Dear Editor,

“Pull up yuh pants an put it pan yuh waist; an’ tuck in yuh shirt an doe bleach yuh face…” This is a line from a song dedicated to the youth by now-incarcerated artiste Adidja Palmer, aka Vybz Kartel or Teacha.

Reggae music has been a part of Jamaican culture featuring Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown and others. This, however, has changed in modern Jamaica where hardcore dancehall music is the new culture, especially among the youth. The new stars of the airwaves are Popcaan, Alkaline, Black Rhino, Tommy Lee and, regardless of being incarcerated, Vybz Kartel.

The message echoed through the microphones has been, for the most part, negative with sex and violence the central themes. Unfortunately, the vulnerable among us are the sponge of this negativity.

In recent times, the Broadcasting Commission has had to step in and ban songs because of high violent and sexual content. The ‘fruits’ of what has been perpetuated in music have been evident in the increased school violence and sex-related activities that are easily viewed on social media.

In recent times, the Broadcasting Commission has had to step in and ban songs because of high violent and sexual content. The ‘fruits’ of what has been perpetuated in music have been evident in the increased school violence and sex-related activities that are easily viewed on social media.

It cannot be refuted that musical content has been influential. The evidence can be seen in response to songs such as Straight jeans and fitted, Clarks, Bleaching, Colouring book, and others. The sales of these products have skyrocketed and more children are getting tattoos as a result. And the hostility in dancehall music is seen in the behaviour of our children; in their talking and dressing.

Whether we like it or not, dancehall artistes are now role models to our children, and with advancing technologies the artistes’ every move are followed. The children are so tuned in that on their way to school and back, in class, and even while sleeping an earpiece is plugged into their ears. While primary care and control are the duty of parents, and censoring of the airwaves the responsibility of the Broadcasting Commission, dancehall artistes, too, should be held accountable for the lessons they teach. Now that we have seen the impact that dancehall artistes have, we should launch some positive music campaigns using these same influential artistes. The campaign would be about musical content that influence youngsters to focus on their education, abide by rules, and appreciate themselves and others. Today’s children are tomorrow’s adults and we all have a responsibility to foster positivity in their lives.

Hezekan Bolton