Local NYC radio personality, program director and DJ Dubb Master Chris of Irie Jam Radio recently decided to temporarily ban playing Vybz Kartel’s music on radio for Black History Month.
Black History Month is a big deal and we as a people should take every opportunity to celebrate our heritage. I feel if I continue to play Vybz Kartel, an artiste who is now very much known for bleaching his skin, it simply sends the wrong message to my young impressionable listeners” Chris said in an exclusive interview with the Star. (Source)
He called on other radio jocks who program reggae songs to “take a good look at the values they are reinforcing by playing an artiste such as Kartel especially in these times.” He noted that the temporary ban on Kartel music specifically applies to radio play. The ban he said was a personal decision but said that he had the full support of the Irie Jam Radio management and other jocks at the station.
When I first saw this article on twitter I thought it was a joke, (Kartel has been catching a lot of negative commentary and criticism on his recent skin color change, which he defends) but when I actually read the article I realized Dubb Master was actually serious. My first though it “What is a one month ban of Kartel’s music really going to do and why pick black history month to do it?”
I get it — he’s trying to make a statement, but what good does this do if come March 1 Kartel’s music is back on the air. Why not stop playing is music altogether if that’s how you really feel. Let’s not forget, this is only for his specific program, other programs on the same station may continue to play Kartel’s music, his music will still be hot in the streets and the clubs; ultimately the temporary ban will be a complete backlash and indeed make Kartel more popular. Kartel is all about entertaining and remaining relevant consistently and this only contributes to his PR campaign, talking about him only draws more hype to his persona and his music.
Do you think the temporary ban is a good move?
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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