What do Spice, Lady Saw, Konshens, and other major dancehall artistes have in common? Well, first of all, they all have something to say. Whether in their lyrics or in the comments they make off stage, these artistes all have strong, at times controversial opinions. And these opinions often go on to affect the way other people within our society think and behave—such is the power held by our musicians.
This is why we at the Broadcasting Commission knew that we had to ask our superstars in music some serious questions. What are their thoughts on issues plaguing the music industry and halting its growth? What are their thoughts on the work of the Broadcasting Commission itself? The answers to questions like these do not only help the Commission to change to suit changing times, but it also helps the music industry to flourish. Also, as artistes make music for the dancehall as well as the public sphere, they owe it to listeners of all ages to tackle the issues with their music that may most affect them—such as how they feel about children listening to songs with overtly violent or sexual content.
And of course, this series—which we have appropriately dubbed “Sound Off!”—allows the artistes themselves a forum to express their honest opinions. Of course, their thoughts ranged from the positive to the not overly so, and this is something that we’ve appreciated. As an organization, we need to take the good with the bad in order to serve the public better than ever.
What do Spice, Lady Saw, Konshens, and other major dancehall artistes have in common? Well, first of all, they all have something to say. Whether in their lyrics or in the comments they make off stage, these artistes all have strong, at times controversial opinions. And these opinions often go on to affect the way other people within our society think and behave—such is the power held by our musicians.
This is why we at the Broadcasting Commission knew that we had to ask our superstars in music some serious questions. What are their thoughts on issues plaguing the music industry and halting its growth? What are their thoughts on the work of the Broadcasting Commission itself? The answers to questions like these do not only help the Commission to change to suit changing times, but it also helps the music industry to flourish. Also, as artistes make music for the dancehall as well as the public sphere, they owe it to listeners of all ages to tackle the issues with their music that may most affect them—such as how they feel about children listening to songs with overtly violent or sexual content.
And of course, this series—which we have appropriately dubbed “Sound Off!”—allows the artistes themselves a forum to express their honest opinions. Of course, their thoughts ranged from the positive to the not overly so, and this is something that we’ve appreciated. As an organization, we need to take the good with the bad in order to serve the public better than ever.
Over the next 3 months, we will be releasing a video exclusively on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube every other week. This gives you, the viewer, a chance to speak your mind on the issues the artistes have discussed. Your opinion matters, too. What do you think? Sound off by liking, sharing, commenting, and tweeting. Because, at the end of the day, if we haven’t started a conversation, inspired a debate, spurred you into action or helped you to think a little bit more about how an issue affects you, your children, or your country, then we’ve achieved very little.
Look forward to “Sound Off!” every other week, brought to you by the Broadcasting Commission.
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