How does reggae music benefit the people?
Dear Editor,
Would Jamaica be better off without reggae music?
I wouldn’t say yes, and I wouldn’t say no. But some things are true. In spite of varying opinions and specifically with regards to reggae music, the ghetto man, for example, who is feeling depressed and emasculated because he is unable to support his family financially, will, as soon as he hears sound systems like Killamanjaro or Bass Oddysey by the zinc fence blaring, automatically be lifted into another reality in which his melancholy is miraculously and immediately replaced by free-flowing suds of Guinness, washing all his troubles away. Or suddenly all his “baddaration” goes up into puffs and puffs of smoke.
Those who say yes we would be better off without it would argue that this is precisely the environment for nurturing irresponsibility and fatherless sons who will later turn to crime and violence. But guardians of the music would counter by saying this is all nonsense. They will point out that the very opposite is true: that if it were not for reggae music, the heartbeat of the nation, a lot more negative, dark energies would be released in undesirable ways instead of that which has been experienced at Sting and other reggae events.
Those who see no value in the music would certainly push back by contending that this, again, is precisely the problem. Events such as Sting and other reggae festivals are exactly what inspire the youth to turn to crime and violence, given the often violent lyrical content on offer.
Others would argue that were it not for reggae music the youth would be even more financially handicapped. They would contend that reggae music has lifted many underprivileged youth out of deprived communities, while empowering and encouraging positivity.
It’s true that music has the power to touch the heart and to heal. But like a knife, how does reggae music currently cut? Does it release chains or does it draw blood?
Homer Sylvester
h2sylvester@gmail.com
