Three local musicians have come together to record a powerful song against violence, in light of the shooting and killing of Charlene Ellis and Letisha Shakespeare. We caught up with Witness to talk about the single.

"Ghetto Cry, sums up how people in the community are feeling. Enough is enough." Witness explains, when asked about the inspiration behind the title of the song.

A born again Christian from Lozells in Handsworth, Witness, an award winning gospel artist, wrote Ghetto Cry three years ago, but was looking for the right time to release it. Following the shootings of Letisha Shakespeare and Charlene Ellis on New Years Day he felt the time was now.

Witness performing

The original version is a strong dancehall track which would only appeal to fans who like that genre.

The song has been re - recorded as an RnB/hip hop track, to appeal to a wider audience. It has also been slowed right down to give people the chance to hear the message of the song.

Michael Wayne, a local singer from Aston in Birmingham, has contributed to the track along with Spanna who wrote and sings a verse on the single.

Spanna (a tool in Gods hand), from Handsworth in Birmingham was delighted to take part in making the song. He says, "What's happening in the community is real life, it's a sign of the times."

Mama's crying in the ghetto... Daddy's crying in the ghetto... Brothers and sisters crying in the ghetto... too much crying in the ghetto, because of the violent killings.

Lyrics from the single 'Ghetto Cry'

"The message of the song is ‘life is for living’.
Alot of people say that music hasn’t got anything to do with what’s going on. But words are stronger when put to a melody because it starts to affect your subconscious mind in a way that other forms of medium can’t do."

"Most young people’s bible is MTV, that’s where they find their latest fashion, talk and new dances," said Witness.

He goes on to say, "Music is a very powerful medium and so easily influences the minds of people. What you listen to and what you see is what you become."

Life and death is in the power of the tongue.

- Witness

Witness and the other singers are hoping the single will get noticed by a record label and the song will be reproduced and marketed for a mainstream audience.

All money raised from the sale of the single will go towards community youth development projects.

The original backing track was done by Judge Dread, a local musician now signed to a major record label in London. The song will be performed live at a community service at Aston Villa Football Ground on Sunday 19th January 2003.

"I would like to get my music into the mainstream and hopefully play a part in shaping young people’s minds," said Witness.

Listen to 'Ghetto Cry' in full here
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Home Secretary David Blunkett recently launched an attack on violent gangster rap music, condemning it as "appalling".

Macka B

Now Wolverhampton reggae artist Macka B has said he believes the music industry should have more of a consience, but the issues go much deeper than the music.

"If you only look at part of the problem you will never solve the problem."

Macka B has been interested in music from an early age. He found his inspiration from reggae music - listening to such greats as Burning Spear, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh to name but a few.