Even though he migrated to the United Kingdom 16 years ago, gospel/reggae recording artiste Minister Taf has never forgotten his roots.

Originally from the community of Duanvale in Trelawny, Minister Taf attended Duanvale Elementary and Primary schools and later the Cedric Titus Comprehensive High School in Clarks Town.

After Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28 he was shell-shocked at the sight of the devastation that hurricane’s passage inflicted on the community and his alma mater.

The award-winning recording artiste has offered his latest single Nice Again as a symbol of hope and unity.

“Nice Again reminds listeners that, even in the toughest of times, the Jamaican spirit remains unbreakable. The inspiration for the song comes from my belief that Jamaica will rise stronger and better echoing the promise found in Haggai 2:9: ‘The latter house shall be greater than the former.’ It’s a scripture that the nation should hold dearly as the rebuilding process continues,” Minister Taf told the Jamaica Observer on Thursday.

He relayed the extent of damage to his former community following the passage of the hurricane.

“Many homes had their roofs blown off, and the churches were affected, too, roofs gone, that one even had its walls badly damaged. My old elementary school took a huge hit. The entire roof was ripped away and the inside was badly damaged. I’ve launched a GoFundMe to support the school’s recovery, because the kids are the future, and I want to help in whatever way that I can,” he shared, while explaining the impact that the devastation caused by the hurricane had on him.

“To tell you the truth, it hurt mi bad, like literally break mi heart. Sometimes I try not to watch the videos as it’s so heart-wrenching. I was watching an interview with a gentleman who lost his two-year-old daughter and the mother of the child, and that really hit me. Honestly, I’ve donated to the cause, and I’m just keeping the country and the people in prayer, but I strongly believe that better days are ahead. It will take some time, but we’ll get there. We a guh Nice Again!” he said.

In a special moment within the song Minister Taf extends heartfelt thanks to everyone currently helping the country recover. Their sacrifice, strength, and generosity embody the unity that the track celebrates, he shared.

“Even though the situation is sad, I didn’t want to paint a sad picture,” Minister Taf explained. “We’re an upbeat and fun people. Even in hardship, Jamaicans find a way to smile, to laugh, to dance… to hope. This song is also a reminder that God is with us, His mercy kept us, and we will be ‘nice again’.”

More than a song, Nice Again is a call to unity, an invitation for Jamaicans everywhere to come together, to support each other, and strengthen the bonds that make the island a force of resilience.

As a proud Jamaican himself, Minister Taf emphasises the importance of remaining mentally strong and rooted in faith.

“We’re a God-fearing nation. Now more than ever, we must put our trust in Him. I didn’t want to do a song that came across as sad and I strongly believe Jamaica will be nice again in the sense of being better. I also have to remind the people of Jamaica to continue to pray and trust God during this difficult time, and shout out to everyone who’s been helping us as a nation, and not to mention artistes and many more, both locally and internationally. Unity is key! Twenty per cent proceeds from the sale of the song goes to the Jamaica Relief Support, as mi haffi play mi part as a fellow Jamaican,” Minister Taf reasoned.

Nice Again was released on November 28. It was produced by Jvmmie Jae.

Minister Taf, whose real name is Tafari Henry, began his musical journey in 2012.

“I first started out as a rapper in 2012, but in 2016 God completely flipped the script and led me into the reggae/dancehall side of things. So I’d say around 2015, about 10 years ago when I released my first project, a rap album called
Preach The Gospel. Some decent stuff, man. Lots of ups and downs, and there were times I wanted to quit, but I keep persevering because God called me. I became a born-again Christian and, trust me, it wasn’t smooth at all. I struggled with pornography, masturbation, and lust, just trying every day to put my flesh under control. I even went through a time when I couldn’t get a job, and I was married, but big up mi wife, she never looked down on me and stuck by my side until things changed. I had anger issues too, and even went to anger management class to help with that. I’m just being real, as those were some of the challenges I faced. But I thank God for changing me, and now I can help others who may be experiencing the same things,” Minister Taf shared.