THE EDITOR, Sir:
THERE ARE many controversial outlooks on dancehall music. These views include both negative and positive thoughts. Young people along with many senior persons such as Dr. Carolyn Cooper, Professor at UWI, share the belief that dancehall music is a beautiful music, a work of art. How can one say, 'These hurry-come-up babblers spew profanities, arrange rhymes like struggling four-year-olds and 'trace' each other better than any market meddler."
It is this same music that rakes in foreign exchange to our struggling economy and multiply the number of tourists that visit our island. It is this same dancehall music that has helped to make Jamaica known around the world. It is even the same dancehall music that has taken many women and children off the streets and has given them a better life. However, some believe that it is 'bugu yaga'. Some may even go to say that it is just noise made by persons on a 'high'.
Subjectively, I see dancehall music as a platform where deejays make their views on various social, economic and even religious issues known. I must admit that some dancehall artistes do tend to say demeaning things in their lyrics about the female gender which I do not agree with nor endorse. However, that is no reason to be referring to dancehall music as rubbish.
Virtually any topic in society can be found in dancehall music. Dancehall music is like a library. It gives people a chance to express themselves on various topics, which is allowed by freedom of speech. It tackles many themes ranging from homosexuality, religion, and politics to the economy.
Another factor is the economic and social value of this music. Dancehall music has made Jamaica popular in many countries around the world. Dancehall music is a beautiful art. It is music with unadulterated lyrics, which offers a platform for musicians to express their freedom of speech and bring pleasure and entertainment to listeners. Dancehall music sends the message of freedom of speech. As Elephant Man would say, 'Log on' to dancehall music.
I am, etc.,
DIMARIO. D. SULLIVAN
dimariosullivan@yahoo.com
Linstead P.O.
