At 19 years-old, Vycedon belongs to a demographic in Jamaica that is burdened by frustration. There is high unemployment among the youth and many of his peers believe the only way to achieve a better life is going overseas.

Despite that gloomy scenario, the budding deejay paints an optimistic picture on ‘Motivation’, his latest song. Produced by Syn Citi Entertainment, it was released on February 3.

According to Vycedon, he has never been short on confidence and is determined for his music to reflect his positive outlook.

“Me’s a person who believe in pushing myself to reach far and working towards my goals. Once mi have di Creator by my side, anything is possible,” he said.

‘Motivation’ is the second song released by the St Mary-born artiste who was born Renaldean Callam. His first single, ‘More Rum’, was released last summer.

Unlike many teens seeking a career in the competitive dancehall arena, Vycedon left school with a promising future. He has six CXC subjects to his credit, and shortly after graduating from Iona High School in St Mary, he enrolled at HEART Academy in Runaway Bay, St Ann to develop his skills in the hospitality industry.

Having an alternative career, he stressed, is critical.

“Dat’s why mi always choose school, ‘cause if yuh don’t get certain acknowledgement (in music) yuh can still make a decent living elsewhere,” he said.

Howard Campbell