Conscious reggae artist Joseph Henry was visiting family and friends in Jamaica when he was approached by police who thought he was in a gang.The performer, who goes by stage name Hype Type, said he was thoroughly searched and forced into a police jeep. But they eventually let him go once he explained he was a reggae artist who promoted non-violence, showed them his CD and performed a song.That experience along with the growing violence in Bermuda and Jamaica inspired him to record ‘Stop the Violence, Stop the Crime’.He joined forces with singer Marlon Binns from reggae group Alliance Next Generation (ANG) for the hit song and filmed the music video two months ago.The lyrics, “Stop the violence, stop the crime. Protect the future, uplift the youth and open your eyes”, are aimed at inspiring young people to make better choices.The 36-year-old will host a free concert in Jamaica on December 30 a time he said many Bermudians are in the Caribbean to launch a Stop the Violence campaign.Mr Henry plans to bring the show back to these shores in the New Year. He said he has watched things get progressively worse on the Island and many families and communities are hurting.The reggae artist also hopes the concert can further develop the music industry in Bermuda.He said: “We have a lot of talents here. We need people to take more time out to look at Bermudian artists because if they are supposed to do the real side of the music they need to take it from Bermuda to elsewhere.”It had been in his heart to produce the song, ‘Stop the Violence’, for many years, Mr Henry stated.He said he was surrounded by crime from the time he was born on the Caribbean island of St Thomas. It’s his view that crime appears to be getting worse as more young people are crying out for attention.“They are not getting the right attention so many of the younger generations just let loose and wild in the world.”He started performing when he was 13 years old and has opened up for well-known reggae artists like Sizzla, Buju Banton, Mavado, Beenie Man and Tony Matterhorn. He said the real highlight of his career in Bermuda has been getting his songs played regularly on local radio stations Power 95 and Hott 107.5.Mr Henry currently divides his time between Bermuda and Manchester Mandeville in Jamaica.The entertainer said it was tough getting exposure in the business.“It’s hard for a producer to look at you when you have so much talent out there,” he said.He hopes people will come on board to support his song and the message behind the campaign. “What we are looking for is great support and people can come out and enjoy themselves and greet each other.”Jamaican artists Marshall, UpSurge, Marlon Binns, Iria, Gunghi B, Cool Flex and Whooper will perform at the concert in December.Mr Henry said the Bermuda concert was still being organised by sponsors Get Security, but he expects to hold several in the East, West and central parishes to get the message to as many young people as possible.“We are trying to get the message across in and out of Bermuda. It’s all about getting people together and greeting them, loving them, because everyone is family.”For more information on the concerts e-mail henry.joseph64[AT]yahoo.com. To see the ‘Stop the Violence’ music video visit: http://www.livity.bm/2011/10/04/hype-type-ft-marlon-binns-stop-the-violenceofficial-music-video-2011/