Artistes tell politicians who play their music at rallies

Rosheika Grant, STAR Writer

As the political climate reaches fever pitch, the use of popular songs from dancehall and reggae artistes increases at rallies held by both political parties. Artistes and producers have generally accepted the use of their songs on these political platforms, but are taking the Government to task for not assisting the music industry more.

Dancehall artiste Macka Diamond said she embraces the use of her music and dancehall songs at these events, as it shows the impact of dancehall. However, she believes the entertainment industry is desperate for more assistance from the Government.

"The Government needs to work closer with us, invest in more venues, and stop shutting off the events that bring a lot of people to Jamaica at 2 in the morning," she said.

Controversial deejay Ninja Man also does not have an issue with his music being played during political events, and told THE STAR that he performs at rallies for the two leading political parties in Jamaica.

However, Ninja Man also believes the Government needs to do more for the music industry in Jamaica.

"If dem use we music fi generate vibes at these events, dem no fi fight out we music when them win," said the deejay.

Ninja Man expressed concern that more is not being done by politicians to assist the entertainment industry, even though it generates a lot of money and attention for the country.

"Sports and music get so much recognition for Jamaica, so why dem no try help us more as an industry?" he queried.

Don't play our music

Unlike Macka Diamond and Ninja Man, producer DJ Frass does not welcome the use of dancehall music in the political arena.

"Dem play we music but dem no give we no support, so dem shouldn't play we music an dem thing," said the producer of Mavado's hit, Weed And Hennessy.

The producer pointed to the lack of interaction between officials from the Ministry of Entertainment and stakeholders in music as evidence that the Government is not serious about making the music industry better.

"When we (Fraas and Mavado) go foreign country, a minister of entertainment and prime minister greet we and have press conference, meanwhile, out here, nuff a we no know who in charge a music down here (Jamaica)," said the producer of Octane's My Life.

Like Macka Diamond and Ninja Man, the producer believes that more venues need to be built solely for the entertainment industry because the two o'clock shut-off time for events was not sustainable.