Recording artiste Jermaine Balance is using music to spotlight one of Jamaica’s most talked-about issues with the release of his latest single, The Roads, which was released on May 26 on Di Genius’s Hill & Gully rhythm.

The socially conscious track addresses the state of the nation’s roadways, a topic that resonates with many Jamaicans who navigate deteriorating roads and traffic challenges daily.

According to the artiste, the inspiration for the song came directly from the realities being experienced across the country.

“The inspiration for this song arose by the present road situation our country is facing right now,” said the entertainer, whose given name is Jermaine Richards.

While the song is featured on the popular rhythm, he added that the track was produced independently through his own label.

“I am producing this song through my company, Spanish Town Records. It is a self-produced single,” he explained.

Since its release, the artiste says the response has been encouraging, with listeners connecting strongly to the song’s message.

“The listener feedback has been great. People are gravitating to the song as it is an issue that we are all faced with daily,” he noted.

A native of the St John’s Gardens community in Spanish Town, St Catherine, Jermaine Balance has been involved in music since the late 1990s, building his career through recordings and live performances over the years.

“I’ve been an artiste since the late 90s, did a few recordings and stage shows over the years. My last stage show was Ghetto Splash 2024,” he said.

He believes his strength as an artiste lies in his ability to tell stories that reflect Jamaican culture and everyday experiences.

“My storytelling skills and the way my songs relate culturally,” said Jermaine Balance when asked what sets him apart from other entertainers.

One of his earlier releases was Girlfriend, from 2007. He has also released two singles from an upcoming EP that is currently in development.

Looking ahead, the artiste hopes to collaborate with dancehall icon Bounty Killer, whom he credits as a major source of inspiration throughout his musical journey.

“I would like to collaborate with Bounty Killer. He is an artiste that has motivated me over the years and he always does good collaborations,” he said.

With new music in circulation and a larger project on the horizon, the artiste has ambitious plans for the future.

“Doing a lot of shows and touring the world to spread my music,” he said of where he sees his career in the next five years.

— Kediesha Perry