Reggae music has had a rich and colorful history since its beginnings in ska and rocksteady in the parishes of Jamaica in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Since the 1980’s, dancehall has filled the airways around the world with pounding rhythms that ignite club-goers and fierce lyrics. Some critics say that dancehall lyrics are too fierce, however.
As dancehall has moved out of the islands and into the rest of the world, several artists have received criticism and even been boycotted against for songs that have been labeled as promoting gun violence, promiscuity and hatred towards gay people. This trend is referred to as “slackness” in the Caribbean.
Sexual Overtones in Dancehall
“Daggering” is a dancehall term that refers to songs that promote sexual acts. Daggering has become such a concern that at the beginning of 2009, the Jamaica Broadcasting Commission took drastic action by banning all such songs as well as any song that had to have lyrics bleeped out, from being played over the airways. This would force artists to edit and rework songs in order for them to receive radio airplay.
One such artist is Deejay Spice, a female dancehall artist whose real name is Grace Hamilton. Deejay Spice found herself in the hot seat in 2008 for a song called “Rampin’ Shop”, a collaboration with fellow artist Vybz Kartel. “Rampin’ Shop” was decried by many as too explicit. Things heated up further when Deejay Spice posted semi-nude, provocative photos of herself and Vybz Kartel on her MySpace page.
Deejay Spice and other artists have insisted that parents have the responsibility to monitor what their children listen to and that they have the right to express themselves through music. The Broadcasting Commission’s decision has set off a serious debate about freedom of speech and government role in censorship.
Dancehall and Gun Violence
Dancehall reggae has also been criticized for lyrics which some say promote gun violence and glorify street life, similar to complaints made about American hip-hop music. Artists such as Vybz Kartel and rival Mavado are known for their raw, edgy lyrics that have struck a chord with many youth. Mavado has consistently been at the top of reggae charts in recent years with songs like “Money Changer” and “Top Shotta Nah Miss”. A “top shotta” is slang for a big-time gangster.
Those opposed to the music feel that the lyrics are influencing youth towards a life of violence and disrespect for authority. On the other hand, artists say that they are exercising freedom of expression and that they are writing songs that reflect real life for many poor, urban young people.
Again, the Broadcasting Commission’s decision has sparked serious debate about whether a government should be allowed to regulate culture. Fans have sounded off on blogs and message boards, with some saying that Jamaica is on its way to being a Communist country. Both Mavado and Vybz Kartel have published songs in direct protest of the Commission’s ban.
Lyrics That Reflect Homophobia
Perhaps the most controversial issue surrounding dancehall reggae has been lyrics viewed as extremely homophobic. A global trend towards tolerance of differences in sexual orientation has clashed with socially conservative Caribbean culture in which homosexuality is still frowned upon and in many islands, against the law.
In 1994, heavyweight artist Buju Banton created international furor with his song “Boom Bye-Bye”, which advocated shooting gay men. Ironically, after the song was released, it became a hit with urban American youth who were dancing to the catchy beat in clubs but did not understand the lyrics. When it became clear what the song was saying, it was pulled off the airways in America and in other countries.
A similar event happened in 2001 when a Jamaican group, TOK (Touch of Klass), released “Chi Chi Man”. The song was widely popular in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands and was number one on the reggae charts in Britain but gay and lesbian groups were outraged over lyrics that implied that people should burn gay men alive.
Several artists have been boycotted against and even had shows cancelled when they went on tour in some countries because of protests against their song lyrics. The controversy became so intense that in 2007, another well known dancehall artist, Beenie Man, along with fellow artists Sizzla and Capleton, signed the Reggae Compassionate Act in which they pledged not to write or perform songs that incite violence against any group of people.
Again, this issue has stirred up debate. Some Jamaicans have commented that they feel that their island is being unfairly cast as a hateful, narrow-minded place. Then there is the issue of world trends clashing with local culture. Add to this the struggle to reconcile opposing views about free expression and censorship, and it’s obvious that this is one controversy that is not going to be solved easily.
Despite the negative publicity, dancehall music remains popular worldwide and has a loyal following. The future of the genre does not seem to be in doubt but it will be interesting to fans and critics alike to see how the artists and the music evolves.
