Singer-songwriter Aduka Newman is a provocative songwriter with a deep love for his country.

He has been raising eyebrows with his brilliantly penned single, Inna Jamdown, for which a video was released recently. He asks tough questions of the political leaders and of the society regarding the bloody violence that plays out in the grimy, desolate areas of the island's inner-city communities.

"The response has been phenomenal so far, a lot of people often ask themselves the same question, and I love being able to give those people a voice because only if we question things can we effect real change," Aduka said.

Born in Kingston to parents Etlyn Jones and Eustas Newman, Aduka has emerged as one of the most powerful new voices in reggae this year. He premiered the video on CVM, HYPE and RE TV over the past month. The ideo is also getting great rotation on CVM Plus.

"I love the support I have been getting from the media for this important message," he said.

the arts

Aduka attended the Bull Bay Primary school and later went to the Donald Quarrie High. During high school, his love for the arts developed, and he also began to participate in track and field and football for the Penton Viel sports club.

Aduka was introduced to music by a friend at age 3. He had a natural knack for writing songs and later learned he was able to express himself better through music. In the early '90s, he started his first recording at Music Asylum studio as a hobby. "Most of my earlier teaching and influence were from roots reggae singer Shanty Roy from the popular group The Congos," he said.

Aduka's first professional recording was in 1998, titled Blackman Liberation.

"The single was inspired and done during the apartheid period, and released on the Full Moon label which was distributed by Tuff Gong," he said.

Aduka has now returned to his music roots with the release of Inna Jamdown. The song which asks tough questions of the academics, politicians and spiritual leaders regarding the brutal crimes, depravity and social disorder that often afflicts Jamaica, is now available on iTunes.