With a nine-year legal battle now behind him, dancehall artiste Munga Honorable is focused on new music, international performances, and reconnecting with audiences around the world.
The entertainer, whose given name is Damian Rhodes, said his immediate plan is simply to move forward after he and his co-accused, Sheridan Gordon, were freed on Friday from a 2017 murder charge.
“The first thing I did when I heard that it was over was to find my mother and hug her. This chapter closes, and another begins. My future is now defined by creativity, opportunity, and freedom. I thank my fans for all the support throughout and all the well wishes since. You are truly appreci-loved,” he told THE STAR.
Munga described the almost decade-long experience in the Jamaican judicial system as life-altering.
“It was like nine years of biblical tribulation.”
He said the charges and the lingering legal uncertainty made it difficult to plan anything substantial.
“My career and personal life were tremendously hindered and limited, but I know that I couldn’t focus on the lows and still maintained hope. I’m just thankful to the expertise and intense effort of my defence team, respectively, and am truly elated about the outcome.”
Munga was represented by TWP Attorneys-at-Law Christopher Townsend, Kaysian Kennedy-Sherman, and Chadwick Berry.
The outcome comes nine years after the 2017 death of Cleveland Smith in Ackee Walk, St Andrew. The matter concluded in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston when the prosecution indicated it would offer no further evidence and decided not to continue pursuing the case; hence, both Rhodes and Gordon were freed.
Known for a catalogue of hit songs that helped shape modern dancehall music, Munga maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings while continuing to create and connect with fans through his artistry.
Though he was out on bail throughout his experience, Munga shared that he felt as if his life was in limbo and therefore worked hard mentally to stay positive.
“I stayed strong by maintaining my faith in Rastafari and confidence in my innocence. Several artistes such as Bounty Killer, Capleton, Popcaan, Nitty Kutchie and others stayed in touch and motivated or encouraged me.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source jamaica-gleaner.com ’
