Dancehall Music & the Jamaican Youth

Martina Montague | December 3, 2021

The famous philosopher, Aristotle said, “If one listens to the right kind of music he will tend to become the right kind of person; but conversely, if he listens to the wrong kind of music he will become the wrong type of person.” The genre and mood of music can have people view situations differently and even in a negative light. For instance, listening to sad music can make us see the world a little less bright than it actually is. Also, based on the genre and mood, music can increase aggressive behavior. 

This leads to the discussion surrounding Dancehall and the possibility of this genre of music having negative effects on young people.

Dancehall music is a popular genre in Jamaica and can be heard all over the island-in buses, shops, and in the general public. Dancehall came about in the 1970s. Dancehall music has covered a variety of topics including political injustice and social issues. But there is also a subculture of dancehall that now includes lyrics about sex, gun violence, assault, promiscuity, smoking, and alcoholism. 

Can the lyrics that accompany these songs negatively impact young people’s behaviours?

The cultural impact of dancehall

Popular Dancehall Artist, Adidja Palmer also known as “Vybz Kartel”, released the song titled ‘Cake Soap’ which talks about the lightening of the skin. This popularized many Jamaicans to begin skin bleaching processes with ‘Cake Soap’. Although opinions on skin bleaching vary, this is just one example of Dancehall’s impact on Jamaican society. 

Also, since the release of the popular Skillibeng song ‘Brik Pon Brik’’ scamming is now a popular topic of conversation among the youth of Jamaica. Scamming is also another controversial topic, with some stating that it is their way of receiving ‘reparations’ for slavery from white persons in the United States and Britain.  But is this music powerful enough to make the youth of Jamaica participate in this lifestyle?

WHAT THE GOVERNMENT SAYS ABOUT DANCEHALL’S EFFECT ON YOUNG PEOPLE

The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, pointed out in the House of Representatives that Dancehall has caused the increase of crime in the country and the artists aren’t setting a good example for our young people. He quoted,

“As much as you are free to reflect what is happening in the society, you also have a duty to place it in context. ‘That to tek up the AK47 and dun it in a man head’; That is not right, and though you have the protection of the constitution to sing about it, you also have a duty to the children who are listening to you to say ‘man, that is not right,” he added. 

However, many have criticized The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, for demonizing dancehall, stating that it negatively impacts youth, but also reaching out to Dancehall artists, to make dubs for his, and his peers and colleagues political agendas.

However, Damion Crawford, former senator of the People’s National Party was of a different opinion and was in complete disagreement with the Prime Minister’s statement. Mr. Crawford stated in his interview with Winford Williams on the popular TV show “On Stage ” that dancehall music has nothing to do with the crime rate of our country. Crawford asked, “So when you say it’s a contributor to crime, why would the government give relief [money] to that if you allow the public to agree that it is true? Why would a company sponsor entertainment if it is contributing to crime?” This series of questions gave the public something to think about. Is it possible that the government is only in support of dancehall when it is attracting tourists who bring in foreign exchange? Is it only when they want a boost in votes that they support the Dancehall artistes? The former senator ended by saying, “I’m out here to say all the signs suggest that there is no true causal relationship between music and crime, in particular murder.” 

WHAT DANCEHALL ARTISTES SAY ABOUT THEIR MUSIC’S EFFECT ON  YOUTH 

Like Crawford, the artists were in complete disagreement with the statements of the Prime Minister. Popular Dancehall artist, Baby Cham, took to Instagram after Mr. Holness made his comments. Cham stated, “Poverty, poor leadership, illiteracy, and lack of opportunities are the top contributors for the country’s high crime rate and not the music. Mr. Prime Minister, did your conclusion arise from studies done, or did it arise from the guilt caused by…”  Movado, another Dancehall artist, took to Instagram and stated, “Why is this man blaming crime on music? …that has nothing to do with entertainment, no one voted for us to lead, that’s your job! What you need to do is clean up…..” Many more had a lot to say but all were in agreement; they believed that the crime rate had nothing to do with the music, it had more to do with poverty and lack of opportunities in the country. 

WHAT YOUNG ADULTS HAD TO SAY ABOUT DANCEHALL MUSIC

The Zenerations Social Media Manager took to Instagram to find out how a segment of the Jamaican youth thought Dancehall affected them and the people around them. There was quite a bit of response and they all spoke to very important points. One respondent said, “I think one of the biggest negative effects of dancehall is how it is used to further misogyny/patriarchy in Jamaica.” This makes mention of how most songs are filled with lyrics that refer to men objectifying women as well as the use of derogatory lines to demean women. Most respondents stated that Dancehall gave them crime-based intrusive thoughts and pushed them to adopt a “bad man” persona. The effects of this were rather embarrassing as it had one respondent threatening and/or fighting people unconsciously for foolish reasons. Also, many pointed out that Dancehall indeed does promote violence, drug use, sexual behavior, and scamming, but could only negatively impact those who aren’t strong-headed or those who are still searching for a purpose in life, among others. However, many members of Generation Z state that despite the lyrical content of dancehall music, it is just that…music, and it is not powerful enough to influence them to participate in crime or other illegal activities promoted by the genre.

The conversation on whether dancehall truly has negative impacts on youth, and encourages crime, will always be a controversial one. However, people will always choose what music they want to listen to. Many people enjoy dancehall music for the upbeat rhythms and lyrical content, and also the contribution that it has made to Jamaican culture as a whole. But what do you think? Can dancehall music negatively impact youth?