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How De Yutes Get So?

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Submitted by Just Observing

26 years ago there was a hue and cry when a then young Minister of Education who managed a group of artists brought school aged students to the Wildey Gymnasium to be “feted” by none other than Mr. Edwin Yearwood, Pic of De Crop winner.

At the time this mass “party” was unheard of but clearly went on to become a staple of B/DLP politics, campaigning and our cultural and sub cultural landscape.

Fast forward 27 years to the present and we have a young Minister of Education who manages a group of artists and uses them for promotional and motivational student videos (covid, back to school, stop the bullying etc.) including the popular Mole, Peter Ram and others.

BUT, here is the rub. The attached video shows the duality of entertainment and the flip side of performance roles.

TROJAN RIDDIM MIX VIDEO



So, one day it’s go to school, learn well, sanitise and don’t trouble nobody. The next day it’s gunshots showering like storm, high grade, kush, 357’s, AR’s and coffins for informers who get shot.

All coming from the same mouths, with the same faces, in the same spaces.

All managed and seemingly endorsed by a young Minister of Education whose business interests apparently diverge from the broader national, social and values based interests when convenient.

Imagine this at a time when violence, guns, shooting and fear of serious crime continue to climb. This is what far too many of our young people glorify, rejoice in and give praise to.

As one of the same said artists said over 30 years ago…..

“Well boh, I find out doh, uh NOW realise how de yutes get so”

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506 responses to “How De Yutes Get So?”

  1. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    I happen to like the Haha guy.

    I do not blame David for his absence.
    If Haha’s feathers got ruffled and he want to go sit in a corner, sulk and pout, then let him.

    A ‘real man’ would have made it back; the snide remarks and insult would have continued until booted again.

    The ego is too big and easily bruised. Very disappointed with him.

  2. Cindy Dottin Avatar
    Cindy Dottin

    Having read the myriad of comments here, the phrase “it takes a village” comes to mind. Many persons in the community at large have some responsibility for helping to hone the character of our youth. The energy used in pointing fingers, may be better utilised in helping to turn things in a positive direction. As the Globe shrinks, positive and negative influences are bound to penetrate various cultures. The question becomes how can cultures/communities help to “accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative?” We should all endeavor to work together to take on those tasks.

  3. angela cox Avatar
    angela cox

    DonnaJune 1, 2021 6:44 PM

    Can Angela Cox remember what Hal said about gangsta rap

    Xxxxcxx
    Have no idea not interested in gangsta rap
    My first listening to gangsta rap was this video today
    Thought it was very interesting giving a vivid an truthful account of the underworld of crime drugs and violence

  4. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    “Can Angela Cox remember what Hal said about gangsta rap?”

    Harold [R.I.P.] was more into the cyphers of old school rap like Ultramagnetic MCs and Kool Keith

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7EY-Mm7DJ8

  5. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    Saw the video of Mia asking for an apology to the nation. She was earnest and spoke with confidence.

    Free advice to Mia
    Mia you cannot be patching here and there because of self-inflicted wounds or by those your team has a relationship with

    The role of clean-up woman does not suit you.

    I am suggesting a two day retreat where MPs are made to list the pies they have their hands in and informing them “Wunna need to keep your pies in order. These little paper cuts are causing us to lose a lot of blood. No more unwanted headlines.”

    Route my check through the blog master. BDS $499k

  6. Hants Avatar
    Hants

  7. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Still waiting for the apology to the Black/African people and zero tolerance for the decades of racism, discrimination, oppression, suppression, pauperization, thefts from the treasury and pension fund, corruption, human rights violations, a nonfunctioning supreme court …..and the lost list that never seems to end.

    they do realize that only the really mentally damaged believes anything they say…

  8. angela cox Avatar
    angela cox

    TheOGazertsJune 1, 2021 6:56 PM

    I happen to like the Haha guy.

    I do not blame David for his absence.
    If Haha’s feathers got ruffled and he want to go sit in a corner, sulk and pout, then let him.

    A ‘real man’ would have made it back; the snide remarks and insult would have continued until booted again.

    The ego is too big and easily bruised. Very disappointed with him.

    Xxxxxxxx

    Your assessment is wrong
    Xxx
    Knowing Hal he would not miss an opportunity to express himself on BU platform
    He was banned and for all the long talk David knows that Hal during the early period he tried posting and his comments were moderated

  9. angela cox Avatar
    angela cox

    What a remarkable two year accomplishment for the PM

    Poverty
    Committes and Damaged control
    Within a span of three days the PM had to tell the people
    Hey wait not up in hey

  10. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    “Knowing Hal he would not miss an opportunity to express himself on BU platform”

    something’s not right

    He also knew when you being moderated and nobody else gave a damn either

    sounds like inside information and 2 snitches and bitches are really 1 snitch bitch who should be buried in a ditch or swimming with the fishes

  11. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    @Donna
    The problem is much deeper than music.
    Agreed. But it doesn’t help when our Minister of Education (or any other socio-political leader) supports, pays and promotes artistes who glorify our problems to this degree.

    @Donna
    Again I ask – does portraying a gansta character in song amount to glamorising violence?
    Yes. But it’s absolutely anyone’s right to do so if they want. Now, if you choose to do so, good for you, BUT there is no way you should be held up as a role model/promoter for anti-bullying, safe zone apps and youth behaviour etc. Can’t have the cake and eat it too.

    Just observing

  12. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @Just Observing “This is what far too many of our young people glorify, rejoice in and give praise to.”

    CORRECTION: “This is what far too many of our young MEN glorify, rejoice in and give praise to.”

  13. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    When last has an 80 year old woman shot anybody?

    Has an 80 year old woman EVER shot anybody in all of Barbados’ history?

    If not, why not?

  14. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    How De Yutes Get So?
    ONE: Testosterone
    TWO: Poor or non existent FATHERING
    THREE: Easy access to firearms. Who is bringing in the guns?
    FOUR: Drugs, including alcohol
    FIVE: Unemployment and underemployment
    SIX: Poor education
    SEVEN: The lust for “easy” money.
    EIGHT: Young MALE stupidity and thoughtlessness.
    NINE: Poor self esteem
    TEN: Poor or no religious instruction
    Eleven: Self hate

    All of the above except for number ONE can be fixed. We can’t fix biology. But everything else from TWO to ELEVEN can be fixed if we have the will to do so.

  15. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @David June 1, 2021 5:47 AM “Politicians are the leaders who receive the highest visibility in society. What about the other leaders in our communities? The teachers, social workers, policemen, NGOs et al?”

    Long before the politicians, teachers, social workers, policemen and NGO’S come the most effective [or ineffective] leaders.

    PARENTS.

  16. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    @Cuhdear
    The actions of the young WOMEN are quite comparable and even more dangerous though less violent and visible.

    Just observing

  17. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @David June 1, 2021 6:00 AM “Has the government been funding and promoting some of these artistes with tax dollars?”

    Not tax dollars David.

    Tax payer’s dollars.

    Your dollars.

    My dollars.

  18. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @WURA-War-on-U June 1, 2021 6:47 AM “Wasn’t the Attorney General not seen modeling a Brandy & Punnany shirt.”

    No.

  19. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @William Skinner June 1, 2021 7:54 AM “When David Thompson run a campaign on Crime and violence.”

    But did David Thompson come with clean hands?

  20. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    It appears as though the “investigative reporter” is as exceptional as her fan club ‘says’ she is.

    In a forum dominated by contributors using pseudonyms, she has been able to identity those anonymous individuals who “are yet to have a portfolio in such areas of knowledge and schooling that can top or be compared to” the limey bully.

    Simply brilliant!!………… “you go, girl.”

  21. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @Artax June 1, 2021 1:53 PM “What is bothersome is how some on BU can so conveniently forget the minibus culture , the 2 generations of SOCIAL damage it has caused and the DECADES of lies and promises from DBLP to fix it.”

    I am probably the only person on BU who has taken the ZR vans every working day, and many Saturdays for shopping, recreation and trips to the library, and most Sundays to church. Almost always my children were with me; at the time one was a teen and the other at elementary school. They have both turned out amazingly well, hardworking, respectful, responsible…

    So, no, We cannot blame the drivers, conductors, ZR owners, police or politicians.

    Child raising is hard. Child raising is very, very hard. Harder that ANY job I have ever done in any office in any country.

    The truth is too many of our children are “throw-away kids.” Too many of our men, and some of our women treat their children as though they are pickneys in massa’s nigger yard. Somebody else’s responsibility. Even now some of out men boast about “I foop she and leave she”

    What becomes of the child?

    Easy, easy prey for drug and gun dealers.

    We MUST love our children.

  22. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @Donna June 1, 2021 2:55 PM “Whoever said that words do not influence???? My words were the strongest influence in my son’s life. Not Lil Rick’s. Not Peter Ram’s. And certainly not Mole!”

    So true Donna.

    Same here. My words, not Grantley’s nor Errol’s nor Tom’s, nor Bree’s nor Erskine’s, nor Owen’s nor Mia’s, because none of these people, NONE of them have put as much effort, as much time, or as much love into child raising as I have.

    We neglect our children and then we act surprised when they are eaten by wolves…some of whom as dressed in sheepskins.

  23. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @Paula Sealy June 1, 2021 3:42 PM “Yesterday, a segment on VOB featured Dr. Marcia Burrowes. She read an article from 1951 which spoke of police concerns regarding the drivers and conductors of public transportation.”

    I heard that too. And it occurred to me that she was speaking of our now respectable honored elders [when they were wufless young boys.]

    Reminds me of a story I was told about a female centenarian who was being interviewed and when she was asked why she moved from Parish to Parish B she responded truthfully “I was following the doggie”

  24. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    “I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless beyond words… When I was young, we were taught to be discreet and respectful of elders, but the present youth are exceedingly wise [disrespectful] and impatient of restraint”.
    (Hesiod, 8th century BC, nearly 3,000 years ago)

    They [Young People] have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations; moreover, their hopeful disposition makes them think themselves equal to great things — and that means having exalted notions. They would always rather do noble deeds than useful ones: Their lives are regulated more by moral feeling than by reasoning — all their mistakes are in the direction of doing things excessively and vehemently. They overdo everything — they love too much, hate too much, and the same with everything else.
    (Aristotle, about 2,500 years ago)

    “The world is passing through troublous times. The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they knew everything, and what passes for wisdom with us is foolishness with them. As for the girls, they are forward, immodest and unladylike in speech, behavior and dress.”
    (From a sermon preached by Peter the Hermit in A.D. 1274)

    Seems to me that the young gals in 1274 would have been extremely comfortable on a ZR van, wufless music and all.

  25. Dompey Avatar
    Dompey

    The latest Mass Shooting in America, was committed by three Black youths, who killed two innocent people and injured 20 others and they are still on the run.

  26. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @SS 9.27pm
    Pics all over social media of him in said shirt. I cannot say modeling, but wearing

  27. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    Good Lord. My error then. Honestly I did not see it. I guess that I follow the “wrong” social media.

  28. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    L’il Rick, like me is beginning to look so 20th century.

  29. David Avatar
    David

    @Prime Minister Mottley

    The louts have not removed the video.it seems they may be ready to make the plunge to earn their daily bread from the ‘underground’ market.

    PM Mottley asks Bajan artistes to delete violent video with 62K views

    https://barbados.loopnews.com/content/pm-mottley-asks-bajan-artistes-delete-violent-video-62k-views-545204

  30. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Observing,

    I disagree. I see it as telling a story that already happened or speaking through the mouth of a gangsta.

    A reread of the words of the police detective and the senior police officer as posted here from the Sunday papers would show them telling the same story.

    What should shock us is that it is a true story, not that the story is being told.

    The music came AFTER the event. It did not cause it.

    While we focus our attention on Lil Rick and Peter Ram, the REAL INFLUENCERS are reaping the rewards from the deaths of our young men.

  31. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    And after the video is deleted Ms. Mottley will implore the big up drug importers to stop bringing in the drugs and guns?

  32. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    @ Donna

    The comedy/entertainment group, MADD, were similarly criticized for their 1990s and 2010 songs, “Cowboys” and “Last Saturday Night,” in which they sang about gun violence.

    At that time, especially with “Last Saturday Night,” which also had a video, people accused the group of ‘glamorizing crime’ and said the song should be banned.

    MADD said they were only ‘telling a story’ of what was happening in Barbados.

  33. David Avatar
    David

    Recently Barbadians in numbers said a loud no to an advertising campaign they didn’t agree with and the government listened and responded positively. Again Barbadians are saying a loud no to these airhead entertainers who have zero sense of sensibility. It is time to take our country back! We cannot have our cake and eat it too.

  34. David Avatar
    David

    Here is what the blogmaster would like to see, a clean edit of a story of how ordinary Bajans go to work everyday to build a better Barbados targeting the underground.

  35. David Avatar
    David

    Outraged
    Prime Minister leads attack on controversial music video
    by CARLOS ATWELL
    carlosatwell@nationnews.com
    THE TEN ARTISTES in the controversial Trojan Riddim Mix music video that many condemn as promoting gun violence came under heavy fire yesterday, with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley leading the charge.
    The video, featuring Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Mole, Screwface, Mallis, Lead Pipe, Brutal Crankstar, Chiief Diin, SK and Quan De Artist, has received widespread condemnation from all sides of the political divide, the church, fellow artistes and members of the public.
    Two of the artistes – Peter Ram and Mole – yesterday offered public apologies for their part in the music video.
    Both these artistes had been involved in the Ministry of Education’s We’re Stronger Together campaign last year that encouraged children to wear their masks properly and follow COVID-19 guidelines.
    Mottley, in a video statement yesterday, said she was horrified and disappointed, while Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley labelled the entertainers’ action “atrocious”.
    She said it was impossible to remain silent on this issue.
    PM horrified
    “I am horrified at the video and personally disappointed in the artistes who have not recognised that there is an obligation on their part to be able to accept that to whom much is given, much is expected,” the Prime Minister said.
    “While there may be some who may claim that there is artistic licence for artistes, let us remember that not everyone in our society understands the use of artistic licence or sarcasm.”
    She stressed there had to be a zerotolerance approach to gun violence in Barbados, adding that, personally, she did not even like toy guns.
    The Prime Minister said one could not “play light” with issues such as this.
    “Any Government with which I am associated cannot and will not be supporting anybody who fails to apologise to the people of this country for this behaviour . . . . You need to apologise to the people of Barbados because there are too many victims of gun crime in this country as recent as today (Tuesday).
    “Any association I have with any other entity outside of Government, I will also insist that there can be no kind of meaningful relationship unless there is a willingness to meet the country where it is and that is zero tolerance on gun violence,” she said.
    Mottley called on the artistes to not only apologise to all Barbadians but also to immediately take down the video which was launched on April 6.
    “Persons who have put up the video have a responsibility to take it down and in addition therefore to the apology, I expect you to take it down. I say again, the Government cannot support anyone who believes that it is okay to compartmentalise our support for them in one place and take it away in another place with respect to the use of gun violence.
    “I therefore ask those persons who have been involved to please apply your heart to common sense and to recognise that at this point in time, this is not the message that we need to be sending to any Barbadian, or any person in this country, or any part in the world for that matter,” she said.
    Atherley said the video conveyed a sense of the horrific things taking place in Barbados.
    “I think by and large it suggests our chickens have come home to roost big time. I also think the artistes let themselves down and did a discredit to the entertainment world in Barbados. I am sure there are better examples of quality and creativity and a better ability to express themselves than what is represented than what we are seeing and hearing in that video,” he said.
    He said the visuals and lyrics in the video clearly suggested a “resistant and aggressive attitude” to law enforcement and security officials as well as a challenge to national security. He also called for the artistes involved to issue a public apology to Barbados.
    “It is very unbecoming and I think it signals we have really come to a new low in this country. I have [previously] heard music with lyrics and seen music with visuals made by some of the prominent artistes in this video. Though I did not necessarily find them appealing [then], this particular video is very, very offensive to Barbadian taste, sense of decency and civility, and it is an indictment on these guys in this instance. “I think they have crossed the line in a big way and they owe this country an apology. They need to somehow come back from this and try to send a positive signal to the youth population,” he said.
    On Starcom Network News, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, John King, a former entertainer, said he was “totally flabbergasted by the insensitivity of all involved”.
    “I think that sometimes we look at ourselves in terms of what we do for a living and what is marketable at the time for the audience and make decisions that are not in the best interest of not only ourselves, but the wider community as a whole.
    “I think there needs to be a serious conversation on the collective responsibility of the society and not just pinning these things down on any one person or section of persons.
    “When a person makes the decision to get involved in whatever they see fit to get involved in, then be it Government or a company, that their sponsorship and that relationship has to be re-evaluated going forward, which would be in the best interest of everybody,” he said.

    Source: Nation

  36. David Avatar
    David

    Ram, Mole: Sorry
    by NATANGA SMITH natangasmith@nationnews.com
    PETER RAM is a sorry man today. And so, too, is another of the artistes who was part of a video that has enraged Barbadians over its promotion of gun violence.
    Yesterday, Ram, via an online video, tendered an apology after the public outcry over a 16-minute Trojan Riddim Mix video.
    That video featured ten artistes – Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Mole, Screwface, Mallis, Leadpipe, Brutal Crankstar, Chiief Diin, SK and Quan De Artist. Some sang about killing informers and witnesses, and about the various types of guns to be used.
    Their songs were: Chiief Diin’s Smith & Wesson, Chief Diin x Quan De Artist’s Start War, Peter Ram’s Roll Out, Screwface with Badman, Leadpipe’s Thugs Out, Brutal Crankstar’s Informer, Mole De Chief’s Coffin, SK’s Mad Dawgs and Lil Rick’s Aliens (Pull Up).
    The video was uploaded on April 6 on
    Lil Rick’s YouTube
    page. “I am expressing my humblest apologies to my followers and my fans, along with the general public, for the lyrical content that was freestyle on a riddim a year and a half ago,” said Ram in a one-minute clip.
    His Roll Out had lyrics which spoke about “who violate dem grave haffi dig, who fi get disappear disappear, who fi get put pon fridge”.
    The bashment soca artiste, who was featured as part of a Government anti-bullying campaign in 2016, said: “It was never my intention to offend anyone. As one of Barbados’ top entertainers, I deeply apologise to all the little kids that look up to me.
    “You see the mistake, you acknowledge the mistake and you come and apologise. We love Barbados and we keeping Barbados nice.”
    Also apologising was Mole De Chief, adding he regretted the outcome.
    “I am well aware of the considerable discussion regarding the Trojan Riddim on which I am featured as an artiste. I wish to state, for the avoidance of doubt, that there was never any intention of this song being offensive or to incite any form of social unrest.
    “However, I respect the opposing perspective and offer to the public an apology of regret. As we move forward, I wish to renew my commitment to producing enjoyable and positive music for the pleasure of loyal fans,” he said in a statement to the MIDWEEK NATION.
    No comment
    This newspaper also reached out to some of the others in the video but received “no comment” from Leadpipe and his management team, and a similar response came from Ruel Ward of Pyramid Entertainment Management Inc., who manages Lil Rick.
    Last night Leadpipe posted on social media that he was no longer connected to telecommunications provider Digicel. “I am no longer with Digicel . . . . Hope all this helps to cease (sic) the gun violence,” he wrote, adding: “So apparently the artiste on the Trojan Riddim will no longer be supported or hired from the Government movin’ forward! Thanks my home country. Wunna never cease (sic) to amaze me.”
    The National Cultural Foundation, which has provided financial support to many of these artistes and has used them in its productions, shows and competitions, also offered “no comment” when contacted.
    Station manager of Starcom Network, Anthony Greene, said such songs would never be played on their stations, adding that similar ones had come to them periodically.
    “It’s an issue that comes up from time to time. As a part of our own self-regulation, we encourage reflection on our roles and responsibility as a group of stations and we certainly do discourage airplay of such content.
    “We usually refer to a declaration that was signed by our radio personalities a while ago now that speaks to our refusal to air recordings that glorify the use of firearms, within the context of the commission of crimes or any other context. Some of the personalities who signed that declaration are still around now but that was some time ago.
    “It is important for us to look at what drove such a declaration, especially for those who have come on to the airwaves since then, and secondly, within the current context. This we certainly will do,” he added.
    Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch Classic, in denouncing the video, said: “All it takes is for one idiot to take up a gun and follow what these men are singing.
    “There are people who look up to public figures and hang onto their every word. Some don’t know how to separate fiction from reality. They hear their favourite artistes telling them these things and they go and do them,” he said on Starcom’s Fireworks programme yesterday.


    Source: Nation

  37. David Avatar
    David

    Bishop ‘hurt to the core’
    by CARLOS ATWELL carlosatwell@nationnews.com
    SOME RELIGIOUS LEADERS yesterday joined the chorus of Barbadians rebuking the Trojan Riddim Mix music video.
    Like Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Anglican Bishop Michael Maxwell called for the artistes involved to make a public apology and for the immediate removal of the near two-month-old video, but which attracted mainstream public outrage from Monday.
    “This video is very offensive and insulting to who we are and what we truly stand for as Barbadians; and for such a song and video to be produced by some of our top artistes hurts to the core. I really could not believe what my ears were hearing and my eyes were seeing and who were the ones involved. “I personally believe that our nation deserves an apology from these artistes for producing and releasing such a distasteful, vulgar and uncivil video with such a high level of obscene language that sends a negative and damaging message viral as it incites immorality, gun violence, the seeking of revenge and taking the lives of those referred to as informants or snitches,” he said.
    The Bishop took aim at one of the most prominent members of the video, Rickey Lil Rick Reid, who also uploaded the video.
    “What struck me the most was that one of the artistes, in [his] earlier years, penned a song with the hook line ‘Me nah know how de youts get so’ and the answer is there once again. They have gotten so because of the negative influences they receive from many of us who as adults should know better.
    “If this video is not blocked or removed from circulation, or if the artistes themselves are adamant that they are not issuing a statement of remorse for this video, then more youts will ‘get so’ – they will be getting into gun violence, the drug culture and serious criminal activity,” Maxwell said.
    Chairman of the Barbados Christian Council, Reverend Dr Cicely Athill-Horsford, said she had an intense initial reaction and might need time to cool down and gain more objectivity.
    “From the first few lines (sung by Lil Rick) I felt angry, annoyed, insulted and hurt, like my intelligence was insulted to the nth degree. I had to turn it off. The church needs to have a conversation with the artistes to determine where they are coming from. Is it just to make money or are they speaking to the current issues? And to let them know they are not doing a good job,” she said.
    Athill-Horsford questioned whether the entertainers were following foreign artistes and wondered since some foreign artistes had been banned from performing due to lyrics in the past, if the local ones should not be banned as well.
    “I find Barbados is not going up, it seems to be going down . . . and we cannot allow ourselves to get that low,” she said.
    Roman Catholic co-delegate Father Clement Paul and president of the Barbados Muslim Association, Dr Abdul Mohamed, said it was unwise to rush to judgement as, despite the content of the music video, there were deeper issues involved.
    Paul said he would like to sit down with the artistes and talk to them rather than condemn.
    “The fact those artistes produced songs like that means they are of the opinion there are people who will appreciate it, that there is a market for that material and I am very sorry it has come to that. The lyrics are not good enough – thank God it’s not on the radio – but this goes beyond the song.
    “We have to again call for wholesome music, lyrics and behaviour and not just coming from the media or the clergy, but from the society in general. We love you, we love your entertainment but we are asking you to please give us wholesome material as it is not good enough when you go overboard,” he said.
    Mohamed said there was a silver lining as the music video could spark much-needed conversations.
    “Morals and ethics are important to making a structured, peaceful society and music does have an impact on impressionable young minds, so it is interesting the very same ones who were promoting anti-bullying in the schools are now allegedly [promoting violence].
    “This might be a blessing in disguise. In context of the recent gun violence, this may be time to have that discussion about music and its impact on society. What may be seen as a misstep by some may actually start a dialogue and start something good,” he said.

    Source: Nation

  38. David Avatar
    David

    De Peiza: Video horrifying
    DEMOCRATIC LABOUR PARTY (DLP) president Verla De Peiza minced no words yesterday as she took to social media to lodge her disgust regarding the Trojan Riddim Mix music video.
    On Facebook, she said the video was “boldly glamourising gun violence” and was “one of the most horrifying examples of societal meltdown seen in recent times”. She said the tens of thousands of views of YouTube spoke to the reach of the artistes.
    The DLP leader also criticised Government for what she said was its short-sightedness.
    “No doubt their popularity is what prompted this present Government to lock down their endorsements in the last election and to utilise some of them in a recent campaign in schools against bullying. But those of us who wish to lead have to demonstrate a long-sightedness and a discernment, more than others, and I am waiting to hear from the Ministry of Education on this matter,” she said.
    De Peiza said international artistes and athletes were made to sign special clauses and questioned whether this should not occur here.
    “There is a reason why international athletes who front for companies are required to sign morality clauses. It is because they become so closely associated with the product that they become the face and embodiment of the brand. The same is true of our country.
    “Were these artistes, chosen by the present administration, asked to sign such a clause? Is there a form of reprimand for this blatant glorification of criminality? Is the protection of our children from corrupting influences no longer a function of society? Is breaking the law the new norm?” she asked.
    De Peiza also drew comparisons between Barbados as a society and as an economy.
    “Let’s talk society. Have we become so fixated on the economy that we forget that what we are really looking to influence are the lives of people? Are our people now to be sacrificed on the altar of expediency? Or will we as a people take stock, stop watching and get active in defence of our society?”
    (CA)

    Source: Nation

  39. David Avatar
    David

    To the private sector we want to see more of this stance to promote change in the country.

    Take stance on lewd artistes
    by COLVILLE MOUNSEY
    colvillemounsey@nationnews.com
    FORMER HEAD of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Trisha Tannis, says the time has come for the private sector to step up and do more to discourage artistes who, through their lyrics, attack the country’s social fabric while incentivising those who seek to uplift society’s values.
    She was weighing in on the firestorm over a recently posted music video involving several popular artistes spewing lyrics which glorified gun violence at a time when the country is experiencing and upsurge in gun-related crime.
    The Trojan Riddim Mix, which features Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Mole, Screwface, Mallis, Lead Pipe, Brutal Crankstar, SK, Chiief Diin and Quan De Artist, has received a wave of condemnation after it was placed under the national spotlight on Monday during Starcom Network’s Down To Brass Tacks.
    Tannis’ comments came after Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley called yesterday for corporate Barbados to join the Government in not doing any business with the artistes involved in the production, “unless they apologised to the nation”.
    However, Tannis said while she was in full agreement with the Prime Minister that a strong message must be sent in this case, it must not be a one-off stance.
    “Sustainably this is not just something that we can just look at for this occasion, but it must be seen as an ongoing challenge where we actually deliberately and purposefully seek to do the same thing with anyone that infringes on our moral fabric.
    “We are at a juncture where the social fabric of our country is under attack, and it is fairly unconscionable for persons to use the influence that they clearly have with more impressionable minds, in this manner.
    “The power of music in and of itself is something that should be exercised very responsibly, and it is unfortunate that this influence would be used in this manner, particularly at this juncture,” said Tannis.
    “I do join therefore the cry to denounce this type of expression and I do wholeheartedly agree that as a nation, we really do have to put our money where our mouths are. We have to really stand firm by our convictions as to what we will allow to pervade across the landscape and impact the minds of our vulnerable citizens.
    “Therefore, it is critical that we take a close look at who we allow to perform at our events, who we sponsor and who we sign contracts with.”
    Meanwhile, on his first day on the job as BCCI president, Anthony Branker made it clear that even without conferring with the membership, the business community had a zero tolerance for gun violence as well as anyone who sought to promote such behaviour.
    “It is clear that the business community would not support any type of violence and we would fully support the Government’s call for persons to desist from this type of support, whether it is through music or any other form. Any type of violence will impact our small island socially and economically and we will support the Government in this appeal to desist from all violence,” he stressed.

    Source: Nation

  40. David Avatar
    David

    Arturo Edward Facebook

    For those artistes glorifying misogyny and gun violence, it is just a song. Parents are to raise their children and they aren’t to blame for their influence. Here is my reply to that attitude, one author to another, with due respect.
    Its colonial, sexist, anti-black, anti-human, self-indulgent and many of you fail to grasp the importance of nourishing souls with meaning, hope and purpose. You who fling these lyrics on a rhythm have no sense of ancestry, no cause higher than trying to glean what the market – or what a particular demographic wants to hear. No ancestral appreciation you seek, but the hedonistic shout out, street cred and access to any and all corridors of power. Ultimately none can really touch you for you remain for sale. Thats the aspect of culture I’m calling out. That’s the culture you are mutually constituting and giving credence. You believe it epitomises the real hustle and survival among the poor and precarious. But that’s just one of several expressions of resistance and survival.
    On closer inspection let us unmask what is before us. The manliness representations are in the American manner of black thuggery. Like all caricatures, Bajan artistes mimic their bling and rap talk without a side glance into the making of the African American “bad boy”. He is unconsciously the reflector figure of the effects of militarism, materialism, racism, xenophobia, misogyny and white supremacist ideology reaching back to slavery, Jim Crow, anti-communist hysteria, military invasions, zone strikes, police brutality and the rise of fascism. We indulge a rip off reading into African American hopelessness and dread, adopting such as a period style of how real black men lead their lives.
    What we have in that music video is Lil Rick, Peter Ram etc indulging outrage but with self-cancelling effects. Tell me in what context is it artistic to liken a difficult place to hide as your “granmuddah vagina drawer”?
    This is what feminists constantly decry – the brazen, violent disregard of womenfolk. She with hands and face wrinkled from a life of unpaid care, lesser wages than her male counterparts, social surveillance on her right to be, her name and social worth reduced to impressions of her sexuality, her sexual preference, her style of dress, the way she walks, talks, laughs and for having convictions.
    But this is what happens when cultural warriors think of the space as ruled by common sense, nothing of an emancipatory consciousness. Barbados quite the “free dumb” capital where good ideas go to perish, where retail is the detail of business success, and where access to corporate and social welfare is the stuff of inclusionary politics.
    You who opt to advise that the wretched of the earth self-actualize through the possession of a gun normalise its use in reprisal shootings, in taking out so-called snitches.
    You like I occupy this livity, so too others – but it is a land where our ancestral ties lie and where we were dehumanised for our colour and capacity to think. But you must know you are unique and special for we have not your talent to make a freedom song, to ride a riddim that can elevate. You choose, however, to uphold the impressions of colonial and modern day Babylon.

  41. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Right…so now when will government DO SOMETHING ABOUT ALL THE BUSINESS PEOPLE, they love to run and refer to about everything…who are INVOLVED in trafficking and importing GUNS and DRUGS into the island….and have for DECADES…they know who they are…

    do something about them too..

    everyone is now FAKE outraged, but they are never outraged by all the daily CRIMES committed against the people by ALL INVOLVED….get outraged about that…

    I reiterate:
    Still waiting for the apology to the Black/African people and zero tolerance for the decades of racism, discrimination, oppression, suppression, pauperization, thefts from the treasury and pension fund, corruption, human rights violations, a nonfunctioning supreme court, the criminal minorities in the business community allowed to import containers and boat loads of guns and drugs through 2 decades of young Black people…..and the long list that never seems to end…get outraged about that, do something about that.

    they do realize that only the really mentally damaged believes anything they say…

    “@WURA-War-on-U June 1, 2021 6:47 AM “Wasn’t the Attorney General not seen modeling a Brandy & Punnany shirt.”

    No.”

    ya won’t stop lying, just because you did not see it does not mean he didn’t model it, i posted the instagram photo here myself.

  42. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Shock and Outrage sells Music with Free Promotion

    The World is a Ghetto
    + Chopped + Screwed

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seK1HZcWlUY

  43. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

  44. David Avatar
    David

    David Davis Facebook

    I spent 4 years promoting Bajan music through The Tamarind Rod Show because uh wider audience needed to understand that we have quality music..The Tamarind Rod Show was able to win over thousands of people across the world especially in the diaspora who joined our Rodder groups in USA, Canada, Germany, UK and Bermuda.
    I D2.Love Q.B.E HK do not support Gun Violence or Songs promoting Gun Violence! I think it is quite disappointing that some of our artiste who should be guiding the youth saw it fit tuh join them in using their talents tuh take up the agenda of darkness.
    How would a mother or father who lost uh child tuh gun violence feel after hearing those songs?
    Society is already gripped with fear, people loosing their lives rapidly tuh gun violence, country struggling tuh control illegal guns..an wunna think it is a good idea tuh promote Gun violence in music? Sorry men, with all the Love i have for Bajan music i cannot support it. D2.Love Q.B.E HK

  45. angela cox Avatar
    angela cox

    The story lyrics were harsh and real
    Society speaks of wanting to know the truth
    But when the truth hits them in the face
    Society finds ways and methods of shutting the truth down
    Parents should be the examples
    Barbados crop over contains lewd and immoral acts portrayed every year via social media outlets
    Yet to hear calls for crop over to be banned
    The reality lies with who controls the purse strings

  46. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    @ David,
    Take our country back from whom? Are you saying we should remove the current incompetent encumbents who are running this country.

    The Barbados Muslim Association, Dr Abdul Mohamed, is the only person who is speaking sense. It is clear to him that we should be looking into the root causes of the sickness.

    Mia’s knee jerk reaction to this song is based primarily on the negative PR that this video brings to Brand Barbados.

  47. angela cox Avatar
    angela cox

    Mia step up yesterday to condemn the lyrics
    Awaiting to hear govt policies which steps up it’s efforts on controlling the large amounts of guns that enter the country
    Still at lost as to why 166 SQ mile country would allow gun shops to trade it’s guns on the island

  48. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    You people have not seen anything yet. Our brothers in Haiti are now kidnapping their own people for ransom. It’s only a matter of time before some of our young men adopt this tried and tested method of making a living.

    Mia is asleep at the wheel: Jesus take the wheel.

  49. lawson Avatar
    lawson

    This bs started when cnn started in barbados glorifying the gangster rap mentality. Ya went along with it turned a blind eye now its being shoved in your face, It shouldnt have taken a policeman to be shot for everyone to get a wake up call. Defund the musicians who think it is okay to crap on the cops crap on the hard working law abiding suckers. crapping on your values.

  50. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Is David aka Mr. King of the Barbados Underground a fan of the Underground Kingz
    Everybody has got their own unique different hustle in this life
    BU is like the Crack game

    Pocket Full of Stones

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgUMuvtEO64

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