The Editor, Sir:

My brother told me a story about a young boy, about 11 years old, who was walking along the street in a quiet community in rural Jamaica. The young boy was 'DJing' at the top of his voice a dancehall song about unloading his glock into someone else. He knew every word and accompanied the lyrics with the 'cocking' and 'shoot' action using his fingers. He may not know how to read but he could sing - the music is his education.

The dancehall artistes and some in the media would like to play down the influence that their music and behaviour have on the impressionable minds of young Jamaicans, but in reality, they are hurting our people and our country when they normalise violence in this way.

Jamaican dancehall music could be viewed as one of an organised set of values that influences behaviour, that is common to the criminal elements in Jamaican society through the messages of violence and the glorification of the gun promoted in the lyrics of certain dancehall songs, in addition to the public and hateful behaviour that some dancehall artistes display towards each other.

Dancehall music has a powerful influence in Jamaica, it is heard everywhere and the dancehall in itself is a culture of music, clothing, personalities and dance that is embraced by many in the country. Dancehall music tells a story of life as it is experienced by the masses, and the more successful songs will have piercing lyrics and an infectious rhythm. Dancehall music is a phenomenon that flies under the radar as entertainment but is much more than that.

There are messages in the music; it is a social commentary, it is encoded with instructions on how to live and how to survive in the world. It is encoded with the message of how to react when harmed, who to trust and who to avoid. It is not just entertainment, it is an instruction manual on life, delivered by a charismatic, energetic and influential personality, the dancehall artiste, and packaged in a thumping, pulsating rhythm that has the potential to heighten adrenaline levels. Moreover, it is available to everyone.

Believe me, it is influential, the dancehall artiste is powerful and the lyrics contribute to perpetuating the culture of violence and is hurting us. We need changes from the grass-roots level - be responsible, preach peace instead of war and try to live in harmony with each other. You have an example to set.

I am, etc.,

C.P. LEE

Florida

Via Go-Jamaica