Elephant Man and Beenie ManCORPORATE SPONSORS are threatening to withdraw support from the local entertainment industry if dancehall artistes continue to make violent lyrics a part of their musical repertoire.
In a joint statement issued yesterday, Cable and Wireless Jamaica Ltd., Courts Jamaica Ltd., Digicel Jamaica, Red Stripe, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica and Wray & Nephew Ltd. said they would no longer lend their names to anything that incites or promotes violence.
CORPORATE SPONSORS
"As a group of corporate sponsors of the entertainment industry, we are concerned that the continued use of violent lyrics could ultimately lead to the decline of our music industry, as well as a social and economic backlash," they noted.
"International success of reggae and more recently, dancehall music, had been a source of pride for Jamaicans. Recently, however, concerns have been raised about the content and tone of some of the music."
This attempt by corporate Jamaica to use its economic power to clean up the local music industry comes in the wake of protests from Outrage, a British-based gay rights group, which has successfully lobbied for shows featuring Jamaican acts such as Vybz Kartel, Capleton and Beenie Man to be cancelled throughout Great Britain.
Feeling the heat, several reggae/dancehall artistes, who have consistently expressed violent lyrics towards homosexuals as well as promote the killing of police informants, have since issued public apologies through their booking agents.
Yesterday Heavy D, one of the promoters of Sting, the annual
live music showcase, said he agreed that "the music should be cleaned up". "We always warn people about gay and gun lyrics but some Jamaican people like violence," he said. The entertainment promoter lamented that the cancellation of performances abroad was affecting innocent artistes who were not guilty of promoting violence.
"From my company's standpoint, it must stop. We are adding something to the contract for performers at 'Sting' against inciting violence and this may involve withdrawing payments," said Heavy D.
Meanwhile, Jerome Hamil-ton, booking agent for reggae artiste Sean Paul, said he welcomed "open dialogue for anything to enhance the music industry."
PROMOTE POSITIVE LYRICS
However, he expressed discomfort with the suggestion by corporate Jamaica to force artistes to sing so-called 'positive' lyrics. Hamilton also argued that corporate Jamaica should consider rewarding artistes who promote positive lyrics.
The private sector group outlined its plan of action including:
Develop a code of conduct for performing acts that will guide our involvement and relationships with the industry going forward. Once defined, this code of conduct will be rigorously enforced.
Work with public sector organisations, the music industry and other interest groups to ensure that our music continues to contribute to Jamaica's positive image, locally and internationally
Discontinue sponsorship of events involving artistes who continue to incite violence through their lyrics and performances.
"Our goal is to work together to promote the unity and well-being of our society, and maintain Jamaica's cultural eminence," the companies said.
