Dancehall singjay Chico used his appearance on IRIE FM’s Wake-up Call this morning to make a pointed appeal: music needs to recover the sense of purpose and spirituality he says it has lost. Speaking candidly about the state of the industry, Chico warned that the emotional and spiritual depth that once helped bind artists and fans feels diminished in modern output.
Calling for a spiritual revival
Chico told the programme that contemporary songs across genres now feel shallow in comparison to earlier generations. The singjay summed up his critique bluntly, saying music today feels “lukewarm” when placed alongside the work that inspired former audiences. He argued the issue isn’t limited to dancehall, but is evident across several musical styles.
For Chico, the problem is not simply a matter of sound or trend; it is about substance. He maintains that music historically carried a deeper sense of purpose and spirituality, enabling artistes to forge stronger, more meaningful connections with listeners. That bond, he suggested, is fraying as lyrical and emotional intent recedes.
Chico’s comments arrive amid broader conversations about the direction of Jamaican music, conversations that have intensified as the industry evolves. The singjay used his platform on IRIE FM to urge performers and creators to be deliberate about the messages they put into their songs, calling for a return to artistry that prioritises emotional truth and spiritual resonance.
He framed this as a responsibility for artists: to think carefully about the ideas and feelings they transmit and to consider how those contributions shape audiences and culture. By advocating for intentional messaging, Chico hopes to spark a shift back toward work that moves people not just on the dance floor but in their hearts and minds as well.
Chico is not speaking from an empty microphone. Alongside his critique, he is promoting his own musical offering — an 8-track EP titled Wildcard Volume 1. The EP is described as available “wherever music is sold,” positioning his release as part of the conversation he is trying to steer: a potential exemplar of music made with purpose.
While Chico’s stance is resolute, he presented it as part of an ongoing dialogue about how Jamaican music will evolve. By linking his appeal for spiritual and emotional depth with a tangible release, he is signalling that artists can both critique the present moment and contribute to the change they want to see.
Whether other artists respond by adopting a similar focus remains to be seen, but Chico’s remarks on IRIE FM have added a prominent voice to debates about creativity, intention and the cultural role of music. For now, he is urging peers to reassess priorities and to consider rekindling the spiritual elements that once defined large swathes of popular music.
Chico’s challenge is straightforward: bring back the heart and the higher purpose that made earlier music resonate so powerfully — and let releases like Wildcard Volume 1 lead by example.
