Jamaica’s Entertainment Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange has sparked mixed reactions after sharing her top 10 Reggae songs playlist.
Just days after former United States President Barack Obama shared his summer playlist with the world Jamaica’s entertainment minister decided to get in on the train.
The politician’s top ten list included Koffee’s Toast at number one, Chronixx’s Spanish Town Rockin’ at number two; Time will Tell, by Bob Marley at number three; fourth was Buju Banton’s Destiny; fifth Popcaan’s Family; sixth Always Around by Third World; Tarrus Riley’s She’s Royal coming in at number seven; I shall sing by Marcia Griffiths at number eight, followed by Standing in my way by Beres Hammond, with the Bam Bam remix featuring Sister Nancy, Damian Marley, and Jay Z coming in at 10th place.
However, it seems Grange’s list was not given the same level of appreciation as the former US head of state’s own, as it was met with significant criticism on social media.
Many Jamaicans took to social media over the weekend criticizing the veteran politician’s song selections, with some going as far as to brand her as being a copycat.
“So let me guess, Obama listed his playlist so knowing Jamaica we had to be next. We’re always so original. However, it’s a good list,” one fan commented.
The sentiment continued to be echoed by several other users as another lammented “A who did ask for it? Mi seh if America sneeze wi ketch cold, I hope no one else release theirs.”
Most fans seemed particularly upset with the exclusion of their favorite artistes, with many pointing out the ommisions of influencial acts such as Vybz Kartel.
However, it was not all negative comments as Grange did manage to gain the approval of many others, with several fans commending her song selection choices.
“As long as Popcaan make the list we good,” one fan stated, while another backed the politician saying “So wah happen if she has a playlist? What if she follow Obama? She’s the Minister of culture nuh true?”
