Dear Editor,
I have said all there is to be said, in previous letters, on the subject of Mavado performing in Guyana. However, I have noted with concern, Jason Abdulla’s letter, which seeks to justify why the ‘gully god’ should be allowed to perform within the boundaries of our eighty-three thousand square miles (‘There has been a shift in Mavado’s lyrics and he is now accepted around the world’ SN, September 10).
Mr Abdulla makes a comparison between Adijah Palmer (Vybz Kartel) and David Brooks (Mavado). It is important to note that the two above-mentioned artistes are viewed as the Tupac and the Notorious BIG of the Caribbean. There is an ongoing feud between them which influences youths to be divided on either side of the violent fence. Within the realm of this genre of music, it is unfortunate that the influence impacts negatively on the black youth.
There has not been a shift in Mavado’s lyrics; there has been an increase in his global popularity. He is a money-spinner in the music world. He is signed by top international labels and has done a feat with hardcore rapper Jay Z.
I am not so sure if the chart-topping track ‘I am so special,’ indicates a shift in the ‘gangsta 4 life’ lyrics. Let me remind Mr Abdulla of the opening lines of that song, and then he can decide whether there has been a shift. “I am so special/So special, so special, so special/Dat’s why meh strapped with meh 45 special.”
The government’s decision to lift the ban has not been properly spelled out. However, I looked forward to Eric Phillips’ contribution on the lifting of the ban. It is the Afro-Caribbean youth that is targeted here. This sort of music is given to them as their music. The government seems to be saying it is okay to tell our young men and women that “deh don’t know da meanin, when meh seh marrow paste on da ceiling.”
I am sure Mr Abdulla would like the show to go on, and I can see Mavado appearing on stage shouting, “Once more again, gangsta for life, the war is on tour again! Meh mek one drive-by dash-way four a dem… tell meh how high marrow a go fly, inna the sky, don ask why, a boy a guh die cause him a spy, meh aim to bullseye… meh nah spare no guy!”
Let us see how strongly our religious groups, youth organizations, etc, can counter this move. Mavado should not be allowed to perform in Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Norman Browne
