos began creating music with a focus on social commentary. He chose the unusual moniker, Carlos Tha 1st.

“I chose this name ‘Carlos tha 1st’ because it means I’m the first to do it my way. Royal mindset, humble heart, king energy always,” he said.

Despite the demands of his music career, Carlos finds balance by focusing solely on what he loves — music. He believes in the power of authenticity and wishes to eliminate gatekeepers in the industry who stifle “true creativity”.

He is seeking to blow the doors off the dancehall industry with an EP chock full of head-knocking beats and what he calls ‘pain and power” songs.

“We have completed several tracks of an EP which has been in the works — real-life stories, pain, and power in every track. It’s going to be fire!”

He is known for singles such as Family, Heart Cry and Sky.