ONE dancehall entertainer is calling for better lyrical content and improved writing from his industry mates.

Deejay G Monei, who has worked as road manager for acts including Mr Vegas and Hawkeye, says lack of quality in that area is the reason dancehall music is not selling.

“Many artistes don’t recognise that writing lyrics for the ‘corner’ is different than writing for the world. I travel all over the place. When I am overseas I hear some music that I never hear playing in Jamaica,” he told Splash. “Some artiste jus’ believe that once their music is creating a buzz here, that it mus’ ‘buss’ overseas, but it don’t quite work like that.”

G Monei said his days a ‘roadie’ have taught him a lot about the music business, and informs his approach as an artiste. He explained that over-priced artistes, over-sized entourages, indiscipline and poor work ethic, works against the industry, pitfalls he vows to avoid.

G Monei pointed to the music of Bob Marley as a classic example of endurance. It has international appeal, decades after his passing.

“Even those he performs with a strong Jamaican sound, the lyrics is in English. That makes it easy for people to understand and makes them want to buy the music. That is where we need to be going as young artistes in the business. Wi see how Sean Paul has done it and even artistes like Collie Budz… we need to take it there,” he said.

He currently has two tracks ‘in the streets’.

“Right now we have Caan Badda on the Mo Magic ‘riddim’ produced by the team from Unknown People Productions as well as Feel Like on the Road Test riddim from Black Sheet. They are doing well right now and we looking forward to some good things happening for it.”

G Monei, whose given name is Chris Reid, does not believe in limiting himself. He draws inspiration from everywhere.

“I don’t believe in being boxed in,” he stated emphatically. “When the inspiration comes, I just work with it. Right now the two singles that are out, one is a one-drop while the other is a dancehall thing… I like a surprise.”