BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - POPULAR Jamaican dancehall artiste, David Constantine Brooks - better known as Movado - wants the youths of St. Kitts and Nevis to put down their weapons and turn to education.
Mavado’s call came ahead of his performance this evening (Jun. 23) at Warner Park, as part of the 2017 St. Kitts Music Festival.
He is one of several headliners slated to perform on what is termed “The ‘Reggae/Dancehall Night”.
Addressing reporters at a press conference earlier today, all artistes spoke of their enthusiasm for performing at the biggest music event in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Mavado was asked by SKNVibes to give a word of encouragement to youths to put down their weapons, to which he said, “Well you know for the youths we have to teach them the right way; so that is the reason why sometimes I sing different songs. Songs like progress and songs like 'Woman', and songs like that.”
The very influential Jamaican songster reminded that many people know most of his lyrics from 12 years ago, with the Gully God theme. However, his music has evolved over time.
“You know we have this whole thing about Gully and Gaza and everything, but over the years the music has grown and I would try to teach the youths and the next generation. We try to teach them the right things,” he added.
Movado’s music has evolved and many young people listen to his work and that of his countryman Shabba Ranks.
So in order to change the mindset of the youths, he noted that most of his lyrics had changed.
“Listening to Shabba Ranks over the years, you always want to be stars [like] Shabba Ranks and Ninja Man. And at this time and age, we are the new roots, with the legendary Shabba Ranks.
“A couple of years from now we are going to be the future. And you have to grow and we are the future mentor for the kids. So we just want youths to stop this crime and violence; education is the key. That is most of it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Goo Goo Dolls will be making their first appearance in the Federation, and the band is hyped with the energy that transcended through today’s press conference, they told reporters.
Shabba Ranks is also expected to slay the crowd with some of his popular hits.
Also expected to perform are the Third World Band, Scratchii Bamma, Ras Idren and Highlight.
