On Independence Day, August 6, 2024, dancehall, Jamaica’s most controversial and oftentimes misunderstood musical genre, came into its own when two of its foremost proponents Beenie “The Docta” Man — whose given name is Moses Davis — and Bounty “Poor People Governor” Killer — whose given name is Rodney Price — took centre stage at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Grand Gala at the National Stadium, receiving with much acclamation the coveted Reggae Icon Award. Who would have thunk it?

This historic moment almost had some semblance to the One Love Concert held on April 22, 1978 at National Stadium during a political civil war in Jamaica involving the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP). The concert came to its peak when reggae icon Bob Marley, during the performance of
Jamming, joined the hands of arch political rivals Michael Manley (PNP) and Edward Seaga (JLP).

Against this backdrop, this writer finds it rather strange that Prime Minister Andrew Holness did not invite Opposition Leader Mark Golding to come forward during the presentation and provide the country with another seminal moment. Instead, it was Prime Minister Holness and Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson — yet again solidifying in the minds of Jamaicans that we are still a nation divided along party lines.

Be that as it may, the Holness Administration is to be commended for having taken the bold decision to honour these two giants of dancehall. After all, it is no secret that many Jamaicans, especially in the middle and upper classes, look down on dancehall, as it is deemed to be the epitome of “slackness”. Let us hope that “Brogad” would not have just seized this moment to gain political mileage, especially as the country is now in election mode but has grasped the importance of fully embracing this very influential aspect of our vibrant Jamaican culture.

Of course, there is no question that there are aspects of dancehall that are “not fit for airplay”. Sexually explicit lyrics as well as songs that glorify gun culture are very much part and parcel of dancehall. The musical genre has also been a major conduit through which economically oppressed and socially marginalised Jamaicans have been able to vent their innermost feelings and disgust with the “system”. From Romping Shop to Poor People Fed Up, dancehall has laid bare the sentiments of the people at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder. By the way, during their performance at the Grand Gala, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, true to form, did “chuck” some of those very lyrics, including “Man fi have nuff gal and gal in a bungle, gal from Rema, gal from Jungle.” Did upper St Andrew squirm in the comfort of their swanky living rooms as they watched that national spectacle unfolding? Wonder how Holness felt deep down when he heard the words, “Mr Prime Minister, poor people fed up”?

Of note, on National Heroes’ Day, October 21, 2024, both men will be conferred with a national honour in the form of Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer.

Interestingly, all of this unfolded in the aftermath of the release from prison of dancehall’s “king of kings”, the one and only lyrical master Vybz Kartel — “World Boss” or “Teacha” — whose given name is Adidja Palmer. If the people’s reaction to this legendary dancehall superstar’s freedom walk is to be taken seriously (not since the release of South African hero Nelson Mandela have I seen the ordinary Jamaican people so ecstatic), then the nation’s politicians had better take note, because in a country where so many citizens have been turned off from the status quo, it is fair to say that these dancehall icons may well be taking on the mantle of alternative national leadership. A frightening or encouraging thought, depending on one’s perspective.

Well, in the final analysis, it depends on how our leaders in the public and private sectors respond to this national phenomenon. To put it bluntly, pragmatic and targeted means must be found to use these influencers of no mean order for the greater good of the country. Many years ago, during a tour of a ghetto area in my hometown in Montego Bay, I was reasoning with some “youthman” and at one point I asked them if they listened to or read the news in order to form opinions about how the country is being run or how it is functioning. One of them quipped, “A Beenie Man and Bounty Killer a fi wi news, cause a dem influence wi, you no see it?” Enough said!

Who remembers Leroy Smart’s hit song Ballistic Affair? “Throw down you gun, throw down you knife, let us all unite…” Perhaps the best way to reach the many misguided youth out there is to encourage our dancehall artistes to use their lyrics and musical skills to steer them in the right direction. In real terms, other major spheres of influence, such as the Church, school, parents, and peer groups, not to mention the police and politicians, have failed so far to change the mindset of so many of our wayward youth. It may well mean, therefore, that Teacha, Poor People Governor, and The Docta have the answers we so desperately seek to create a kinder, gentler society that is focused on constructive living even while letting the good times roll. In the words of Marley, “One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain.”

In this vein, the opening lines from William Congreve’s play, The Mourning Bride, are instructive: “Musick has charms to soothe the savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”

Lloyd B Smith has been involved in Jamaican media for the past 49 years. He has served as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. He hails from western Jamaica where he is affectionately know as the Governor. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or lbsmith4@gmail.com.