FOR many, music is therapeutic. It helps to lighten their mood, reduce anxiety and depression and stave off fatigue. In a nutshell, listening to music can help someone through a rough day.

However, the music emanating from Caribbean artistes today is becoming more and more obscene. Riddled with lewd language and messages that objectify women and their body parts and promote gun violence, gang activity and drug use; the songs do not emit any positive energy. Many would argue that they don’t inspire relaxation.

The younger crowd in particular worship artistes such as Skeng and Kartel and would sing their songs word for word. Gun violence and everything that goes against good moral standards are always their message.

Researchers and the public have split views on the subject which has been at the centre of a never-ending debate.
The American Psychological Association (APA) based on a study conducted several years ago, concluded that songs with violent lyrics increase aggression, related thoughts and emotions.

Other researchers and community/religious leaders have linked it to an increase in violent criminal behaviour, drug use, gender-based violence and family issues.
There are some members of the academic world and the public who insist that these conclusions are inaccurate and that it tramples upon the artiste’s right to freedom of expression.

But, as the debate rages on, more and more governments are shunning violent music and are banning the artistes who sing these songs from their shores. Some at one time or another have banned the offensive music from the airwaves.

Countries such as Guyana, St. Kitts, the UK and Australia that have taken this approach, seemingly feel that this type of music and in some cases the artiste’s link to criminal activity offer nothing positive to their populations and are pushing their young citizens towards a life of crime and violence.

A few days ago, Guyana’s Head of State, Dr. Irfaan Ali urged CARICOM leaders to join hands to preserve the region’s musical culture by promoting non-violent and positive lyrics.
President Ali is clearly perturbed and perhaps out of frustration took a decision to raise his concerns at a regional forum.

As Guyana continues to enjoy economic success and reaps the benefits of a well-deserved good fortune, our president is well within his right to rebuff anyone who can be a threat to the growth and development of his people and country.
Guyana is not the place for Kman 6ixx, Skeng, Kartel, Movado and the like. Songs promoting drug use, gun violence and other ills should not be played here.

It is disheartening to know that promoters choose these kinds of artistes over our talented crop to perform for Mashramani, Independence Day and other major celebrations.

Previously, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness expressed their distaste for the violent musical lyrics which were creating problems in their respective countries.
The Jamaican government’s reaction to President Ali’s call will be interesting, given that most of the offending artistes are from that island.

Producing lyrics of positive living and positive change will require a regional effort. That is the only way to preserve and protect the region’s rich musical culture. It will not be an overnight success story as any attempt to derail this train will be met with resistance. We have to put our people before money and focus on getting the music industry back on the right path.