In September, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report showing that there are one billion people suffering globally from mental health disease. Before that startling statistic was revealed, Hopeton Lindo was shocked at the high rate of psychological illness.

It inspired him to write and produce ‘Mental Health Awareness’, a collaboration with fellow singer Anthony Malvo that was released in early November by his Irie Pen Records.

 “I think it (mental health) is too prevalent, as sometimes people miss the signals. Most times there are no signals to notice,” said Lindo.

He wanted a like-minded artist to share his message and felt Malvo was appropriate. They have been friends since pounding the sound system beat in their native Jamaica 40 years ago.

“I selected Anthony Malvo as he’s a great singer and good bredrin of mine who I knew would do justice to the song and he delivered as anticipated,” Lindo disclosed. 

Multi-instrumentalist Paul Gauntlett created the music for ‘Mental Health Awareness’, with Shauna “ShaunaDazzle” Dixon contributing backing vocals. Syl Gordon and the Heavybeat Crew are responsible for engineering, mixing and mastering the song.

In its report, the WHO pointed to the economic, physical and social impact of mental health.

“Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in all countries and communities, affecting people of all ages and income levels. They represent the second biggest reason for long-term disability, contributing to loss of healthy life. They drive up health-care costs for affected people and families while inflicting substantial economic losses on a global scale,” the report found.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL