THE feedback received from my recent commentary, Wanted: Good Songwriters, confirm the issue is topical, and crucial to our music export sector’s resuscitation.

I had clearly struck a sensitive chord, or maybe it was just an off-key note. The responses were vociferous in calling for a media policy change as a pre-condition to the encouragement of songwriters and good reggae songs capable of creating another world hit. This would, therefore, reposition Jamaican Reggae at the centre of the International music industry.

Today, I am publishing a selection of these comments from some successful practitioners such as Freddie McGregor, Jubba White of Dubtonic Kru, and Don McDowell, which fully express the angst within the Jamaican music sector.

Freddie McGregor: “Great piece, except will radio in Jamaica go back to playing great songs? We must accept that there is a greater evil destroying the very fabric of what we are trying to achieve. Great song writing and a great song means nothing if it is not rotated constantly so it becomes the popular song it has the potential to be. Take for example Tommy Lee, his song is so rotated, every child — seven years and over — knows it word for word. Why not the same for any song we deem to be a great song by way of class, song writing skills, and vocals.

A number of people on radio today are definitely not musical; that’s the first problem. How do we change that? The second problem is: how do we get rid of hustlers off our radio stations? Since we have so many stations competing for top spot, there is no wonder it will not change, because everybody’s playing the same one dozen juggling. Also, if you release a good song as a single, you don’t get much play. Then there are street team junkies…The bottom line is that good music in Jamaica stands no chance, therefore, the best of it has migrated. You can find them on eBay for up to £400. One has to be outside of Jamaica to hear great Jamaican music these days… sad so sad. Thank God for Sean Paul, who dem call uptown DJ. A him a hold up JA. Music-wise… keep up di work Charlie. Bless.”

Jubba White of Dubtonic Kru: “Very well said, but also what I might add is that when our media peeps start actually highlighting those who actually have something to say, in terms of lyrical content and even ethics, we might start seeing increase in the influence. That I think is one that’s most lacking.”

In addressing the need to establish appropriate business models and promotional vehicles to drive the process, Don McDowell suggests: “Yeaman. Well said. Also needed is a major reggae tour promotion facility operating out of Jamaica akin to Sunsplash or the likes thereof, taking the best of the music across the globe. Will need music industry and other private sector partnership set up as a public company on the Stock Exchange, plus government facilitation as necessary.”

Given these comments, it’s imperative for the Minister of Information to bring the proposed amendments to the Broadcast Commission Act to Parliament. We also need to reactivate the discussions between the Jamaica Media Association and Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), which commenced in Reggae Month 2012, to arrive at a consensus on the way forward.

Email: che.campbell@gmail.com