Pepita comforts those with mental health challenges

Former TV personality Pepita Little is expressing hope that, with the release of her song ' Jah Jah', she can do her part to help persons experiencing emotional challenges and mental health issues.

The event host and public relations specialist told THE WEEKEND STAR that while this was not her first time hopping on the music train, this one was especially meaningful to her, as she is aware that many people are struggling quietly, afraid to ask for help.

"I wrote it because a lot of people are going through things, and people like to brush aside the importance of good mental health and tell people not to show anybody their emotions because it makes them appear weak. Sometimes people just need to know that other people are going through it too, and they should know that things do get better," she said.

The lyrics were composed by her and Kirk 'KoolFace' Ford, and produced by her own record company, Lo Ka'Vish, which in Hebrew means 'unconquerable'.

"It took me just a day to write. I heard a riddim on YouTube and I liked it. So then I went on TikTok and started singing to the people and just came up with ' Jah Jah never give you more than you can bear' and people came on the live and said 'Gwan go write the song!' I got up and went down to the studio, and that's how it came about," she explained.

Little now operates under the moniker Pepita X. The change, she said, was necessary, and is in keeping with her own journey of healing and growth.

"Malcolm X was Malcolm Little, so the 'X' represents a refusal to deny my roots. I was saying to myself, I want to get back into music, and I want to do it in a different way. I want to do it with a strong, positive message and not with my body, if you know what I mean. I would describe my kind of music as roots conscious, introspective and truth-telling because I want to share my insight about emotional healing," she said.

Currently, Little has been acting and writing scripts, and was recently featured on Yaad Bridge Entertainment's Unscripted Sundays event, which happens every last Sunday of each month.

"Writing keeps me connected and grounded, and it is also very cathartic," said Little.

When it comes to future collaboration goals, her music idols cross so many genres and generations that she gets giddy.

"I love Alaine, Etana and Tanya Stephens and, on the men's side, there is Mortimer for his soulfulness, and then Sizzla and Capleton because of their rebellious nature. I could also mention greats like Lauryn Hill, India Arie, Sean Paul, Busta Rhymes, and Eminem, plus Beres Hammond and Duane Stephenson. They all have something special to offer."