Dancehall.Mobi

Today’s Sunday Gleaner has several articles/features that look closely at dancehall music and culture.

SHUT ‘EM UP! – ‘Too much freedom in the name of creative expression’
DECLARING THAT Jamaica’s music has died, producer Mikey Barnett says the Government needs to restrict freedom of expression if the society is to survive. “The Government has failed in its role to protect the society from itself – meaning artistes of today. There is too much freedom in the name of creative expression,” Barnett told a recent Gleaner Editors’ Forum.

On the dancehall bandwagon – Local academics being blamed for falling standards
Several local academics who daily sing the praises of dancehall, as well as its main practitioners, are being blamed for the falling standards of Jamaica’s music. In fact, at least one veteran player in the music industry believes these dancehall apologists are only seeking ways to promote themselves.

Regulating the rhythm – whose job?
WHO SHOULD bell the cat, or better yet, who should put the brakes on the violent and vulgar lyrics which pass for music in some of Jamaica’s dance halls? From this year’s monster hit, Rampin’ Shop, to the Shabba Ranks, Admiral Bailey and Lady Saw staples, which were deemed, not fit for airplay, the issue of regulation … has been a contentious issue for Jamaica’s music for decades.

‘Job prospects good’ in music world
Thousands of Jamaicans dream of making it big in the music business, with most seeing themselves as the next dancehall star or award-winning singer. But industry insiders say aspirants to microphone stardom should consider other avenues of making a living from the entertainment industry …

Locked out – Jamaican acts finding it more and more difficult to get into some countries
The lengthening rap sheets of some Jamaican artistes may prevent them from touring countries including the United States and most of Europe.

Clean up your act! Music personalities urge corporate Jamaica, media to help clean up dancehall content
Veteran music personalities Michael Barnett and Clyde McKenzie have accused corporate Jamaica and the media of aiding and abetting the decline in the quality of Jamaica’s music.

‘One Love’ part of Jamaica’s aura … But gangster music threatens to crack the image
The line “We nah tun Rasta fe shot a Europe” from Konshens’ song Rasta Imposter speaks to his decision not to grow dreadlocks to appeal to a white audience. However, there is a wider issue behind this personal stance. There is the worldwide perception of Jamaica’s music, represented by the conscious revolutionary Rastafarian with his message of peace and love.

No link between dancehall and violence among youth – UWI study shows link statistically insignificant
A study on violence and dancehall, led by Dr Donna Hope-Marquis, has found that there is no correlation between the two. Funded by the Office of the Principal at the University of the West Indies (UWI), through the Special Initiatives Research Fund, the research was conducted among 300 15-24 year-olds in Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine and Clarendon between June and August this year.