Dear Editor,
For the past several weeks Vybz Kartel has made every news headline. The publicity of his saga played out in the media, just for the trial alone, has received more coverage than many artistes have had in their entire career. Is it that negativity sells or the media is just another hyping tool one may ask?
Over the years Kartel has emerged as one of the most prolific writers and lyricists in the history of Jamaican music culture. He has managed to remain relevant despite his inability to travel to lucrative markets. However, this fame and fortune has landed him a prison sentence that no remorseful human would ever want upon themself. Guilty or innocent, whichever he may be, his persona which was media-supported, has caught up with him.
Yet, in his trials and tribulations over the years Vybz Kartel has done some good — none of which the media seems to care about.
While all this attention is beamed one way, on the other hand a humble and calm aspiring artiste like Stikki Tantafari, who has travelled the US and sections of Europe spreading his reggae music, has received no media support. Is it that his lyrics aren't degrading young women, promoting sex, or glorying the criminal underworld? What does it takes really to get some media coverage and exposure on positives? It is full time the media avoids echoing negativity. Many artistes struggle from this bias in the media. No wonder other countries like Japan, which doesn't even speak English, take the positive of our music and spread it for their own capital benefit. Wake up and show the world the many young, positive and talented artisteS that Jamaica can produce.
Kevin Roache
kevinja11@yahoo.com
The result of misguided talent
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For the past several weeks Vybz Kartel has made every news headline. The publicity of his saga played out in the media, just for the trial alone, has received more coverage than many artistes have had in their entire career. Is it that negativity sells or the media is just another hyping tool one may ask?
Over the years Kartel has emerged as one of the most prolific writers and lyricists in the history of Jamaican music culture. He has managed to remain relevant despite his inability to travel to lucrative markets. However, this fame and fortune has landed him a prison sentence that no remorseful human would ever want upon themself. Guilty or innocent, whichever he may be, his persona which was media-supported, has caught up with him.
Yet, in his trials and tribulations over the years Vybz Kartel has done some good — none of which the media seems to care about.
While all this attention is beamed one way, on the other hand a humble and calm aspiring artiste like Stikki Tantafari, who has travelled the US and sections of Europe spreading his reggae music, has received no media support. Is it that his lyrics aren't degrading young women, promoting sex, or glorying the criminal underworld? What does it takes really to get some media coverage and exposure on positives? It is full time the media avoids echoing negativity. Many artistes struggle from this bias in the media. No wonder other countries like Japan, which doesn't even speak English, take the positive of our music and spread it for their own capital benefit. Wake up and show the world the many young, positive and talented artisteS that Jamaica can produce.
Kevin Roache
kevinja11@yahoo.com
The result of misguided talent
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