Hope Vocals teams up with American photographer on new project

PORTLAND, Jamaica —A photograph of Hope Vocals holding a Maroon abeng amid the natural landscape of Moore Town, Portland, captures more than the image of a recording artiste. For the singer, it represents strength, ancestry and a culture she is determined to help preserve. The image forms part of Human Nature: Hope Vocals, a collaboration with American photographer and creative director Charles “Tingz” Ward, whose interest in the artiste was sparked by her Kumina Medley music video. The shoot was arranged through Hope’s manager, Ralston Barrett. Ward was brought to Hope’s home community, where nature inspired his visual direction. “I wanted to photograph Hope within an environment that was genuinely connected to her heritage,” Ward explained. “The intention was to create photographs that could stand independently as fine art while also telling a story about Jamaica, cultural identity and nature.” For Hope, whose music embraces her Maroon roots, the collaboration offered another avenue for sharing that identity. “I was intrigued, honoured and excited to collaborate with Charles for this shoot. He is an amazing artist. With my cultural background and his level of creativity, I knew we would capture something special,” she said. Being photographed in Moore Town made the experience particularly meaningful. “It meant everything to me. The shoot was a memorable experience for me. Charles managed to capture the Maroon experience in the photos, from the beautiful scenery to the cultural attire and artefacts.” Among the photographs, the portrait featuring the abeng holds special significance for both collaborators. “The abeng is a reminder that I am strong. I am powerful and I can fight the battles that life throws at me. It is a reminder that the Creator and my ancestors are always with me,” Hope said. Ward described the series as an exploration of identity, ancestry, femininity, strength and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. He believes Hope’s cultural grounding is central to her appeal. “Hope doesn't need to lose her Jamaican or Maroon identity to have international relevance. In fact, that identity is part of what makes her distinctive,” he said. Ward hopes to develop the collaboration further and pursue opportunities to present the photographs through galleries, exhibitions and publications internationally, including in New York, Miami and Paris. He would also like the work to find a place within Jamaica’s contemporary art conversation. Hope sees those possibilities as an extension of her cultural mission. “I’m currently spreading awareness through music, but if audiences around the world should discover my culture through Charles’s work, it would mean the world to me. Our ancestors’ traditions and hard work will live on,” she said. Meanwhile, the Maroon Fusion artiste has released the official video for God’s Timing, which premiered on October 23. Directed by Damanic Green, the video accompanies the Ralston Barrett-produced single, released through Symphony B Records, and is available on the label’s YouTube channel. Hope is also preparing for two December performances. On December 19, she will join the lineup for Tasjay Productions’ Give Thanks for Life Concert at Mandeville Primary & Junior High School in Manchester. The advertised lineup includes Rad Dixon, Turbulence, Josey Wales, Everton Blender and Horace Martin. She will close the year with an appearance at Stevie Face’s annual free New Year’s Eve concert on December 31, on the grounds of his Advanced Service Station in Albion, St Thomas.