With roots in St. Ann parish, Jamaica, British singer Grantie Asher is eager to make a mark in his parents’ homeland. He makes another attempt to achieve that with ‘Wayside’, his latest song.

Produced and recently released by Yllavation, Grantie Asher wrote ‘Wayside’ while going through personal challenges. He hopes its message of resilience will make an impact in Jamaica.

“For me to get a hit song in Jamaica would not just mean the world to me, but it would prove that being persistent pays off,” he said.

From Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, Grantie Asher is a veteran of the United Kingdom reggae scene. He is best known for songs like ‘Black Skin’ and ‘Ethiopia’, and for working with different producers in that country.

In the 1980s, several British reggae acts found an audience in Jamaica, where most of their parents are from. They include Steel Pulse, Maxi Priest and Smiley Culture.

‘Wayside’ is a major statement for Grantie Asher.

“I was going through a very challenging time personally, and I encouraged myself by believing that Jah would never leave me. That’s where the words came from,” he disclosed.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL