File photos
From left, Wayne Marshall and Munga Honourable.

André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Entertainers have their say while they are on stage performing, but the prognosis is not pretty when it comes to whether they will have their say on election day.

"I have never and will never vote. I just have no interest in politics. It is as simple as that. I don't even know what is going on in local politics," said Munga Honourable.

It is not known when the Prime Minister will take the country out of the suspense and call the election. With a People's National Party (PNP) mass rally scheduled for today in Half-Way Tree, it is possible the speculation could end today. Whatever date the election will be scheduled for, it will be a day when some entertainers will go about their regular business, as they will have no say in who will form Jamaica's next government.

"Mi nah vote, because all mi si dem a gwaan wid dem nuh have no ministry a reggae. A we a di icon inna di country and dem a treat wi like dog," said Ninja Man. "Mi neva vote yet. A don't even know how a polling station or ballot paper look. Mi want to see a government who is one for all and all for one. Until mi si dat, no vote."

Many have claimed that entertainers have a huge impact on their audience, especially the young. Following on that conclusion, entertainers can be or could be instruments in getting young people to the polling stations during an election. American rapper, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, in the 2004 U.S.A. presidential election developed his 'Vote or Die' campaign. It was vastly popular and was geared at the 18 to 24-year-old age group. However, his targeted demographic still stayed home on election day.

The political parties in Jamaica have also been targeting the young voters, as it is believed they can make all the difference.

Kid Kurrup thinks he has a role to play in helping to get the younger generation out with the message he delivers in his songs.

"I guess we can show them how things really are and how to communicate with each other," Kid Kurrup said.

Entertainers usually address societal issues, be it inequality, crime or poverty. This, they claim, is their way of bringing burning matters to the fore. Of course, many successful artistes are now in a position to be independent and do not have to face lack of running water, unemployment and other ills. It is, therefore, highly unlikely that they will be seen waving placards demanding justice from their Member of Parliament, as their issues are different from the common man. This does not mean that there are not issues they would like to see addressed. Most of them want to see a better education system in place.

Free up education

"Education. Just free up education. Regardless of what is going on, that is the key. They say it can't be done, but a lot of excessive money is being spent elsewhere," Kid Kurrup said.

Ninja Man had the same idea.

"Dem need fi cut down on the crime and give poor people a chance in life. Free up education so dat it nuh matter where you come from, Rema or Jungle, once them have di likkle diploma you can get work," Ninja said.

In Jamaica, households usually comprise staunch supporters of a particular party. Come hell or high water they will check the box that either has the head or the bell beside it. But these entertainers were not ready t themselves with any party. Instead, if they were ever to vote, they would go with the party that comes closest to the truth.

"Me grow up inna di garrison and see how people dead over politics. Dem draw line and if you come from one party you can't cross over. That's why I draw my line and nuh too inna it," Spice said. "Mi not a JLP or PNP, but mi always a seh ooman. I guess Portia would be somebody I look up to."

"Portia is the person who could get me to do anything," Kurrup said.

"A (Michael) Manley and Seaga a di best politician mi si. Si Bruce him come and mi nuh know if im can duh anyting. Portia, mi believe she cando it, but nuh get the right time fi duh weh she can duh yet," Ninja said.

Visible citizens

Entertainers are among the most visible citizens in the society and it seems they have taken a collective decision to boycott the election, arguably not being exemplary. Without going into much detail, Wayne Marshall said he is deliberately not on the voters' list and has no interest in politics. The answer is somewhere out there as to what it will take for the electorate to change course.

"I don't respect the way how the politicians are dealing with it. I don't think it is fair and professionally done," Wayne Marshall said.

This probably has little shock value, but Ninja Man said he has his eyes set on Gordon House. Could this be the answer?

"Di only way we can do something is if we step up inna Parliament an come MP. If me turn MP, just like how mi can't pass my fan, mi couldn't pass who vote fi me. If me run, trust mi, mi can't lose," he said.