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Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Left: Deejay Elephant Man speaking with a fan. Right: 'Grung God', Bounty Killer, as he poses with a fan at a party recently. - file photos

Many artistes have found that maintaining their presence on the local entertainment">entertainment scene is not only about having their songs in heavy rotation, but it's also about being visible in the dancehall.

While fans may enjoy hearing their favourite artistes, sometimes seeing them not only performing at events but in the dancehall itself, is just as important.

Artistes such as Bounty Killer, for instance, may not have song after song being played on radio and in dances">dances, but he manages to maintain a presence, as he frequents the party scene.

With more than one dance each night of the week, dances aren't only for the enjoyment of patrons but are essential to strengthening and popularising the artiste and his or her music.

Artistes often get closer to fans by partying alongside them. THE STAR has often spotted artistes like Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Mavado, Vybz Kartel, Voicemail, D'Angel, Macka Diamond">Diamond, Harry Todler, Konshens and countless others doing the nightly rounds at street dances.

Dancehall star Elephant Man's bright red and yellow-dyed hair cannot be missed by patrons at weekly dances such as Hot Mondays, Weddy Weddy, Bembe, Boasy Tuesdays and Passion Sundays which he frequents. According to Elephant Man he is one of the few dancehall artistes that is not afraid to mix with the hard-core dancehall fans.

Now dem seh Mavado a promote crack use? Dem media people yah a study deception, but dem just need fi confront di real problem and low di artist dem. Stop cherry pick songs, why not bash a positive song? The reason might be you scribes never really listen to any of di artist.

Mavado concerns raised

Mavado

Dominica Correspondent 28.JUN.08

A prominent radio Disk Jockey turned born again Christian is raising the alarm over the performance of popular reggae artist Mavado, scheduled for July.

In an article publication Dj Alfy raises concern about the current social trend of Dominican youth due to various media and other influences.

“This article’s main objective is to seek to explain how our youth are targeted by the violent lyrical contents of the artists they seek to emulate. As a DJ with over 15 years of experience, I can say without fear of contradiction that many youths are attracted to songs based primarily on the rhythmic beat and not on the lyrics. Artists are aware of this factor, therefore those with a message to “preach” use the beat as the vehicle to capture the audience. One such artist with very catchy beats is the Jamaican artist Mavado, who’s real name is David Constantine Brooks. Mavado, whose latest album entitled “Gangster for Life” (released in 2007) is scheduled to perform in Dominica in July 2008.”

Sadeke
Brooks, Staff Reporter

Twin of Twins - Contributed

Twin of Twins say their song How Come has been unfairly banned from some local radio stations.

The Twin of Twins, Paul 'Tu Lox' Gaynor and Patrick 'Curly Lox' Gaynor say their songs have been banned from local radio stations because of its content.

In a release, the Twins said, "Once again the Jamaican media, particularly the radio stations ZIP and FAME FM show their spineless bias and hypocrisy by banning the very thought-provoking and hard-hitting Twin of Twins song How Come. It has been quoted by unnamed sources that one of the 'parties' mentioned in the song by the Twins as having 'allegedly' committed certain crimes, has had their high-priced lawyers threaten to sue the stations if they kept playing the song."

The release continued, "Meanwhile the same radio stations are happy to play the titles performed by artistes that both promote and advocate violence and degrade women. They still continue to play songs by artistes that promote sexual promiscuity and encourage teenagers to engage in activities that are unfit for minors."

However, Stephen Greig, attorney-at-law and company secretary for the RJR Communications Group, which includes FAME FM, RJR and Hitz 92 FM, among other stations, says the song has not been banned.

"There is not a ban on the song. We have reviewed the song in question and, from a legal point of view, there are a number of statements that we cannot substantiate. Out of caution, those parts of the song cannot be aired," Greig told THE STAR.

"We have mixed feelings 'cause we know what it's all about. We know it's coming from higher up. It (the song) is stepping on a few toes. Wi nuh blame anyone 'cause it may even be bigger than FAME FM," Curly Lox told THE STAR.

He says he does not expect to be treated fairly when he speaks the truth, but he will not compromise his morals and beliefs.

He says there are other Twin of Twins songs that have been silently banned from radio stations, among them, Wi Nah Trust No Rising Stars, as well as counteractions to Beenie Man that were recorded during their feud with him.

"The song has more questions than answers. The song is about questions, so if wi did give the answers a weh dem woulda do wi? I did not create the situation nor did I convict them of a crime," he said.