Is Dancehall Music Under Attack for all the Right Reasons?

A few months ago, the United State visas of popular Dancehall acts Mavado, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Ricky Troopers, and Aidonia were revoked for reasons that are rumored to be linked to Bruce Golding’s unwillingness to extradite Christopher Coke. Additionally, a number of dancehall artists have been banned from performing in Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, St. Lucia and other Caribbean countries, because their songs were said to be overtly vulgar, sexually explicit, demeaning to women, and promote violence. While in Jamaica, law enforcement officials have began to aggressively clamp down on street dances and impose hefty penalties on artists who use profanity while performing on stage.

Why is it so difficult for Jamaican Politicians to unite?

Jamaica is perhaps one of the very few countries in the world whose government officials find it difficult to unite for the greater good. If they are not distracting themselves from important matters such as education, healthcare, jobs, and tourism with personal grievances. They are busy calling each other names and making it their duty to tarnish the reputation of members of the opposing political party.

Portia Simpson-Miller, in my opinion, deserves to be crowned the queen of divisive politics. Her speeches are often laden with name-calling and could be compared with an argument between two loud-mouth drama queens inside of a tenement yard. The unprofessional temperament she often portrays in front of PNP supporters and parliament officials begs one to question whether or not her mouth is working for or against the people of Jamaica.

Not Enough from Dancehall Artists

If I was to create a list of popular dancehall artists who spoke openly and/or made songs in response to the prime minister’s declaration of a State of Emergency. I am afraid that my list would be limited to only an handful since majority of them have been tight-lipped.

Ironically, the very same ones who brand themselves over the years as representatives of ghetto people have all seemed to have disappeared. To where you may ask? Well, only God knows, but I wouldn’t be surprise to discover that they and their immediate families are safely tucked away at a secret location in Jamaica or watching the events unfold a world away.

No-Longer Politicks as Usual for Jamaica's Politicians

It would take divine intervention to resurrect Prime minister Bruce Golding’s political career from the bottomless pit where it now lies motionless.

At this point, there is nothing Mr. Golding can do to save his political career, because of his alleged connection to Coke. And the fact that Coke's future now rest on the United States criminal justice system will surely open a can of worms on Golding and other political officials.

There is no question that the likelihood of Coke seeking a plea drastically increased now that he is in US custody. Because it is almost standard procedure for a incarcerated member of an alleged crime organization to seek a plea deal in order to lessen their sentence. And nine times out of ten, the alleged criminal volunteers sufficient information to implicate his "affiliates."

Restoring Dancehall Music to Its Former Glory

In the early 1990s, dancehall music gave birth to a number of artists whose musical talent allowed them to create songs that command the airwaves both locally and overseas. For that reason, songs released by founding artists such as Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Yellow Man, Lady G, Buju Banton, Capleton and other alike all helped to give dancehall music its international appeal.

Back then, the dancehall atmosphere was one of pure fun and enjoyment, but today, it has transformed into a platform upon which artists use to glorify the darker side of Jamaica's society.

The following includes a list of suggestions on how dancehall music could be returned to its former glory.