Deejays strike back at lewd lyrics law

Lady Saw (left) and Bounty Killer (right)

WITH LADY Saw already considering doing most of her shows abroad, deejay Bounty Killer may also be following the same route as artistes react to the recent crackdown by police on lewd lyrics at stage shows.

In a letter to the media yesterday Bounty Killer said: "I have three pre-booked events for this year but I will be taking no more. Saddle to the East, a benefit concert, will not be held if we are not comfortable with the terms and conditions under which we have to perform here in Jamaica, the way fans want us to perform."

In a recent interview with THE STAR, Lady Saw said she was considering only doing a limited number of shows locally because of the recent stance by the police against the use of expletives.

Bounty Killer, Anthony B, Sizzla and Ghost are to face the Spanish Town court today to answer to charges of breaches of the Town and Country Act (uttering lewd lyrics) at the Champions in Action show held at Fort Clarence Beach on August 19, 2001.

Bounty, in his three page letter, questioned the action of the police in their issuing of warrants against himself and other artistes for their use of profanity at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest and Champions In Action. He said that in previous years no such warrants were issued and no steps were taken to stop this practice. He added that international act Snoop Dog may not return to Jamaica again to perform because of the current situation.

The Killer, who referred to dancehall as "triple X" entertainment, said the promoters were responsible for the entertainment content that was offered to patrons.

"The fact is none of the artistes were forewarned by any of the promoters, of the involved shows, against using profanities or lewd lyrics. When performing in several Caribbean islands... it is written in the contract that the law prohibits such content. If by chance you slip on-stage the artiste is given a warning- three strikes and you're out," he said.

The Killer said the authorities were practising double standards since events surrounding Carnival which were done in public generally went unpunished while dancehall events of similar nature were often censored.

The self-styled warlord urged the authorities to take a stand on the matter so all artistes could make "informed decisions as to the content of their act, and even whether they perform locally or not".

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