Trench Town is a community steeped in the tradition of Jamaican music artforms and culture. Branded as the birthplace of reggae, a widespread belief commemorated in several songs by Bob Marley and The Wailers such as ‘No Woman No Cry’ and ‘Trench Town Rock’ among others, the community has been dubbed the ‘cradle of Jamaican music’. Marley, a global music icon, was instrumental in the positioning of reggae by embedding it in the roots of Trench Town.

Like many youths from inner-city communities, Vyzadon has turned to music as his ‘voice of reason’. His latest single ‘Trench Town’ embraces the richness of reggae music through icons from the community who excelled while illuminating the harsh socio-economic issues facing citizens of the community.

“I was born and raised in Trench Town. I grew up seeing the influence of reggae giants on my community and was driven by the impact they created but I was never blinded by the struggles my family and those around me faced over the years,” said Vyzadon.

Artistes such as Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Delroy Wilson, Alton Ellis, and Dean Fraser are just a few of the icons who hail from the community. Fast forward to the year 2021 when fast-rising artiste Vyzadon, who was born and raised in the Trench Town, is releasing visuals for a video for the Trench Town single. The video for the single was recently shot at Culture Yard and along Fourth Street in Trench Town, Kingston. The single is set to be released on all digital platforms in the 2nd week of February 2021.

He has embraced his birthplace, despite the stigma of crime and violence often associated with it.

Trench Town, which has been riddled with crime for some time now, has been labeled as a ‘no-go zone’ to the detriment of several tour guides and business owners within the community.

“During the month of February (Reggae Month/Black History Month), government and other officials embrace the community and position their messages to the press of Trench Town being an oasis for reggae, which is true. On the other hand, it can also be a nightmare for some. What we would like to see are more training facilities and opportunities, job creation for youths, and stronger tactics to fight crime and violence,” Vyzadon said.

The single ‘Trench Town’ produced by Echo One Production caught the attention of the organizers of Bob Marley’s 76th virtual birthday celebration under the theme, ‘Survival’. Produced by the Bob Marley Foundation in partnership with other Marley family entities and Jamaica’s Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, the virtual celebration streamed on Tuff Gong Television/YouTube as well as all MCGES social media platforms and will be the 1st platform that the artiste has performed the single.

“This stage meant a great deal to me, it will be my 3rd time performing at a Marley Festival, and the timing of the release of this single with the present state on Trench Town was ideal. Bob Marley taught us that music with a strong message can live on forever and I believe that this single and its significance will have longevity,” he added.

“Freedom fighting music coming out of Trench Town… it’s very good for Vyzadon to give a tribute and salute to this historic music place. Trench Town is the heartbeat for reggae music around the world. I would like to have the song on my next compilation album which will be headlined by Julian Marley,” Sean Contractor Edwards, executive producer of the Contractor Music Group, said.

Vyzadon can be followed on Instagram @Vyzadon and on Twitter and Facebook @VyzadonOfficial.