Singjay Shalkal is spreading a message of self-reliance and self-determination on his latest track, Destiny.

“To see so many people who can’t be themselves but who choose to live by the perception of others is very heartbreaking. How we dress and the way we look, these trends tell us, communicate an outward expression of how we choose to live, but we have to free ourselves of these chains of materialism,” said Shalkal, whose real name is Shalkal Carty.

Destiny was released on Spotify and other downloadable platforms in the first week of December on the Shalkal Music Productions label.

Shalkal wants Jamaicans to embrace the concepts of self-love and self-care.

“As black people, we’re rarely given the opportunity to imagine and dream a life for ourselves on our own terms but it is time for us to determine our own destiny.

“Destiny is more than a song. It’s a movement of awareness, self-determination, and righting the wrongs of the past that have continued to linger in the present day and hold us back as a nation. This song is about freeing yourself mentally,” he said.

Shalkal grew up in Runaway Bay, St Ann, and attended York Castle High. He migrated to the United States in 2008 and began to work at his craft.

“Music has always been used as a form of entertainment and an influence. Regardless of what your message is, you’re influencing people. Their moods, their belief systems…you’re influencing something in their life,” Shalkal said.

Shalkal is known for songs including Ungrateful, Put God First, and Money Dance.