Jamaican born dance hall artist Joseph Henry is convinced music can have a powerful message.

The artist, who goes by stage name Hype Type, said his latest mixtape called ‘Life Journey’ was his way of sharing some of his experiences to uplift and inspire others.

Mr Henry has worked for years in Bermuda as a barber, and said the Island’s radio stations and residents have been great supporters of his music.

His latest 27 song mixtape features Bermudian artists like Slanger, Marlon Binns and Jamaican reggae star Sizzla.

Mr Joseph shares his stance on how the violence is damaging communities here and overseas through songs like ‘Gang Warfare’ and the previously released ‘Stop The Violence’.

He said he has seen people in his home country killed “for stupidness like girls or phones” or due to political violence.

The reggae artist was deeply impacted when fellow entertainer Haile ‘Starchild’ Outerbridge was shot outside a Pembroke grocery store last January.

“We were supposed to do a song together for my mixtape, but we didn’t get to it,” Mr Henry said.

“That was really hard for me and hurt me. That’s why each day, even when I do an interview, I have to speak about him because he had songs that touched me and the nation.

“I didn’t get to work with him, but my feelings and thoughts will always be there for him.”

However, the mixtape isn’t all doom and gloom. Some songs like ‘Peace & Joy’ and ‘Life So Sweet’ aim to showcase the brighter moments in life.

Mr Henry said he wanted people to listen to the CD all the way through to relax and vibe to the positive messages.

“This mix tape is about the life journey people in general are going through and the rough times in life but also the good times,” he said.

“Everyone has a journey in their life but I tell them to always remember and stop and think about the journey you are on.

“Each day read a Psalms and say a prayer to the Almighty and that will help you through the rough parts of the journey.”

He said he also hoped fans would give him their feedback on the album via social media sites like Twitter (Hypetype@777booms), Facebook (Joseph Henry) and Instagram (MrType 1).

The CD is available at Hunts in Warwick or by contacting him directly on 703-1520.