Singer Jahbradez refers to that troubled era of the 70s in Together, his latest song.

This after extensive research in the turbulent and most divisive decade in independent Jamaica.

The South Florida-based artiste wrote the single and co-produced it with Sheldon Townsend.

“Together was inspired by a mix of experiences I have read about in the past and what I’ve been observing in the world around me. There’s been so much division, socially, politically, even within communities, and I felt a strong need to create something that encourages unity and empathy,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “It’s really a reflection of my belief that we’re stronger when we support each other.”

Jahbradez’s research revealed tremendous political and social division in Jamaica throughout the 1970s. That friction started shortly after Michael Manley was elected prime minister in 1972 and governed for eight years on a socialist platform.

Current global instability also inspired Together, which was released in February.

It is the most socially aware track Jahbradez has done since launching his solo career seven years ago.

“I wouldn’t say I’m troubled to the point of losing hope [for world peace], but it definitely concerns me. Sometimes it feels like kindness and compassion take a back seat, especially in today’s fast-paced, digital world,” he said. “That said, I also see moments of incredible generosity and love, and those are the things that inspire me to keep spreading positive messages through my music.”

Born Brady Robinson in Trelawny, Jahbradez is a graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. While attending that school, he was drummer and founding member of Pentateuch, a band that recorded an album, The Genesis, released in 2012.

— Howard Campbell