Fastest Man in the world turned music producer Usain Bolt is in a “black-out” mood as reports of his retirement funds were wiped out in a multi billion dollar fraud scheme as investment company SSL in Jamaica.
Nugent Walker, Bolt‘s manager, confirmed the situation to The Gleaner, adding that Jamaica’s Financial Investigations Division and Financial Services Commission are investigating Investment firm, Stocks and Securities Limited [SSL]. The iconic athlete, who is known for setting the 100–metre record at 9.58 seconds at the 2009 IAAF World Championships, has seen his funds move from a reported 10 million to just $2000.
Walker told The Gleaner that all the necessary steps have been taken to investigate the alleged fraud, and they are reviewing the portfolio of the individual in question.
Bolt and an unnamed sitting Jamaican Member of Parliament are among the more than 30 people whose investments at SSL are believed to be among those fleeced by the wealth advisor.
Bolt posted a blackout screen with the soundtrack of his latest single “Cryptic World” on his instagram on Monday with the caption: “In a World of Lies….Where is the Truth?
The History Evil….What is the Root?…MONEY
#CrypticWorld”
The celebrated Jamaican athlete alongside his manager and co-producer Nugent ‘NJ’ Walker, turned the spotlight on social issues facing Jamaicans with the release the single and accompanying music video last October.
‘Cryptic World’ touches on the topics of education, health, politics and crime.
The multi-Olympic Gold medallist, Bolt, Bolt, intros the song with a reminder: “no matter where we are in life, we will never forget where we’re from”.
The song is released on his A-team Lifestyle record label. A relatively new producer, Bolt says he saw the need to produce a song addressing the issues being faced by Jamaicans. In 2021, through his label, Bolt released a popular social commentary song, ‘Lock Down’, featuring international recording artist and fellow Jamaican Cham.
“As I continue to learn, grow and evolve in the music business it’s important that I produce different types of music. I have done party songs, lifestyle etc., so now I’m producing another social commentary type of music that addresses the many issues facing our society.
A strong social commentary piece penned by Bolt’s chameleon-like manager, who seamlessly adapt to the many business needs of the Bolt team, producer, and trained teacher, Nugent Walker, highlights some of the flaws in Jamaica’s social and political fibers, in the lyrics of ‘Cryptic World’.
“Dem sabotage education, that’s why teachers are the worst paid”, sings Walker, as he echoes the sentiments of most Jamaicans who have had a front-row seat to the seemingly mass migration of the nation’s educators, with the country’s Education Minister confirming, in August, Jamaica’s loss of 167 teachers over a two-month period.
“I am always writing different types of songs. After speaking with a practicing educator friend of mine, who shared how challenging things are, I was moved to write “Cryptic World”. “I believe the song echoes the emotions of many, making it one of my best songs yet.” Walker said.
Both men emanate from humble beginnings in rural Jamaica, making them no strangers to the challenges of the wider population.
The Trelawny native, Usain Bolt, says he will always do his best to shed light on the various issues being faced by his fellow Jamaicans.
“I am a person that connects with people daily. Everyday I meet someone who shares struggles that they are faced with … asking me how I can assist. So this song, ‘Cryptic World’, is my way of saying to people, yes, I hear their voices, and will always do my best in my own little way to help or just shed some light on the different issues,” Bolt says.
An eight-time Olympic gold medallist, Bolt is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100m and 200m titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016). He also won two 4×100 relay gold medals. He gained worldwide fame for his double sprint victory in world record times at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which made him the first person to hold both records since fully automatic time became mandatory.
In 2009, he won the 100m in 9.58 seconds which still stands as a world record today.
