Recently, a member and I were discussing the music and I have to admit that I shared her dismay that they youth were so taken up with Dancehall and Hip-Hop/Rap. Whereas, I have Reggae high on my charts of music I must listen to[ ] the lyrical content of most Dancehall songs does nothing to endear itself to me.

It does come in as a handy source of socio-religious critique as I examine the world being described in the songs, and work on ‘anger management’ at the constant degradation of women, women’s body and person, which seem to be the only known subject of Jamaican Dancehall artistes of the last 2 decades. Sadly enough, if the worldwide supporters of Dancehall were tired of it’s overworked and offensive subject matter, there would be no sales. The reality is therefore obvious.

I see the increase in gang warfare and violence among the youth in Colon City which is very much like downtown Kingston, Jamaica. It is difficult to overlook the similarities between the two contexts,and the connection with Jamaican Dancehall music. I have no supporting facts, just the observation that this music is well entrenched in the culture and among a particular social group.

A closing thought….
A couple years ago while in the US, It slowly dawned on me that every time I happened to see a broadcast of some kind of ‘protest’ in various countries around the world there was Reggae music being played at the location. Now that speaks volumes of the power of the music from a biggish dot on Google Earth. Can we truly convince ourselves that Dancehall’s lyrical content has no similar impact among its following? Sad..but it seems to be a negative rather than an uplifting one.

While the rhythm itself is amoral – I believe that God would never be pleased with Christians for being uncritical of messages and accompanying lifestyles that promotes greed, gross materialism (aka bling-bling), violence as the way to settle disputes …hmmm I’m sure its being played in Iraq, and irresponsible sexual practices.

That’s my take on it…

Love,
Marvia