Skatta Burrell is calling on stakeholders to unite and take a stand against the powers that be for the preservation of Dancehall culture.
According to the Downsound Records executive, Dancehall music is under attack and a stance must be taken by stakeholders and the fans alike or very soon we will not have any local events.
The producer made the comments recently on Instagram while sharing a story of cops pulling the plug on a popular retro event, Footloose, held at Mas Camp last weekend.
“These methods by cops does not reduce crime nor does it benefit a country that was built as the Mecca for the best in entertainment that gave birth to so many genres of music, has influenced so many cultures and produced so many iconic figures the entire world looks up to. Our culture is dying, and once it’s gone we can be sure that’s when more bodies will be piling up,” Skatta said.
The often controversial music figure went on to implore “entertainers, producers, managers, promoters, publicists, booking agents, vendors, liqueur companies, bloggers, media houses and ‘governing’ departments to put in place clear infrastructure and regulations that ensures the protection of our music and culture.”
“Eighty percent of the events that use to take place in this country have been terminated and the ones that remain are barely surviving because we have no voice. We need to get organized if we gonna fix this. As players in this industry, we all benefit from it in some way shape or form and it’s our duty to do what we must to protect this essential part of our BUSINESS,” he added.
Burrell’s claims were also backed by Dancehall artiste Konshens who declared his support for the movement saying “Call when unnu a organize this meeting let me try be a part. The fight that Dancehall get is unreal in Jamaica. And the methods have zero positive effect on crime. IN FACT it actually benefits CRIME!! I’d love to discuss these things with actual decision makers in JA, and have it explained to me.”
Fans also took to the producer’s Instagram to share their input, with majority siding with his comments.
“Me ready fi march fi our music our culture @skattaburrell any time.” one fan declared, while another added “These are the things people who are players and supporters of dancehall need to vote on when that time come so if they are not talking our language get them out.”
