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Reggae artistes blacklisted
BY STEVEN JACKSON Observer writer
Sunday, February 28, 2010
GERMANY, Europe's largest economy, has blacklisted 11 dancehall albums between 2008 and January 2010 this year because of their homophobic and violent content.
Albums by Sizzla, Elephant Man, Bounty Killer, Capleton, TOK and Baby Cham are on this list, or "index", compiled by the German Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons (BPjM) Bundesprüfstelle für jugendgefährdende Medien in German.
Stakeholders counter that up to 35 dancehall albums or songs had been blacklisted since the BPjM's conception including Legalise It by reggae icon Peter Tosh, which was later removed.
The BPjM told the Sunday Observer that it is illegal to advertise these albums or to sell them to minors in Germany, with additional restrictions placed on their sale and distribution. "Breach of ...[the] indexing is punishable by a fine or imprisonment," stated Corinna Bochmann, BPjM spokesperson, in response to Sunday Observer queries.
Ten of the 11 albums were not only considered "harmful to young people" but also contained violent lyrics, according to the BPjM, with lyrics that incite hatred and propagate to kill homosexuals. The BPjM indexed these albums following complaints by certain groups such as the German gay lobby. "The BPjM can only act on the request of other administrative institutions, not by itself. Once an official request has been filed, the BPjM is obliged to act," stated Bochmann.
Ellen Köhlings, editor of German reggae magazine Riddim told the Sunday Observer that dancehall is ironically filliping the gay lobby's agenda. "These lyrics violate German laws which gives the lobbyists legal grounds to successfully censor music and gain media exposure," Köhlings said.
"The gay lobby is looking for cheap forwards just like some artistes look for a cheap forward," she stated.
Köhlings added that artistes could compromise by maintaining their anti-gay stance but avoid the use of violence. "At the end of the day there are much more urgent things to talk about than homophobia, and artistes should leave out, in my mind, the violent bashing of gays."
Riddim magazine has at times assumed the role of dancehall mediator, as the industry has no lobby in Germany: "We have been doing everything we can to restore the image of Jamaica, but we can do only so much. In the long run Jamaica needs to take action," Köhlings noted.
Violent anti-gay lyrics have been a feature of dancehall music for over 15 years with the Buju Banton classic Boom Bye Bye credited as its progenitor. The international gay lobby, in response, has petitioned the German government to ban shows and the sale of records by these artistes. Last year, Banton and Beenie Man were yanked from shows due to the lobby in the US, Australia and New Zealand. Local gay organisation J-Flag told the Sunday Observer that Jamaican deejays are not being unfairly attacked by the international gay community.
"Their music promotes violence, hate and hardship for members of a community that at no time has threatened or hurt them in any way. This is an unwarranted and unprovoked assault on a set of people who have a right to exist," stated Jason McFarlane, J-Flag programmes manager. He added that dancehall artistes who continue to perform "hate-filled music" must be held accountable. "The influence of music on any society must not be under-estimated. What must be understood is that artistes have a right to express what they feel but also must be held responsible for the possible impact they can have on people. Music, in particular Reggae and Dancehall, is universal and so we must be aware of the wide reach of the possible influence of any one artiste."
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3/10/2010
John,
You know... you gave a very interesting twist in what you said... why the attention on reggae music when there are movies that give great detail into violence, as well as video games in which you can do it.
Personally, any music that glamorizes violence isn't something I like to listen to, nor would I have my kids listen to...
I wonder why its acceptable to have violently explicit movies and video games but not music....
3/1/2010
My opinion on this subject should be seen very clear, and with understanding: I am a Jamaican who is living in the Federal Republic of Germany. Even though I've been to my Country, Jamaica very frequently, I must say I do not know the Lyrics of those De Jay Music..Mainly because I am not a Fan of De jay Music..However' If these Music is sending a signal of hatred towards Homosexuals, I can understand the fact that it will create anger: I am not a Psychiatrist to determine the effect of violent music on the minds of human beings. What I'am sure about, is the fact that several thousands of young DRUG HEADS here, who hang's around at the Rail Stations, and beg's money just to go and buy Drugs, they will Murder any one without listening to Jamaican Music. They have no respect for the Laws of this Federal Country, they Vandalize, disrespect the laws of this Country very much. Is Jamaican MUSIC responsible for these outrageous acts?) Well if that's the Case, I would advise that they withdraw these Musics from the German market: And as far as I am concerned, there is no future for Jamaican Dance Hall Music here in Germany..therefore all this Amount of prejudice, and Intimidation bear's no significance:
3/1/2010
Eleazar...i agree with you..but the point is that the gay and lesbian communities across the world are being heard. I dont condone homosexuality..but it is what it is. After all Germany still has their Neo-nazi groups, and the purification of the white race..smh...
3/1/2010
Eleazar - there are many black, Jamaican, homosexuals, so when you say "we" who are you really speaking for? They're gay, but they're still Jamaican.
I don't blame them because the content on some of those albums can really desensitize people to all sorts of violence (take Jamaica today with the notion of 'lyrical killing.' Killings have become such a a way of life that people can tek it mek a singing career out of it, being supported by hundreds of fans).
That said, their focus is rather narrow, because when you look at all the movies, video games, raves, and underground concerts which go against the grain there they're focusing on 'reggae' but missing a hole lot of other things which, for example, caused one of their students to go into the classroom with a gun and start picking people off.
That said - Jamaica would benefit from doing some of that same type of Blacklisting. Still the blacklisting simply means that it will be sold on the black market. There's a dedicated reggae base in Germany, and they'll get it somehow, just like they got all other thing illegal, which they desire.
3/1/2010
Why have they failed to put a stoppage to Racist attacks on foreigners, and also those Jews in Berlin who are Constantly living in fear for their lives? Several foreigners have been attacked and beaten by Members of NAZIS Organization; And there is no effort by this J Flag group to put a ban on those Murderers. We can do without the Racist European Intimidation. Our Music, History, and Culture will always be an offence to those who have forgotten the History of the Slave trade: The struggle for black reckognition is still ongoing. We just will not accept that branch of sex, known as (HOMOSEXUALITY)
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