Dancehall artiste Keywee has welcomed the increase in Jamaica’s national minimum wage but he is still warning that inflation is outstripping the increase in the ‘liveable wage”.
“Nine to five a kill we, it a beat we. We have to give thanks for the minimal increase of the minimum wage but it’s still small, like the grain of salt. I lift my hat to all who’re still doing their nine to five jobs because it is rough to make ends meet. We barely ah live on the ‘liveable wage’, but we grateful for the increase, “ he said.
Effective July 1, Jamaica’s national minimum wage is $17,000 per 40-hour workweek, up from $16,000. This translates to a standard hourly wage of $425 per hour, with overtime pay at $637.50 per hour and double-time at $850 per hour. The new ‘liveable wage’ orders apply to both general regular workers and industrial security guards, alongside their existing allowances. Keywee’s song highlights the struggles of traditional jobs.
“The feedback from the song, especially overseas in markets like Kenya and Canada, has been excellent. I’ve been getting requests for shows … so we’re grateful for the progress,” he said. The single appears on the ‘Jamtor’ rhythm which also features Semojrah Naki, a collaboration between Nature Ellis and Keywee, Empress Leh Leh, Planky Don, Izrel Di Cotton Pikka and Kae Music.
Keywee is known for singles such as Melanin Pop (2020), Clean Like Skeleton (2020), and Nuh Use to Gyal (2021). Keywee has been confirmed to perform at the OASIS Music Festival in Canada scheduled for August 29.
