‘Miss Jamaica’ is Jone$ tribute to grandmother - Launches Women’s Month challenge

Zac Jone$ is another entertainer who has a zany spelling to his name – a dollar sign at the end instead of the letter ‘s’ – however, that trait doesn’t translate into his music. The California-based Jamaican rapper is as upstanding as they come, particularly when it comes to paying tribute to women in general, and specifically, his beloved grandmother.

Declaring that he firmly believes in the power of the universe, his latest single, Miss Jamaica, featuring Agent Sasco, has been a labour of love and taught him the value of patience.

“I worked on this project for two years, and finally released it five days before the last Miss World competition. But the truth is that when I was dropping the song, I wasn’t even thinking about the contest. Only to know that Miss Jamaica broke a 26-year drought and went on to win the title, and the song just fit in nicely with everything. But that’s how things always work together in my life,” he said.

Always ready to hail the strength and beauty of women, Jone$ told The Sunday Gleaner that he has been inspired by the all the wonderful women in his life. “I was raised by a family of very strong women. My grandmother, my mother and my aunt all played vital roles along the way,” he reflected. “When I was younger and just making music, I used to use a lot of expletives – I still use some – and my grandma would urge me to do something inspirational. She passed away before she could hear this song, and that’s why at the end of the video, it says that it’s dedicated to her. I know she’s up there smiling right now,” he said.

Ever since the release of the single last year, Jone$ has been enjoying positive feedback, and that has increased significantly upon the stunning visuals being dropped in January. Produced by on-the-rise producer Iotosh and directed by Jone$ and Jesse Suchomel of Jone$ Stony Official label, the video storyboard “documents the artistes’ visit to scenic locations in each parish while highlighting the equally beautiful women of different backgrounds that make up Jamaica, showing that every woman is a Miss Jamaica in her own way”.

He is now focusing on an online challenge which will encourage men to take pictures and videos with their ‘Miss Jamaicas’ during the month of March, which is dedicated to women, post it on their IG story and tag both Zac and Agent Sasco, along with three friends, challenging them to do the same. The winner will be chosen randomly, “so the more times you enter, the better your chances of winning”.

The competition lasts until March 31 and the prize is J$100,000, and even that has a component that will see women benefiting. The entertainer explained that $50,000 and a bottle of Bottega sparkling wine will go to the winner along with his Miss Jamaica, and, in recognition of Women’s Month, the other $50,000 will be donated to a women’s charity or non-profit organisation chosen by the winner.

“A very important message we want the men to learn from this challenge is this: ‘Don’t be afraid to show that you love your woman’. This is a timely message, especially now, when we hear about so many women being the victims of domestic violence,” Jone$ said.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com