In this series, we’re highlighting our VERSIONS Alumni. You’ll learn about their transformative journeys with and through the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship.

Lex MD

Born and raised in Jamaica, Alex “Lex MD” Anderson’s journey into the world of music began at an early age. With a natural inclination towards singing, he filled his childhood home with his voice and eventually found his way into the church choir when he was just seven years old. As he grew older, his passion for music bloomed, leading him to join the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), where he gained exposure to the performing arts. Despite the uncertainties of life, music remained Alex’s constant companion, guiding him as he needed it. He sees music as a gift he owes to himself and God to explore. In fact, he says there is no other space where he feels so comfortable.

Musical Fate

Although Alex was uncertain about his future career path, he knew one thing for sure – his love for music. Creativity and artistry were ingrained in his soul, and the thought of conforming to conventional career paths made him shudder. In 2020, he decided he’d spent enough time wondering about his musical fate and that it was time to pursue his passion wholeheartedly.

“I decided music was what I am, what I want to do, and what my life should encapsulate.”

With this newfound clarity, Alex, now known by his stage name, Lex MD, started on his musical journey.

Music as a Tool for Activism

For Alex, music transcends mere entertainment; it is a powerful tool for social activism. Inspired by the events surrounding George Floyd’s tragic death, Alex felt called to lend his voice to societal issues.

Through one of his first songs, ‘Modern Day Slavery,’ Alex sheds light on systemic injustices and the battles of marginalized communities, particularly in his home of Jamaica.

“Music has the power to raise awareness and start conversations,” he says.

Applying to VERSIONS

When Alex came across an ad for the VERSIONS program, it resonated with him deeply. “Is music your superpower?” it asked, and Alex said it felt as though the program was speaking directly to him. He’d always felt like music was his superpower, and to have a program built around such a notion was unlike anything he’d seen before.

“I knew if I didn’t apply, I would be doing an injustice to myself.”

Taking the Leap

Before joining VERSIONS, Alex never considered himself a leader. He felt like his passion for social change was limited to the reach of his music, and he focused his efforts on using his platform to inspire change indirectly. VERSIONS was an opportunity for him to learn to create even more impactful art to inspire indirect change and learn to make direct change. “When I got into VERSIONS, I knew something big had started. All I could do was prepare and be grateful for it.”

Community Action

As part of VERSIONS, all Fellows are guided through designing and implementing their own social impact projects in their communities. Alex was inspired by VERSIONS to leverage music’s therapeutic properties to empower inner-city boys aged six to sixteen, helping them rewrite their stories to heal and grow from past trauma. He used collaborative songwriting to nurture a sense of belonging and self-worth, providing hope and aiding their successful reintegration into society.

“I wanted to help them emotionally connect with their stories and turn them into art.”

Before his social impact project, Alex couldn’t see himself as a teacher. But he says watching the kids apply themselves and create music was moving. “I realized how impactful being present and sharing the information you’ve learned with somebody else is. I feel like I’ve helped create wisdom in the next generation.”

Looking ahead, Alex is excited to take on more leadership roles, particularly through music-based workshops. Recognizing the transformative power of music, particularly for inner-city youth in his country, Alex is committed to creating opportunities for personal growth and development through musical expression. He believes that music workshops offer a unique platform for individuals to explore their passion for music and expand their horizons.

“Music has the potential to enrich lives and cultivate wisdom,” Alex says.

To Alex, there’s an inherent value in engaging with music as a means of personal and communal enrichment. By nurturing a deeper appreciation for music, Alex aims to empower individuals to lead more fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities.

“The best way to increase the wisdom is to not just increase the quality of music, but the lives of the people.”

Mindset Evolution

Through his journey with VERSIONS, Alex’s perspective on social change and community action underwent an evolution. He came to realize that meaningful change requires proactive engagement and personal responsibility. “If you want change, you have to make it happen,” Alex asserts.

He emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of your role in driving change rather than waiting for external forces to take action. “Don’t wait for the change to happen. Be the change,” he urges.

A Deeper Connection in Music

Alex believes that prior to his experience with VERSIONS, his songs lacked the soulful connection he desired—he felt disconnected from the emotions behind the lyrics. With the guidance of professional artists, Alex learned to create music that resonates with him and listeners on an emotional level, sparking conversations and inspiring change.

Through VERSIONS, Alex learned to infuse his music with genuine emotion and personal conviction. “VERSIONS helped me bridge the gap between my heart, mind, and voice,” he explains. This newfound emotional depth has not only strengthened his connection to music but also deepened his commitment to activism, empowering him to make more change through his art.

More than Music

Reflecting on his personal journey, Alex jokes, “The only thing VERSIONS didn’t give me was more height.”

But he also acknowledges the impact VERSIONS has had on his mental well-being. Recalling his experience, Alex credits VERSIONS for helping him foster his emotional resilience and self-awareness. Through program sessions and mentorship, such as those with mentors like T, Alex learned to navigate his emotions with clarity and purpose.

“VERSIONS provided a safe space for me to explore my feelings and make a plan for moving forward.”

A Note to Future Applicants and Fellows

In offering advice to aspiring applicants and VERSIONS Fellows, Alex keeps it simple: “Just do it.” He underscores the importance of embracing the VERSIONS program as a transformative journey everyone should take. Alex urges people not to hesitate or doubt their readiness.

“Don’t shy away from it,” he encourages. “Regardless of your age or experience, take that step toward change.”

How would you say that VERSIONS has changed your life

Reflecting on the impact of VERSIONS on his life, Alex emphasizes the program’s role in facilitating his journey of self-discovery and personal growth. “VERSIONS has helped me to actively understand and connect with myself,” he shares. This newfound self-awareness has not only enriched his personal life but has also had a transformative effect on his music. By diving deeper into his own emotions and experiences, Alex has been able to infuse his music with greater depth and authenticity to inspire greater social change.

A Future of “More”

As Alex looks to the future, his vision is clear: more music, more advocacy, and a deeper commitment to collaboration and conversations.

“I’m excited to continue giving more and sharing more.” VERSIONS was a transformative experience that allowed Alex to harness and elevate the power of his music to inspire social change while also taking action to make change himself.