Dancehall artiste Waspp is now trying to pick up the pieces and move on with his life after fire gutted his three-bedroom house situated on Verene Avenue, Cassia Park, last week.

It's understood the tragedy struck last Tuesday afternoon while the deejay was at a studio session recording material for an upcoming project. According to accounts from family members, the blaze started in the living-room area and quickly spread throughout the entire house. Amid the melee an alarm was raised.

Despite the best efforts of the local authorities and residents, the occupants who were home at the time were forced to watch their investments go up in flames as the fire raged uncontrollably but was eventually brought under control. Preliminary investigations revealed the blaze was caused by a short in an electric fan. Damage is estimated to be in the millions.

According to Waspp, "It's very disheartening to see all your family's years of hard work gone up in smoke, but more importantly, give thanks for life. I'm just happy no one died. My mother, father and some other relatives were home at the time of the fire."

A seemingly somber Waspp continued, "This tragedy has set us (me and my family) back significantly but once there is life there is hope, so we just gonna keep pressing on, no matter how long it takes."

The artiste, whose given name is Marvin Clarke, in May returned from a month-long promotional tour of North America where he performed at several popular events on the US club circuit. He also released a new single titled Hardcore Vibes accompanied by a mini documentary shot in the environs of his home town. The documentary explains the concept behind the song and provides visual insights of typical life in the inner city community seen through the eyes of Waspp and his compatriots.

The remains of entertainer Waspp's family home. - Contributed