Imagine a Jamaica without dancehall music; oh what a lovely place to be. There would be no Rampin' Shop and no Boom Bye Bye. There would be no need to censor our television or radio programmes, the country would be free from crime and more important our children would be less corrupted, thus would behave according to the standard set by their parents. That seems to be what some of our so-called intellectuals and moralists would want us to believe. If only that were true.
Jamaica and Jamaicans are renowned for our culture. Tourists come from all over the world to have a piece of what we, as Jamaicans, take for granted. Often it is Jamaicans from a poor background, the so-called grass-roots level people who are the main ones causing the country to be held in such high esteem. We have had our examples in Bob Marley and Louise Bennett-Coverley and more recently Usain Bolt.
Continuous assault
Yet, one of the products from the 'lower class people' - our music, is under continuous assault and serious threat from various sectors of the country who view the art form as degrading and morally corrupt. No serious person would disagree that the music, at times, really pushes the boundaries but even then there is an audience for that. The thing that is really strange is that the same individuals championing the cause for the reformation and overhaul of dancehall music are often the same individuals who argue in different forums for people's right to choose.
The mass of Jamaicans who enjoy dancehall music are being held hostage by a minority in the population who want to dictate what we should be listening. Even with the economic benefits of the music, it is still viewed negatively. In Jamaica's current financial situation, it is arguable that it is our sports personalities, musicians and other artistes who are doing their best for the development of our country. It is time for the intellectuals and moralists to play their part and stop blaming dancehall artistes for the ills of this society.
I am, etc.,
M. JACKSON
m_orlando26@yahoo.com
Kingston