On Tuesday, March 22,2011 at the 3Ten Lounge in New York (CPR) The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music held an forum asking “Who Mash Up Reggae?”
CPR said, in the wake of the conviction of Grammy award wining artist, Buju Banton, the clamor regarding Vybz Kartel recent “lecture” at the University of the West Indies, the removal of the popular radio program, Ragashanti Live from the airwaves of Nationwide News Network by the Broadcast Commission of Jamaica and the melee at the Magnum Follow Di Arrow stage show where Bounty Killa and Vybez Kartel were advertised to “clash” it is only appropriate to begin the series with a serious examination of the role the professional conduct and personal practices of artists, their teams and industry officials play in shaping the direction and perception of the art form.

The Host for the event was Sharon Gordon and she was joined by Commentators Rob Kenner of Vibe Magazine, Neil Robertson Head of VP Records Touring Division and Elio Morgan, president of the Jamaica Renaissance Society.

There was a four member panel:

Chris DubbMaster: Host of Irie Jam radio on 93.5 FM, Also made headlines when he made the decision to ban Vybz Kartel songs during Black History Month.

Stan Smith: Journalist, radio commentator and manager for singer Carol Gonzalez.

Patrice Barnes: CEO of Patrice Concepts a multimedia company, website designer to the stars.

Mr. Vegas: Born Clifford Smith, A popular Jamaican Dancehall Artists with hit songs like “Daggering” and “Tek Weh Yuself” as well as his uplifting conscious hits like “I am Blessed” and “Can’t Even Walk” ft. Voicemail, Alaine, Ghost, Natel.

It’s no secret that Dancehall music has come under criticism in recent years with complaints of artists who sing lyrics that are violent, vulgar and homophobic.
Dancehall music became popular in the late 1970s, about a decade after dub music had already demonstrated the rich possibilities for reggae subgenres. Dancehall began in the Jamaican dancehalls as when people wanted something different from the roots rock that dominated the Jamaican music scene at that time.

The discussion about the state of Dancehall got so hot, it even caused Mr.Vegas to walk off stage.. I just want to talk about some highlights of the event as well as my personal outlook on Dancehall music.

I want to start first with Dubb Master Chris who has been praised as well as criticized for banning Vybz Kartel’s music during Black History month. Dubb Chris explained during the discussion that he was talking to his listeners about Black History month and then was about to play a Kartel song and just didn’t feel right about it when Kartel is visibly bleaching his skin.

Dubb Chris felt as if he continues to play Vybz Kartel’s music it would be a disgrace to our ancestors and also send the wrong message to young impressionable listeners. Also some persons in Jamaica ask “What’s the big deal about skin bleaching. Dubb Chris went on to explain that Jamaica being an predominantly black country many persons don’t understand the racism that blacks face in places like USA, Canada, UK etc…

I will honestly say when I first heard about this, I thought it was all for hype?

After listening to Chris on the panel, I can now say that I believe that he was coming from a good place and agree that bleaching is a slap in the face to our ancestors and I will go on to say that it teaches self-hate. However, I think that Kartel has the right to do whatever he wishes to his skin as well as Chris DubbMaster has the right as a DJ to play what music he wishes. He also used a quote often heard by my late grandmother, “If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything”

I love Dancehall music, but I have a issue that songs with explicit lyrics are being played at all hours of the day. My eight year old son knows every Kartel song and not because I allow his to listen but through public transportation, school and just being outside he is being exposed to music that as a parent I feel he is too young to listen to.

Who is to blame for this?
1. Kartel for making the song?
2. The DJ’s that play it during school hours?
3. The taxi and bus drivers that play it?

Now to Mr. Vegas before he stormed off the stage he said something that really bothered me, Vegas seemed to think that reggae artists DID NOT need to educate themselves on the business side of music…

I was surprised that he would make that statement , knowing how many musicians are getting robbed blind of copyrights and publishing. Not every artist has to enroll in (UWI) University of the West Indies { Like Kartel } but it is imperative that you educate yourself and surround yourself around a good team.

Kartel has taken a lot of heat for many things, but I hope this is one thing that others will follow him and also do.

I was further disspoined that Vegas walked off the stage..
{Why was I disoppinted ?}
As a fan of Dancehall music and Mr.Vegas, I wanted him to stand and fight for Dancehall because there are many positive Dancehall songs, that don’t seem to get brought up when critics are bashing Dancehall music like G Whizz “Life”, Capleton “Some Day” and I-Octane “My Life”.
Mr.Vegas also has songs that can make you want to get up and dagger or drop to your knees and praise God, I think he can be used as a perfect exampled that Dancehall Artists have the ability and versatility to sing uplifting positive music, while still staying relevant.

My final thoughts about Dancehall…
I think that Dancehall music is great and allows artists a way to expression themselves. However, songs with vulgar lyrics need to stay in the Dancehall and should not be played during hours when young children/teens are listening. I also think that Dancehall artists need to start taking their gift for music more seriously understanding that their name is a brand and that education is very important to have longevity in this business. I also would love to see more of the veterans become mentors to the artists that are just starting out in the industry, or heading in the wrong direction.

(PR) Public relations is a must….. I watched a live steam interview over a week ago with a very well known female Dancehall artists (not calling any names), that turned me off to the point that I will no longer support her music. I will say that she stated that her dream would be to work with Beyonce; Have you ever watched Beyonce during a interview? Beyonce always conducts herself with such class and grace no matter what questions are thrown at her -(Take notes while being a fan).

I spoke to Sharon Gordon and Carlyle McKetty founders of (CPR) in a telephone interview and both stated that the show was a success and that they also want the world to know that they are not Anti-Dancehall in fact they are fans of Dancehall but would like to see better standards set. The next conversation series will be on April 26. and will be free and open to the public. Those outside of New York can also watch on Ustream. For further information email info@cprreggae.org or call 718-421-6927 or visit the website www.cprreggae.org

About CPR:
The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music (CPR) is a charitable organization working to raise the bar in the creation, development, promotion and presentation of reggae music. CPR conducts educational forums, presents music events and conducts research to codify, curate and disseminate information about reggae music.

I reserve the right to my opinion… that’s why I write what I wish. You reserve the right to have your opinion and if you wish to comment on this post, no matter if you agree or disagree, your comment will be approved. Thanks for reading
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