Singer, rappers speak out against gun violence in the city.
Singer-songwriter 'Chach' speaks out against gun violence at a press conference Friday, Nov. 26 in the wake of Toronto's latest shootings. The presser was held behind the bus shelter at Dundas St. West and Howland Avenue where 18-year-old Jarvis St. Remy was shot last May.
Staff photo/LISA RAINFORD
A pop, R&B singer and a group of rappers banded together to speak out against the recent rash of gun violence on Toronto's streets, Friday, Nov. 26.
Chach, the voice of songs 'Starlight' and 'Longtime' and rappers Addi "Mindbender" Stewart and Kay Jeezy spoke to media at the corner of Dundas Street West and Howland Avenue behind the bus stop where 18-year-old Jarvis St. Remy was shot and killed. The Western Technical Commercial School graduate, who had been out visiting a friend, died May 9, 2009. His death remains unsolved.
In the wake of the city's latest murders, such as aspiring rapper Andrew "Philly" Dowden, whose bullet riddled body was discovered in the Humber River between Finch Avenue and Rexdale Boulevard in July, crime advocate and music editor Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo called on artists to denounce guns in their music.
"We need to drop the weapons and write music instead," urged Kay Jeezy, 9, otherwise known as KJ The Kid Reporter (KJ Taiwo).
Singer-songwriter turned activist Chach took part in the annual Walk for Justice alongside families of murdered victims and police, Oct. 24.
"I'm about positivity. Don't take everything you listen to to heart," cautioned Chach, who wants music to be an instrument that mobilizes. "I'm here to speak out. I'd like to think of myself as a positive influence. If you think positive, good things will happen to you."
Sgt. Jeff Pearson, who coordinates the Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (TAVIS), told reporters that shooting-related violence has decreased over the past year in Toronto.
"That being said, even one shooting is too many," he said.
In an effort to reach out to youth, Pearson said TAVIS connected with Toronto-based rappers and asked them to record anti-violence messages, which can be heard on urban radio stations Flow 93.5FM and Z103.5FM.
"We are experiencing a rash of homicides," said Pearson. "Everyone has to work together to stop this."
Can the gun violence be attributed to the negative messages in some hip hop music? Stewart says no.
"Taking 50 Cent CDs off shelves won't stop the violence. It's not that simple," he said. "They're not the cause of violence in society. These kids have problems whether or not they listen to hip hop music or not."
Stewart said the problem is "the economy of guns."
"Somebody's getting rich off this and it's obviously not the kids," he said.
All violence, said Stewart, comes from selfishness. The key is to "keep your heart open to care about another life," said the 20-year music veteran.
"I don't even like to speak about violence," said Stewart. "I speak about love (in my music)."