The Editor, Sir:

For years, my entire being has been thrilled by the pulsating rhythm of dancehall music. The lyrical ingenuity and charm displayed by artistes, such as Ninja Man and Spragga Benz, have always held me spellbound. However, with the contemporary evolvement of dancehall music, I am left grappling to understand the genesis of my admiration.

During my formative years, there were a few dancehall songs that reeked with sexual derogatives, but the lyrics were so carefully crafted that my innocence and that of many other children around me was never imperilled.

I sang without even knowing what I was singing. I danced to the rhythm and I enjoyed myself as I literally wondered on the "cock" eating out the "salt fish".

Most of the dancehall music I hear today, lacks the lyrical depth and creativity it had, and only seeks to promulgate the "daggering" acts of the bedroom, while degrading the sanity of women.

Sexual gadgets

Sadly enough, a lot of our females have continued to gyrate rather shamelessly to these same lyrics that have helped to slander them as mere "gals" and sexual gadgets.

I can understand that music is reflective of our life and the things happening around us, but why every time I tune in to the radio there is a lyrical barrage of sex and violence? Isn't there anything positive happening around us? At least, can the negatives be channelled into something positive and inspiring? Why do we continue to valorise the grim, dark image of our society?

I think that many of us have failed to realise that music doesn't just exist in rhythm and words, but it has the power to transcend our thoughts, whether consciously or subconsciously, into the good, the bad or the ugly. Why do you think most of our young minds behave the way they do? What do you think influences the torrid sexual acts among us? Where do you think the so-called cool 'gangsta' image comes from?

Certainly, dancehall is not the sole force driving our society to a wreck, but its impact is way greater than it is perceived. I am therefore urging all dancehall artistes to refrain from the "slackness" for a change. Yes, it is the sex that sells, quite sadly, but cleaner and more creative lyrics will garner a more appreciative listenership.

Remember your own child each time you write a song. Remember the impact that it will have. Remember Jamaica land we love and nuh bodda wid the eediat thing!

I am, etc.,

SHAWNA KAY WILLIAMS

shawna201@gmail.com

Clarendon College