Fed up with negative lyrics, Caboowie pushes ahead with songs that inspire

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dancehall artiste Caboowie is expressing concern about the frequent incidents of violence among school children.

“You see how the children are fighting and misbehaving themselves in the schools and on the streets? Too much negative music is influencing them. They need positive messages and songs that can inspire them,” he decried in an interview with Observer Online recently.

“Too much negativity has influenced these children overtime. It’s time that we call a spade a spade. They need positive messages to inspire them. And as an artiste, I am using my platform and to ensure that I play my part in trying to inspire these young minds with music that uplifts and makes them happy,” Caboowie continued.

Stepping forward with his mission, Caboowie has released the song Cash Cash (Hot Cash) which was released a week ago.

“It is what you feed these young minds. There are several other factors that contribute to how children behave but when you hear the types of songs that they are listening to, what they are playing in the minibuses and gyrating to, it is really of concern.  Discipline starts within the home and as parents we have to do our part to ensure that the minds of the future generation are nurtured in a positive way,” the Spanish Town born artiste declared.

A former student of the Jonathan Grant High school, Caboowie describes his style as “educator aka the Instructor,” blending old-school dancehall roots with a modern delivery. Inspired by icons like Shabba Ranks and Bounty Killer, he is determined to carve his own lane while preserving the essence of authentic dancehall.

“I bring clean, classic music to educate the younger generation in a positive way,” he said, emphasising his commitment to meaningful lyrics in an era he believes needs stronger messages and unity.

Caboowie has been collaborating with King Nifty of Baff Music Group and producer Gideon of Gideon Records, while also building a network of emerging talents including Taskia, Landolyrical, Davidon, and Daki.

Formerly known as Unit, he made the decision to change his name to Caboowie.

“Unit was getting old and there came 50 Cent and G-Unit and I didn’t want to be in that show. I wanted an original name with an original sound,” said the artiste who was born Duran Jeffrey Burnett.

The biggest lesson he has learnt along his 20-year journey in music is never to give up.

“Never stop doing what you love even when it looks like nothing is happening.  Just keep pushing after 20 years this is the first time that I have received so much positive feedback from the public about any of my songs.  And to be honest, the feedback has given me a new drive and motivation to continue on the positive path,” said Caboowie.

Caboowie is also concerned about the lack of unity among some members of the music fraternity.

“Every artiste needs to buss a new artiste that’s the first thing.  They also need to stop looking at it like this who running the music from who is the baddest. That’s killing the culture because fans want to see this artiste and that artiste, that artiste on a track together, rather than seeing all the animosity on social media that is dividing entertainers,” Caboowie shared.