Isiah Mentor Releases Video For Single ‘God is On My Side’

Kingston-born reggae artist Isiah Mentor has released a plaintive gospel-tinged song God Is On My Side, that offers a well-spring of hope and solace for Jamaicans in challenging times.

“It is an inspirational and motivational song for people right now, just to give them a spiritual escape. It is a free spirited inspirational song to find a way out of their financial troubles, the violence, the health challenges caused by this COVID-19 pandemic,” he told DancehallMag.

God Is On My Side was released on February 28 on his own Village Roots label along with visuals on YouTube.

The singer is a firm believer in nationalism grounded in spirituality, even in the face of shifting cultural values.

“The Jamaica I know is changing, and there are people hell bent on changing our culture, our society and our value systems, we need good, decent righteous God-fearing citizens to stand up and take our country back. I am doing my part in reminding people of the love and resources we have, we can’t lose our culture, we need to save our country, and only God can help us do that,” he said.

Isiah Mentor is not afraid to tackle social issues and controversial topics as he released an anti-gang song called Gangland, aimed at pushing gangs out of the urban communities and promoting good police community initiatives that limit the power of gangs. He also did a song hitting out against vigilante justice with a song called God ah Go Deal With Them to address the rash of violent and sexual acts committed against young girls.

Born Ian Samuels, the singer was born in Rae Town, Kingston. He attended Tivoli Gardens and Charlie Smith high schools. After graduation, he started his music career, using the moniker Lilly Melody, at King Tubbys Studio on the Waterhouse and Firehouse labels. He has had the opportunity to work with producers Sly and Robbie and several of the top musicians in Jamaica over the past two decades.

He released an album, Give It to Me, years ago.

He migrated to the United States when he was in his early 20s. Due to his religious beliefs, he relocated to Shashamane in Ethiopia in 2011. He has lived in various parts of the world, including Africa, Europe, the UK and the US and been exposed to many different cultures and genres of music, which influence his music.

“I have also realized that the most potent sounds come from Africa and I have come up with a brand-new sound, Ancestral Cries, which I will share with the world,” he said.