Dancehall sensation Cartadon has many reasons to smile of late considering the fact that he literally escaped death. The Kingston native who recently peaked at number six on the USA’s iTunes Reggae Singles Chart alongside Dovey Magnum is a victim of gun violence.

The deejay, who was recently shot several times by unknown assailants and was presumed dead, not only survived to tell the tale but has been creating his own niche musically.

“My story is the type you read about in fictional novels. However it is the harsh reality of the street. I was at the wrong place at the wrong time and the rest was a horror movie but I survived and it made me stronger and smarter,” Cartadon said.

The multifaceted entertainer said he still lives with the pain of the gunshot wounds, some of which are still lodged in his body. According to Cartadon, his music is self medicating and represents a gateway to a better life.

“Music is both my passion and my way out. Everytime I go into the studio, I give it my all because I always remember that I could have not been here so I don’t waste even a second of my time,” Cartadon said.

Currently, Cartadon is enjoying the momentum around his music and brand. He recently scored his first internationally charting single entitled Motion which features Dovey Magnum. He also recently signed a management deal with international US-based record label Boston Boys Records.

READ: Squash’s protégé Cartadon pushes on after multiple gunshots in drive-by