Personal experience has inspired artists to write countless songs, many of which went on to become classics. Rasta Lightening found himself in that position when he wrote ‘The Road we Choose’, his latest song.
Self-produced, it was released on July 22.
Being a devout Rastafarian, the South Florida-based artist prefers to look at the positive side of life. Which is the message behind ‘The Road we Choose’.
“It’s calling for people to make good choices… some people make bad choices and then it can affect their lives,” he said.
Rasta Lightening noted that he wrote ‘The Road We Choose’ based on, ‘things that mi go through’. It reaches out to persons who find themselves in tough situations with little hope of survival.
Originally from Spanish Town, Jamaica’s first capital, Rasta Lightening was raised in an area with a rich music history. ‘Spain’ produced many dancehall acts such as Papa San and Lieutenant Stitchie, as well as roots singer Dennis Walks.
He followed that path 10 years ago when he became a recording artist. Pointing to Bob Marley and Mykal Rose as influences, some of his previous songs include ‘Magga Dog’ and ‘Love of Hispanic Majesty’.
While Rasta Lightening admires reggae’s legends, being original is a big part of his sound.
“My sound is part of the reggae genre, but with a different style,” he said. “My style is totally different from others, but still in the form of reggae.”
WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL