Vybz Kartel-controversial dancehall reggae artist.

Freedom of Speech, a right held dearly by many here and abroad. It’s been a point used to support and deny many in regards to what they feel they can share privately and in public. Most recently, as we have seen here before in the U.S., it has become an issue over which dancehall artists and those that love their music have taken up debate over with the Jamaican government, more precisiely the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica.

On February 6, 2009 the Commission issued a statement detailing their views, rights, and methodology to deal with what many have viewed as the explicit lyrics of dancehall music popularized by many Jamaican entertainers, especially of the Daggering style- a reference to “dry” sex or simulation of sexual acts/positions. The Commission feels that the content of these songs fails to meet the requirements set forth by their standards for media and broadcasting, affecting even their governing laws for content appropriate for children. Others have taken up their battle cry and linked this music to a demise of Jamaican culture and values overall. The Commission won’t even suffice to have words bleeped out in an effort to allow for radio and cable play of these songs which many music listeners and program hosts would prefer at the least. This music genre is the crux of many programs in Jamaica and it will no doubt impact their viewership and sustainability due to these regulations. Most noteworthy may be the Commission’s call to citizens to “police” the use of these songs.

With the popularity of artists such as Vybz Kartel, Spice and others it will be interesting to see how this scenario plays out in Jamaica and abroad. Forums are being held worldwide to discuss this issue and I’m sure there will be no end in sight soon. Here in the U.S. we have seen artists’ freedom of speech challenged from lyrics to videos, think Biggie and Nelly, with no one side’s point of view prevailing. Many supporters of freedom of specch argue that if others don’t want to hear it then just don’t listen, and in this case don’t watch either. However, we have seen that the law is the law even when the people don’t agree. Take some time to weigh in your views on this issue. In the meantime, if you get caught rampin mind you get locked up!