BASSETERRE, St. Kitts- MUSIC, as most of us will agree, is like food to the ears no matter what genre it may be. However, some artistes tend to take some of their lyrics ‘overboard’, or should I say some listeners tend to take what many of the artistes say a bit too serious.
There are many Dancehall, Hip-Hop, Reggae and even Soca songs that include derogatory statements and violent lyrics, which encourage gang activity and have caused a number of artistes to be banned from performing in certain countries.
There are many people who view some artistes as role models. But, at the same time, have they taken timeout to consider that music is these artistes’ profession and many of them will include certain types of lyrics in order to boost sales?
I am sure that when an artiste sings a song, stating, for example, that someone should be murdered in broad daylight or that women should have sex in the middle of the dance floor regardless of who is watching, they do not mean it in the literal sense. Music is an art form and one should use one’s imagination and know what to accept and what to reject.
From this backdrop, SKNVibes PEP asked a number of people the following question…“Do you think that violent lyrics have an effect on our youth…why?”
Makeida, a mother of one, said, “Yes, I think it has an effect on the youth, because that’s what they grow up hearing then they grow into this violent mentality which follows them acting out what they hear/sing. They feel that what the artistes are singing is what they do, so they want to follow because they feel that is what is right or will make them cool”.
“I think partially they do, but not for everybody. If you can’t reason for yourself then violent lyrics would have a great impact on you. I listen to violent music but I don’t do what they are saying. And even those persons who are singing the violent songs don’t do the violence; so why would you let that have an impact on you,” said a young man name Shellz.
Simp, a local artiste who has been rapping for a number of years, had a mouthful to say on the topic. He responded by saying, “Personally, I do think there is a correlation between violence in music and violence in general. But, at the same time, how strong the correlation depends on who asks.”
He added, “Artistes create songs that are social commentaries. What they are saying is what happens in society. It may be an exaggeration but it is based on the truth. So can we actually say they increase violence? Not really! Music is art, whether it is bad or not we should just accept it as art. When artists paint pictures with heads chopped off, why don't people be in the same uproar? Movies that win Oscar for violence like Training Day, why don't they get the same flak? We need to accept art for what it is…art, an exaggeration of the truth, social commentary.”
A young mother by the name of Vernelle agreed that violent lyrics do have an effect on our youth. She said because many of the youth listen to music for the explicit lyrics and most times they do not have an idea what messages the songs send. “This,” she added, “could have an effect on their actions or ways of thinking, because some of them often choose to act upon those thoughts. Certain songs’ lyrics promote violence, exposing the youth to themes such as Satanism, substance abuse, murder, suicide and sexual violence.”
Dwayne, a male in his 30s, had a different opinion. He does not believe that violent lyrics have an effect on the nation’s youth. “I don’t think so. If opportunities are not given to the youth to do such actions it will not happen. We just need to remove the abilities for it to happen.”
A younger fellow said that all lyrics have an effect on people, especially the youth. He noted that the lyrics subconsciously and consciously send messages to listeners.
Black Ryno, who is scheduled to perform on Sunday (May 23) at the Green Valley International Night, in a recent interview with 876radio titled ‘Ryno Supports Peace March’, said he could personally attest that violent music does contribute to the level of criminality we face, and at times some artistes in the music fraternity do voice lyrical support for these criminal elements.
“I'm willing to stand for a change and it’s time for us to come to the realisation that it’s us as leaders, role models, artistes that need to stand and pioneer that change,” he said.
Music is universal, therefore, so are the messages sent out. Send us your comments on this topic.
