Dear Editor,

It’s a great and welcome relief knowing that — as was featured in the Jamaica Observer’s June 27, 2025 edition, titled ‘Fantastic 5’ — such dancehall stalwarts have, for the good and benefit of the genre, eventually decided to make good sense prevail.

Big up, in particular, to DJ Khaled, American music producer, for initiating the link-up, as per the report, a most thoughtful, progressive, worthwhile, noble, and potentially lucrative endeavour.

Also, congratulations are in order for the four dancehall artistes — Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, Vybz Kartel, and Mavado — who chose to participate in this initiative. Especially to the “War Lord” Bounty Killer, who, in his articulate comments, didn’t miss a beat in singing praises for the link-up and to DJ Khaled for his insightful effort.

In so doing, Bounty Killer has taken the time to comment on, and even clarified past negative interactions between certain dancehall artistes, highlighting such negatives for the purpose of allowing their divided and disgruntled fans valuable insight into certain developments that contributed to animosities which exist. This will encourage such disgruntled fans to move beyond the mess and demonstrate the civility necessary for this aspect of Jamaica’s entertainment culture to strive at home and abroad.

Under the circumstances, one can’t help but wonder if certain artistes’, such as Vybz Kartel, primary motivation for participating in this progressive and unifying initiative is purely noble, or if it’s smacked and littered with selfish and self-centred motives. Granted, Kartel needs all the positive public relations exposure he can muster to reintegrate positively into the psyche of the wider Jamaican society, notwithstanding the financial successes he’s currently reaping — an aspect that’s crucial to the redemption of his reputation which he is intelligent and aware enough to recognise.

On pondering such probabilities, it’s logical to wonder if Vybz Kartel would be so readily receptive to a ‘dancehall reunification initiative’ if not for his past troubles with the law, which, as the record will reflect, his freedom is being realised by virtue of pure luck and technicality — with due respect and credit to his legal team.

It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to wonder if, by virtue of his penchant for aggressive Gaza promo, he would promote a movement within the genre that serves to create and feed into prior existing animosity among dancehall followers while serving and enhancing his financial interest.

It’s notable that, since being freed, Kartel has made some positive overtures to certain artistes with whom he’s been in conflict, most notably Mavado, whom his die-hard Gaza fans see as his arch-enemy. Hence, it’s evident that he’s gradually making dancehall public relations moves, which he did not find necessary to do before now.

Nonetheless, whatever the public may perceive to be his primary reason to be involved in this positive Fantastic 5 initiative, let’s endeavour to give this link-up our blessings and support for what it’s worth.

One Love!

Barrington Bryan

New Jersey, USA

bbrypublish2@yahoo.com