Emile Grant | Music an agent of positive change

A few years ago, after watching a movie on one of Jamaica's TV stations, a music video came on. The theme of the music video, on national television, was 'Man haffi breed sup'm'. As expected, there were the bright faces of women happily taking part in this video.

As I reflect, there must have been adults involved in the production of the song and video, and another adult decided to share this production with the rest of Jamaica. All of this done in the context of many communities in Jamaica where for boys, 'breeding sup'm' is a part of proving that you are a man; and for girls, being bred is part of proving that you are a woman.

I will not be participating in the debate as to whether our dancehall culture influences our society or is just a reflection. The question is whether we will now seek to use this popular art form to reshape our culture. Repeatedly, Jamaica's Vision 2030 road map identifies transformational leadership as crucial to the success of the vision. Instead of looking around to see who will be the next 'transformational Joshua', we should be asking, through which of our institutions can transformational change be accomplished?

CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION

I believe music can be part of the cultural transformation that is required. Our 'conscious' artistes, our gospel artistes, our school choirs and other youth groups should be challenged to produce music and videos that will challenge prevailing negative culture.

Many young lives that held greater promise are being stifled by unplanned parenthood, also resulting in many babies with no plans for their childhood. Many of these young babyfathers and mothers do not know that many of their peers around Jamaica live in communities where planned parenthood is encouraged, and do not realise that unplanned parenthood ensures that they remain in poverty.

It is a transformational act of love for the rest of society to strategise how we can reverse this travesty. One suggestion is to have song and video competitions where the lyrics address a particular social ill.

Young men need to be encouraged to protect, not prey on, their female peers, thus honouring our mothers, sisters and nieces. Young women need to be encouraged to value themselves.

In 2019, Glory Music will be spreading the gospel to schools throughout Jamaica. Artistes challenging the cultural norms would be a welcome addition to the message. I would have been delighted if I had been introduced to Papa San's Marry My Girl that fateful night.

Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange, this could be your legacy. National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang, this could part of your crime-prevention plan. Lyrical masters Luciano, Rebel, Stitchie, Prodigal and company, put pen to paper!

- Emile Grant is a member of the Jamaica Diaspora Crime Intervention and Prevention Task Force in Sudbury, Canada. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.