Dancehall Artistes should accept their real SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

By: Kmar Henry
       CEO, BIZcare Consultation & Accounting Firm

The other day I was having a chat with the CEO of upcoming Jamaican Fashion Brand 

CLAP Fashions, Gary Anthony Richards. With him being what we brand as a ‘product of the Ghetto’, we were elaborating on some of the issues and negative influences plaguing the youths of today's society. As we got deeper and deeper into our conversation, we started to observe each and every young person that walked by on the street where he resides. We were marvelled by what we saw, bear in mind that we observed their dressing, demeanour, attitude and behavioural patterns. The one thing that truly sparked our interest was the fact that when we weren't seeing one of them passing by with earphones deeply buried within their temples or others with loud hand speakers so tightly gripped both by their hands and their attention. There was either a car passing by playing music loudly or several bars on the stretch doing the same. So what did this made clear to us? That it is evident that music is not just merely a tool of expression, but also a way of life that provide youths in our society a way to learn how to express themselves. 

It is rather strange that our Dancehall Artistes nowadays, will talk boldly about their backgrounds and the foundation that they left within their communities, but continue to shun the fact they are prominent role models for the youths of our society. It is rather a fact that we have to accept that most our youths are from families that are broken which then steers them in enigmatic directions seeking all the possible affection, love or connection to fill that void, hence, leaving them with at an alarmingly high state of vulnerability. It is at this point; they seek the guidance of a fatherly or motherly figure outside their homes and guess who are the ones most likely to fill those slots? You guessed it, Artistes and Celebrities. Our dancehall artistes are like a magnet towards these steel hearts and their upbringing. They become so God-like and influential with directly impacting these youths by shaping most of their actions and speeches regardless of the repercussions that may follow later in life. 

During adolescence, most of us become highly influenced by the things we hear and see daily. Hence, we wind up searching for our identity and self-validation which now puts the concept of the law of attraction into play. We all can relate to that loud coaster or mini bus with all our favourite artists sweeping not only their music but also their cultural practices or norms within our psyche subconsciously. The copying of their slangs, dressing, and behavioural practices were imprinted on the behavioural patterns that we accepted. We could sing all these songs word for word whether we liked them or not as it was the norm to hear them daily pouncing through our eardrums at unbearable volumes. The 'sweet to the belly,' 'tek b***y gyal,' 'marrow wi fly,' or 'tek gunshot' would be on the tip of our tongues at all times. Whilst I can agree that good parenting is the key towards ensuring that we are aware and made conscious of how these songs affected our morality and behaviours, we cannot ignore the others who had only that one parent in the form of an aunt, grandma, cousin, bigger brother or sister who wasn't always home to give sufficient guidance and affection and in all honesty, most times these very same ‘parents’ are out there seeking the same things. 

Our artistes will tell you that music is art and a reflection of our society, but then deny the fact that the choice was and still is theirs’ to either use their talents to worsen or better that very same society which they survived. Thus, the social responsibility that they have as notable role models will not fall short of their lifestyles which are highlighted daily through our social media, to be absorbed by our youths whether it's a negative or positive nature. I have watched many interviews of artistes making reference to how the exposure that they got of the world changed their mindset and approach to their status and responsibility being a part of such powerful industry. But this is somewhat alluding in reference to the type of music that they choose to sometimes produce which further glorifies violence and segregation amongst our people. Our artistes will sing about love and unity today but then release a song the very next week depicting violence or about a feud with a fellow artist. Then ignore the bigger picture of how these feuds impact their fans’ reaction towards another who refuses to cheer same like, of which we can all relate to that 'gully vs gaza' feud which surfaced between the years of 2006 - 2009. 

Our society and economy are now in a state where it's uplifting are vastly dependent on not only the Government but also all the citizens of this land. Whilst I can agree that parenting is also a prevalent issue, let's not forget that contributions, when done collectively, can go a far way. Our artistes must make it their goal to not only preach unity in their interviews but also within the music that they sing far more frequently. Music is a way of life, it is a tool which if properly used, can uplift and stimulate the masses to be in full realisation of their true powers and strength. It has the ability to either unite or destroy, but the ‘get rich quick' mentality is sold at a price of continuing the brainwash schemes. Let's not forget that beautiful moment when our beloved legend Bob Marley brought our political leaders Norman Manley and Edward Seaga together back in 1978 to join hands which embraced and exerted love, peace, and happiness towards our people. Just think of what they could do if this same type of approach is held highly amongst all.

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Edited by: Reinard 'Prablem' Bryan
              Reggae/Dancehall Artiste

BIZcare Consultation & Accounting Firm is a consulting agency that operates within the small parish of Clarendon in the beautiful land of Jamaica. We are geared towards educating the minds of upcoming entrepreneurs of the important aspects that must be considered before starting their businesses. Hence why we operate under the slogan 'Your Business is OUR Priority' and tagline 'Helping Small Businesses & Individuals to better Organise their Business Functions.'

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