KINGSTON, Jamaica — Veteran dancehall artiste Sista Maureen is encouraging women to embrace their natural beauty and reject dangerous cosmetic procedures with her new single, “Return To Sender.”

The song was inspired by media reports about women experiencing pain, unpleasant odours, serious complications and, in some cases, death after surgeries went wrong.

“I want listeners to love and embrace who they are, practise self-love and avoid going under the knife,” she said. She also urged women to stop body-shaming each other.

Written by Sista Maureen, the single was produced by her son, recording artiste Chadster, for his AvicoUnited label. She describes the sound as old-school dancehall with a modern twist, reflecting her desire to remain current while preserving her musical identity.

Sista Maureen said the response has been positive because many women are now returning to doctors to remove implants and other enhancements. She plans to promote the message through radio, digital platforms, a music video and live performances.

Sista Maureen started out in the early 1980s, when dancehall was dominated by men. Despite transportation and accommodation challenges that prevented her from attending many dances, Admiral Bailey regularly gave her an opportunity to perform whenever she appeared.

She later became King Jammy’s female recording artiste. One treasured memory is watching King Jammy, Bobby Digital and Steely and Clevie create the Cat Paw riddim before she recorded “Let Them Understand.” She also recorded two versions of “Toots Fi Man,” first for King Tubby and later for King Jammy.

After becoming a mother for the second time, Sista Maureen stepped away from music to raise her children and later migrated to the United States. Encouragement from her children and friends, along with seeing her peers still performing, motivated her return.

She now plans to release more singles before completing an EP and ultimately an album.