THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE UNFORTUNATE series of events which lead to the very tragic passing of one of Jamaica's popular music culture's icons Gerald 'Bogle' Levy has left me deeply saddened. The 'standard fare' in Jamaica of shooting and killing, as a means of conflict resolution demands urgent attention and resolution from all involved parties the musicians and actors in dancehall music, the patrons and other members of the society!
There can be very little doubt that the image of Jamaican dancehall music as 'hate music' is not very far off the mark. The reality is, the late Bogle, Elephant Man, Beenie Man and even John Hype, whose house was firebombed shortly after the tragic incident, are modern architects engaged in the important process of (Jamaican) cultural production.
Dancehall has certainly found solid roots here and in the urban, hip-hop street cultures of metropolitan centres such as New York City, Miami and others.
Crucial therefore, to the work of these important architects, who whether they are aware or not are also ambassadors, is to become very conscious of the urgent demands placed atop their celebrity. Acting with impunity and as if dancehall and the Jamaican musical landscape are their only domains is not only parochial but particularly self-destructive and holds the rest of the nation hostage!
This ought not to be allowed to happen without serious efforts on civil society's part to alter this unfortunate image. Gerald 'Bogle' Levy's death is, indeed, a very sad moment in the collective consciousness of the nation and for the many who would have had the pleasure of witnessing as well as learning from this master dance teacher, showman and entertainer.
I am, etc.,
AGOSTINHO PINNOCK
Kingston, Jamaica
