Jamaican entertainers are often criticised for being coarse and uncultured, but several of them champion the importance of education. During Reading Week (May 6-10), singjays Lipstyck and Rre did just that at Enid Bennett High School in Bog Walk, St Catherine.

Their involvement through publicist Talisa Taylor, who coordinated the reading with teachers Camille Brown of the school’s English department and Patrina Nelson of the Social Studies department.

The artistes read from diverse literature including Puss And The Journey and a Bob Marley biography. Lipstyck (real name Sherri-Ann Francis) is a past student of Enid Bennett High School (formerly Bog Walk High School), and a graduate of Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

She told the Jamaica Observer that the popular notion that dancehall artistes are uneducated, is inaccurate.

“I have heard this before, but not all artistes are like that. After leaving high school I went to further my studies because I know how important it is to be educated in music, and quite a few dancehall artistes have done the same,” she said. “Sometimes artistes are perceived to be one way because of their outward appearance but you cannot judge a book by its cover, neither can you use a few artistes to judge all.”

Rre, known for songs such as Crazy In Love and Rise Up, agreed.

“The stereotype for artistes deemed as semi-literate is an unfair statement to make. Most use tactics to give the impression that they are unable to read and write. Having or demonstrating very little or no education,” she said.

That strategy, while popular with some fans, is ill-advised.

“Showing lack of culture, especially in language and literature just to gain popularity and attention, backfires on the artiste and others in the industry. Bad news tend to spread like wildfire than good news. We sometimes manifest what people have to say about us as artistes,” Rre added.

Currently promoting her song Unstoppable Warrior, Lipstyck has some advice for fellow artistes.

“Having a publicist can help dancehall artistes better manage their brand development, and this is important because at the end of the day music is a business,” she said.