Recording artiste and philanthropist, Jeffrey ‘Agent Sasco’ Campbell, has pointed out that the newly constructed Black Diamond recording studio at Metcalfe Street Juvenile Remand Centre, will now serve as a rehabilitation outlet that will aid youths in fostering their creativity.
This declaration was made at the unveiling ceremony for the Black Diamond recording studio on Wednesday, December 15.
In an interview with SLEEK Jamaica Media, he noted that this initiative was birthed from a thought process that he had to transform the lives of the youth and foster development practices.
This idea came into fruition by the members of the We Transform Foundation along with other partners.
“I have been a WeTransform ambassador and mentor since 2017. Since then, we have had a few projects including the reviving of a ‘model dorm’, which had some extra amenities, as an incentive for good behavior,” he told SLEEK. “The studio renovation was immediately identified as a priority project as most of the wards often voiced their interest in music and Superintendent Elliott also advocated for it. Work began around October of 2020, with Digicel Foundation as our main partner,” he added.
Agent Sasco further pointed out that this mission, as outlined by the We Transform mentorship programme, is primarily aimed at introducing these youths to tangible skill sets that will aid in propelling them to be upstanding members of society.
“The overall mission of We Transform is to reduce recidivism amongst juveniles through mentorship, life skills training, educational and entrepreneurial grants, employment, and by providing opportunities for exposure to numerous vocations,” he outlined.
He also noted that with music being a significant part of our cultural fabric and a main interest that is pursued by the wards, it would make sense to construct the studio that will serve as an outlet for them to pursue their musical inclinations.
“Music is a significant part of our cultural fabric and is definitely one of the main interests of many of the wards,” he noted. “Obviously, I can personally testify to the transformational value of music, and getting the opportunity to pursue my passion for music has certainly transformed my life.”
This studio, he added is one of the greatest projects we hope will facilitate the transformation we wish for all young men.
He further pointed out that the music coming from the black diamond recording studio will in no way depict or promote violence.
Sasco pointed out that plans will also be set forward to construct a workshop for these youths.
“Our next project, which is going to be a workshop in association with the folks at H&L, we’ll work alongside. It’s really about instructions, different things, it’s speaking alongside the youth, so I’m really excited about that,” he stated.
