by Curlan Campbell
- “Schizophrenic” song addresses often-ignored realities of mental health and social inequality
- Latest music video for “Schizophrenic” is on YouTube
- Charles uses soca genre for personal healing and social commentary
“Head bad and we giving trouble, we mental” might sound like typical Jab Jab lyrics for Spice Mas 2025, but for emerging Grenadian soca artist Brendon ‘King Shabib’ Charles, music has become a source of solace, helping him cope with and support his mental health.
He is outspoken about the importance of encouraging people facing internal struggles — whether severe or mild — to acknowledge their feelings, talk about them, and seek the necessary help.
Charles has rediscovered a sense of purpose and identity through his music, which has helped him navigate many of life’s challenges. He is happy to release his contribution for Spicemas 2025, “Schizophrenic” — a raw and rebellious anthem in a unique way that addresses the often-ignored realities of mental health and social inequality.
“It all started with the drums,” Charles recalled. “As a young man, I always loved drums. Was always beating some band, always beating some bucket, getting involved with music.”
His musical journey officially began when he connected with a friend named Blaze. “Big up to Blaze. We started vibing. The first song I did was Leggo D Mas — that already get started.”
Charles, the 32-year-old soca artist, has embraced the high-energy rhythm of soca, using the genre as a tool for deeper purposes — personal healing and social commentary. “I use soca music as a form of therapy,” he said. “To really reveal myself due to the hardship and struggle.”
Though he has never been clinically diagnosed or sought professional help, Charles spoke candidly about navigating emotional lows and using music as an outlet. “Have I experienced mental health? Not really to the point of belonging to a mental institution… but sometimes you feel like doing things you don’t want to, like going into violence.”
Instead, he channels that emotion into writing. “I use that energy to challenge it differently, to write music. Because if you go check it out now, what’s really going on in the world? Chaos and confusion. People are suffering, and people are hungry. That’s what’s getting under the skin.”
“Schizophrenic” reflects the mental pressure and social fragmentation many people face. “Everybody has a voice, no matter what condition, no matter how society classifies you,” he said. “Under the eyes of the Most High, the people are not divided into classes. Everybody is one.”
Charles sees his music as entertainment and as a revolutionary force rooted in Caribbean history and identity. “My style now is all about rebellion. Because when I think about our culture, we talk about repatriation. This is a place where they carry the slaves, who carry with them their vibration. So the vibration just flows through me.”
His approach to wellness also includes a spiritual and holistic lifestyle. “I eat alkaline foods. The body is a vehicle, and based on what you put into the body, that’s how the vibration gonna be. I make time for meditation; I chant.”
Charles is deeply aware of the stigma surrounding mental health in the Caribbean. “Mental health is a serious thing. That’s why so many young people now take their lives — because they have nobody to talk to. Imagine going through a problem and not having anybody to talk to?”
His message to young people is one of hope, focus, and self-worth. “Try to talk to somebody that you trust. Don’t just talk to anybody. Check your environment. Sometimes we bring mental depression to ourselves.”
As for what fans can expect this carnival season?
“Pure energy. Pure vibes. Gonna be different voices, improvement in writing, improvement in sound. Doing the best of my ability.”
And beyond the stage, Charles said the mission remains the same: “My music is about upliftment, man. Rising from the struggle, elevating, having a good time, being fun, being free.”
Charles is set to release his latest music video for the song “Schizophrenic” on YouTube. While the lyrics were crafted for listeners to enjoy during the carnival season, he hopes to raise awareness about mental health, particularly men’s mental health, making it a mainstream topic in our culture.
In Grenada, May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
