With all the trauma that has been taking place in Tivoli Gardens, Jamaicans in and around West Kingston haven't had much hope lately. They've been praying for peace and the return of normality in their lives.
Many within the entertainment industry have been calling out for the artists, DJs, producers and other music representatives to start with the change in lyrical content. Some have already vowed to not play, produce, perform or promote anymore gun-related or violent lyrics. Others have decided not to associate themselves with "persons of interest" like known drug lords, gang leaders or dons.
Will it work? You will never know until you try. The restoration of life as we knew it can only be done if we begin to accept the responsibility to make things better, to make things right. We have the duty to preserve a good life for our children and our children's children.
There are DJs who are known for playing only clean music, artists who only record and perform clean songs, producers who have refused to voice tracks of a violent or obscene nature. However, the success of those persons hasn't reached anywhere near the success of their "Gangster" counterparts in recent times.
What does this mean? It's simple: the customer is always right. The stigma that has stuck with us for years is the same thing that's been bringing us down. Musicians are only following orders. They are only giving the people what they want. What needs to happen then is that we need to reshape our thinking. We tend to only want what is bad for us without the realization that it is slowly breaking us down, as a nation and as a people. Now is the time for change.
Let us think long-term rather than short-term. Some of the greatest songs ever were clean songs that everyone of all ages and backgrounds could listen to. All of Bob Marley's music is still being bought and played up to this day, 29 years after his death. That speaks volume and we all need to follow that example. Let us begin with garnering clean and conscious thoughts. Let us start supporting the entertainment world using the right business tactics and promote good music for all to appreciate.
I am not blaming the music for the problems we face in society, never have and never will; but for change to come, we have to start somewhere. Let us clean up the music first and then move on from there, one step at a time. We who are in this line of work need to do this ourselves. Let the politicians clean up their business, allow parents to do their jobs at home, schools should restore discipline in their system, church leaders need to be more steadfast in their evangelism, etc. Everyone has a role to play. Do YOUR job and don't sit around waiting for hand-outs.
We cannot allow our lives to go further down to nowhere. Lift your head up. Seek peace and guidance in all you do. It is time for righteous living and understanding. It is time for Jamaicans all over the world to stand up, stand tall, stand firm.
NOW IS OUR TIME.
R.I.P. O'Neil Edwards (of Dancehall trio, Voicemail) and to the many lives lost during the State Of Emergency in May 2010.
GOD be with you all.
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2 comments:
some strong words here... and i do believe that every individual counts... if persons just take the time out to change their way of thinking and look beyond all that is out there.. Jamaica and all it stands 4 will b a better place... we can no longer blame music for all thats going on; we have to blame ourselves...how i see it think positive n u do positive... if negative happens to pass your way seek a positive way out!!! Jamaica is our home we need to come together and put an end to this... the public is strongly affected n yet we allow the minority to have the best of us... as my friend here said it our time to now RISE!!!!
I agree Reece.Thanks for complying with what I've said.We need more positive thinking person like you to start making the change.It all begins with self but together we can do it.Thanks again girl.One Love.
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