Dancehall artiste Benzly Hype is urging Jamaicans to take COVID-19 seriously.
The veteran deejay says coronavirus is no joke, as he lost his uncle, Barry Morris, to the virus on Sunday.
“I want to encourage everyone to just lock in and ride out this and remember we don’t know the full extent of this virus as yet because every week we learn something new so we have to be extra careful. I am really worried about Jamaica because some of us lack discipline and we need this now more than ever. We just have to follow the prevention tips,” he said.
Morris had been living in the United Kingdom, where the virus has been wreaking havoc in recent weeks. The death toll is already over 1,400 while more than 22,000 have been tested positive.
According to Benzly, he was aware his uncle was sick but was shocked when he actually died.
“He was having breathing issues and was taken to the hospital and has been there for about a week but I thought he was getting better. I was shocked when I got the call from my dad that he had coronavirus. I know he was a smoker but I am not aware of him having any underlying issues … it is really sad and unfortunate,” he said.
Benzly, who is currently in Toronto, Canada, says he has not left his house in two weeks. According to the deejay he is taking the virus very seriously and doing everything to protect himself and others.
“We are doing everything possible to prevent contracting the disease so we leave our clothes at the door and spray our coats and shoes and hands,” he said.
Like many others, the deejay says it has set back his plans but he is using the time to reflect.
“The virus has stalled up the Innocent Kru album called The Lost Tapes as well as a video that was being done. My entire schedule for the year has been changed but I use this time to reset and refocus on my life.”
Benzly Hype is a founding member of the Dancehall outfit Innocent Kru. Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, the group scored several hits including “Impossible Train” and “Break Down.”
