Usain Bolt Calls Out SSL Fraudsters With ‘Cryptic World’ Song After Losing US$ 10 Million
Retired sprint legend turned music producer Usain Bolt has taken a jab at the white collar criminal(s) at Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) who are responsible for fleecing his investment account of approximately J$1.2 billion, (just under US$10 million), leaving only US$2,000.
The news broke last week causing outrage and confusion among many of the track star’s fans. Bolt on the other hand was tight-lipped until this morning (January 16) when he posted a five-second snippet of his 2022 track Cryptic World, on Twitter.
“In a World of Lies….Where is the Truth?The History Evil….What is the Root?…MONEY #CrypticWorld”
According to a report by the Jamaica Observer, Bolt is one of at least 30 victims of fraud at the financial institution.
Bolt’s funds, which were deposited in 2012, were reportedly allocated for his retirement. He reportedly never made a withdrawal.
According to an Observer source, SSL was aware of the fraudulent activities since August 2022, however, the suspected culprit was still employed up until January 11, 2023. The company has involved the authorities in conducting a thorough investigation.
On Monday, Ghetto Story deejay Cham called on the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to address the matter.
“Jamaica We Have To Protect National Treasures!! @usainbolt Deserves Better,” Cham wrote alongside a video clip of himself speaking on the matter.
“We Need To Hear From The Prime Minister And The Minister Of Finance, Assuring Us That Jamaicans Are Safe To Invest In Jamaica.”
“How someone like Usain Bolt that has given the country so much you know what I mean and has done so much for the country, tourism on a whole. Just giving so much joy to the people,” Cham said in the video.
“How them can fraud this man yah of him retirement money, and I don’t hear the Minister of Finance speaking out. I don’t hear the Prime Minister speaking out. I don’t hear the people who we put in these power to oversee and make sure them protect Jamaicans. What are they trying to say that we Jamaicans should not invest in our own country? Yow it don’t look good. Not looking good at all.”
Cham continued: “We need to step up; we need to speak up; we need to hear from the Prime Minister; we need to hear from the Minister of Finance; we need to hear from these people what they gonna do to make sure that Usain Bolt can smile.”
“Him deserve that, he has given all of us so much joy and done so much for the country. This is Jamaica, do better.”
‘Cryptic World’
Bolt’s song Cryptic World, a collaboration with his best friend and manager Nugent ‘NJ’ Walker is said to be a commentary on social issues in Jamaica. The A-team Lifestyle production was released on October 7, 2022.
“As I continue to learn, grow and evolve in the music business it’s important that I produce different types of music. I have done party songs, lifestyle etc., so now I’m producing another social commentary type of music that addresses the many issues facing our society,” Bolt had said in an official release published on his website.
He went on to say: “I am a person that connects with people daily. Everyday I meet someone who shares struggles that they are faced with … asking me how I can assist. So this song, ‘Cryptic World’, is my way of saying to people, yes, I hear their voices, and will always do my best in my own little way to help or just shed some light on the different issues.”
Cryptic World was penned by NJ to call out the unacceptable state of affairs in the country, that particularly stifles the poor; or in many instances leaves honest breadwinners with the shorter end of the stick.
“Dem sabotage education, that’s why teachers are the worst paid,” sings Walker, as he echoes the sentiments of most Jamaicans who have had a front-row seat to the seemingly mass migration of the nation’s educators, with the country’s Education Minister confirming, in August, Jamaica’s loss of 167 teachers over a two-month period.
“I am always writing different types of songs. After speaking with a practicing educator friend of mine, who shared how challenging things are, I was moved to write “Cryptic World”. “I believe the song echoes the emotions of many, making it one of my best songs yet,” Walker said.
Bolt was reported to have been working on his second album, after the first one Country Yutes, another collaboration with NJ, peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart in 2021.
“In a World of Lies….Where is the Truth?
The History Evil….What is the Root?…MONEY #CrypticWorld pic.twitter.com/vhN0PfKFKz— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) January 16, 2023
Bolt still holds the record for the fastest man in the world with a time of 9.58 seconds for the 100M men. He walked away from track in 2017, and has since focused his attention on music.