Nassau, Bahamas - With knowledge being the key to success and the lack of knowledge the peril, as written in the scriptures, Mr. J encourages all school students to stay in school, with his new Junkanoo single, titled, Stay In School. The song addresses the number of problems teachers are faced with on a daily basis by students and highlights areas of concerns that students should focus on.  Cases of disruptive students, violent behavior, class clowns and instigators, just to name a few, are some of the issues both teachers and students contend with, that hamper a healthy learning environment. 

“With the passing of VAT, a precursor to the Bahamas’ ascension to the WTO, and a possible gateway of increased outside competition at home, a solid educational foundation is critical to the very survival of the Bahamian way of life. Violence, crime and poverty are sure fruits of a low average population. We must do all we can to inspire our children to strive for excellence in their area of gifting”.

The song was inspired by an invitation Mr. J received from the school attendance unit in the ministry of education, to address the students of A.F. Adderly & D.W. Davis concerning the importance of remaining in school and receiving an education. “I didn’t have a song to fit the format of the sessions I was invited to. I had in the vicinity of about  three weeks to write an original song, practice and memorize it amidst a busy work schedule.

The original version was dancehall style but I decided to switch to Junkanoo to embrace and express our vernacular, that even grandmothers can appreciate”. Stay in school underscores the worrying exam results released earlier in August 2014, that indicated on average, that students continued to earn low grades in the core subjects of math and English. There was also a marginal rise in the G grades, which is the lowest, and it was noted that difficulty in comprehension and problem solving skills are evident. In concluding the second verse of the song, Mr. J remind students that it’s ok if they don’t understand a particular subject of study and asking for an explanation does not mean they are dumb.

“If you have a question, ask the question, no you een da dumb one cuz you een understand”. Asking questions and receiving an explanation is all a part of the preparation process for great exam results, graduation, matriculation and becoming qualified in a career area. This adds productivity to the country and makes it a prosperous and stable society.

Plans are in the making for a music video shoot for the song. Persons that are interested in being a part of the video can reach out to Mr. J on Facebook by searching MrJ Bahamas and send a message Stay In School video. The song is can be requested on all local stations including the Family Islands.