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SPEAKING OUT: Ghetts want to use his platform to spread positivity

VETERAN GRIME artist Ghetts has opened up about his inspiration behind his latest single Black Rose, a lyrical letter on colourism within the black community.

In an interview with Channel 4 News, Ghetts, whose real name is Justin Clarke, spoke about how having a daughter had encouraged him to explore new perspectives with his music.

When asked how he came to produce songs with a feminist outlook, he said: “That’s not on purpose though, that’s just me looking at the struggle of a black woman and looking at my daughter and saying, you may have that struggle one day. Let me do something with my platform to ease your pain.”

In Black Rose Ghetts opens with the words: “My daughter she a princess
The world ain’t slaughtering her skin yet. These Kayne's have not become important to the Kim's yet. But when she gets older they’ll be brothers same colour as her Pappa who will not be showing any sort of interest.”

He also reflects on how colourism impacts on men within the black community with the lyrics: “Brothers back home using cake soap. I’m only caked up cos I make doe. We’re all try stay afloat in the same boat. But I’m trying to be the goat not scapegoat. Are you aware of who I am. There’s something called opinions and I really can’t escape those. Ew he’s black and he’s ugly. Nah, I’m black and I’m lovely.”

Speaking on Channel 4 News, the 33-year-old, did not openly say that black men within the industry had let black women down but he did state that he believes there is a disconnect in the black community when it comes to black women.

As well as wanting to use his platform to show love to black women, Ghetts, who stars in The Intent 2: The Come Up, released September 21, also expressed a desire to be an example to young black boys and men.

Himself a man who has turned his life around after prison, Ghetts, formerly known as Ghetto, said that society needs to focus on the root of the problem before looking to blame artists whose music reflects their reality.

“Don’t kill me. I’m just a mirror.

“They use the drill mandem, the grime mandem and everybody that’s really talking about what’s happening on the streets as a scapegoat. Well, let’s lead by example. Brothers that are young are watching those brothers doing things that they never thought was possible – performing to the sizes of crowds that they never thought was possible – and are inspired by that. Man are really inspired that, like, we can do anything.”

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