Allegations
In a shocking revelation that has rocked the music world, reggae artist Queen Ifrica, whose real name is Ventrice Morgan, has come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against her own father, ska legend Derrick Morgan. The allegations were made during an emotional Instagram Live session, where Ifrica bravely shared her painful experience and her journey towards healing.
Ifrica, known for her hit song “Black Woman,” recounted how she had sought to connect with her estranged father, Derrick Morgan, who is revered as a pioneer in the ska music scene. In her heartfelt confession, Ifrica explained that she had reached out to her father, hoping to establish a bond with him that she had missed out on during her childhood due to her parents’ separation.
The 48-year-old artist’s decision to share her painful experience was motivated by a desire to break the cycle of abuse and stand up against predatory behaviour. Ifrica expressed her frustration with the victim-blaming and disbelief she had encountered when attempting to share her story with her family in the past.
“When I met him, I went to his hotel room and I asked him why he neglected me over all these years, and he just said he was married with children and he couldn’t let his wife know he was dealing with something, which was why he did tell my mother to abort me,” Queen Ifrica revealed in Jamaican Patois. “When I met him, I went to him hotel and mi ask him why him neglect me over all these years, and him just seh him did married and have children and him couldn’t mek him wife know him a deal with dem something deh, that’s why him did tell mi mother fi abort me. So, see mi yah pon the battlefield fi the most high cause she never abort mi. After mi meet him and mi start get fi know him, cause a di first mi a have a father figure inna my life, a the great Derrick Morgan, a di great ska legend – column of we music…”
Reconnection Goes South
However, the attempt to reconnect took a dark turn when Ifrica alleged that her father sexually violated her during a visit to Jamaica. She described a disturbing encounter where her father allegedly held her down and attempted to sexually assault her. She recalled feeling helpless and betrayed, especially since she had sought to build a relationship with him.
“I went to visit him when him was in Jamaica on one of him visits. Went to his house over Greenwich Farm, Nine Street, and mi deh deh with him the day and mi end up spend the whole day with him cause yuh done know, a mi father and mi a get fi know him… The hours come down and mi suppose to tek a taxi come back a Pembroke Hall, and him look pon me and him a seh, ‘No man, yuh mad? It too late, stay… Better you stay and go in the morning’. Memba now, a mi father, don’t? So, if mi father seh bill, mi a go bill, don’t?”
“Inna the hours, mi go to bed and go lay down pon the bed. Mi father never ready to go to bed yet, and the next thing mi wake up to inna the hours is mi father a penetrate me. Mi wake up inna the hours to mi father trying to penetrate me sexually; hold mi down inna the bed and have sex with me and tell me seh him wife nah have no sex with him, so, him haffi do it with me.”
Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
The 48-year-old artist’s decision to share her painful experience was motivated by a desire to break the cycle of abuse and stand up against predatory behaviour. Ifrica expressed her frustration with the victim-blaming and disbelief she had encountered when attempting to share her story with her family in the past.
Throughout the Instagram Live session, Ifrica invoked the lyrics of her own song “Daddy,” which she had released in 2009, and quoted the line, “Can’t you see I’m scared? You’re supposed to be my father.” The emotional impact of her confession was evident, as she spoke about her struggles as a survivor and her determination to overcome the darkness of her past.
Dark Shadow over Icon’s Legacy
Derrick Morgan, an iconic figure in the ska music scene, has been celebrated for his contributions to Jamaican music. He received numerous awards, including the Jamaica Music Icon award, and was honoured by the Jamaican Government with the Order of Distinction. However, these allegations have cast a shadow over his legacy.
Ifrica’s Instagram Live broadcast has sparked conversations about the importance of supporting survivors and addressing the issue of sexual abuse within the entertainment industry and society at large. Her courage in speaking out against her own father highlights the complexities of dealing with abuse within families and the need for open dialogue and accountability.
Last Instagram Live
As Ifrica announced that this Instagram Live session would be her last for the rest of 2023, she emphasised her commitment to advocacy and healing. Her story serves as a reminder that survivors of abuse can find strength in sharing their experiences and working towards breaking the cycle of abuse for future generations.
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