Macka Diamond Brings Awareness To Domestic Violence In New Video, ‘Talk Up’

Veteran Dancehall artiste Macka Diamond is shining a spotlight on domestic violence with the release of the music video for her new single ‘Talk Up’. The entertainer is serious about facing up to this kind of violence, so she’s sharing her thoughts on action.

The song, produced by Outfytt Records, focuses on women who suffer abuse in silence and encourages victims to talk up and speak their truth. “Nah badda tek no apology // Nah mek yuh relationship mek you end up inna cemetry,” Macka sings as she urges victims to say no to domestic abuse and to seek help.

The new music video, directed and edited by Wilmot Films, shows some chilling yet typical situations that have led to domestic abuse cases in Jamaica.

The visuals have arrived at the right time since experts have expressed caution in the lull in calls to Jamaica’s largest residential facility for victims of domestic violence since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. “Women may not be reporting domestic abuse because they have far too many other things to think about,” said Dr Veronica Salter, a psychotherapist and counsellor.

“A woman in a violent situation is the last person to think of herself in that situation. She has to think about the family, where she’s gonna get food and all these other things.”

In Jamaica, over 1 in 4 women will experience intimate partner violence at some point in their lifetimes, according to unwomen.org.

Macka held a premiere party online via Zoom to celebrate the release of the new song with her Money Diamonds (her fans), who have been very supportive the dancehall artiste’s message.

“The message in this song is so profound I hope women recieve what you’re saying. It’s never ok to settle for abuse,” said one #moneydiamond.  Another added, “Powerful message macka, especially right now in this pandemic, there’s a lot of abuse behind close doors. Love love this song.”

Watch the official video for Talk Up below.