A Bermudian singer has won four awards in the 2009 Global Marijuana Music Awards.

Zenji San Ingham's song 'Natural Ting' won Best Reggae Song, Best Dub Song, Best Hemp Song and Best Legalisation Song in the awards, held in Australia.

Asked if he was surprised with his four awards, Zenji San said: "Very much so. I am in a select group of artists who have claimed four categories in one year, so it was great to be recognised globally for one of my songs."

Fellow Bermudiana artist Collie Buddz also won an award in 2007. "He won the Song of the Year award in 2007 for his ganja anthem 'Come Around'," added Zenji San.

He added: "Cannabis should definitely be legalised or at least decriminalised to a certain extent and taxed for revenue. I think especially in Bermuda."

Zenji San believes that most of the Island's ghetto entrepreneurs would lose out if marijuana was legalised.

"It would lead to a decrease in violence that we have seen of late. It would remove the criminal element and gangster mentality that is associated with the selling of drugs and these kids that are out there dealing would no longer have that to aspire to.

"The Police could concentrate their efforts on the real drug problem that Bermuda faces with hardcore drugs like cocaine and heroin."

From a health standpoint, the unsigned artist said: "It is less harmful than alcohol and doesn't lead to road deaths."

The lyrics for "Natural Ting" suggest that harder drugs such as crack cocaine and heroin are always available.

And in contrast, he highlights the lack of availability of marijuana, which he feels is more peaceful.

Regarding the strength of the lyrics, he said: "It's certainly a strong social commentary on the political corruption that exists to persecute a plant that was put on earth by God.

"How ridiculous it is that this continues to be the case?"

For the latest on the artist visit myspace.com/zenjisansamuraitune.