Ghanaian reggae and dancehall artist Jah Lead has revealed that his music is inspired by a desire to use art as a tool to address social issues and preserve his culture.
Born Emmanuel Essel, Jah Lead, who also serves as a Sergeant in the Ghana Police Service, shared his journey and motivation in an exclusive interview.
He recounted that his early years in boarding school shaped his outlook on life and influenced his music.
“At a very tender age of five years, I was taken to a boarding house, and over there, you learn how to live with people. You cannot change anybody, but you can adjust how to live with people. That has become the prompt for my music. I have always felt music can be used as that tool to fix social imbalances.”
Jah Lead
Jah Lead added that beyond entertainment, music plays a critical role in preserving culture.
“Music is a part of culture, and it defines our way of life. With music, we can preserve the language, customs, food, and everything about a people’s culture and their way of life. That is what I saw and that is what made me want to do music—not just for the money or the glam of it.”
Jah Lead
The artist is known for fusing conscious reggae messages with contemporary dancehall rhythms, earning him a reputation as one of Ghana’s socially aware musicians.
In a world where injustice persists, music remains a vital tool for resistance and reform. Jah Lead’s mission to use his music as a platform for addressing social imbalances is both commendable and necessary.
His work reminds individuals that every song carries potential—not only to entertain, but to educate, to mobilize, and to inspire. Artists who take up this challenge do more than create soundtracks for lives—they help shape the future of societies.
Jah Lead Joined Ghana Police Service To Honour Father
The Ghanaian reggae and dancehall artist revealed that his decision to join the Ghana Police Service was inspired by a promise he made to his late father.
Jah Lead, who now serves as a Sergeant in the Police Service, shared his story.
He recalled that his father, a senior police officer, had encouraged him during his university years to consider joining the Police Service as a way of securing stability as a young man.
“My dad, who at the time was a senior police officer, said to me when I was in university, to consider applying to the Ghana Police Service after school. He advised that, as a young man, starting life with the police will help me because the government will take care of some essential things, and I will enjoy some benefits that could stabilise me.”
Jah Lead
According to him, his father’s guidance was clear: “He then told me to complete school at least and give him the certificate, then I can go ahead and do what I want to do.”
“Later on, he would remind me of this proposal to join the police service… In fact, he mentioned that as he was alive, he could see to it, and because I was a graduate, I could start from an officer position.”
Jah Lead
However, his father passed away during his final year at the university, changing the course of his life.
“All these times he was telling me these things, I didn’t really consider them because I wanted to follow my music career. But when he passed, it now dawned on me, and I considered his proposal as an honour to him before I thought about what I wanted to do for myself.”
Jah Lead
He added that joining the Police Service not only allowed him to honour his father’s memory but also created a foundation that supported his music career.
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