"Jamaica: Corporate giants threatening to withdraw support"

CORPORATE SPONSORS are threatening to withdraw support from the local entertainment industry if dancehall artistes continue to make violent lyrics a part of their musical repertoire.

In a joint statement issued yesterday, Cable and Wireless Jamaica Ltd., Courts Jamaica Ltd., Digicel Jamaica, Red Stripe, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica and Wray & Nephew Ltd. said they would no longer lend their names to anything that incites or promotes violence.

"As a group of corporate sponsors of the entertainment industry, we are concerned that the continued use of violent lyrics could ultimately lead to the decline of our music industry, as well as a social and economic backlash," they noted.

"International success of reggae and more recently, dancehall music, had been a source of pride for Jamaicans. Recently, however, concerns have been raised about the content and tone of some of the music."

Full Article : jamaica-gleaner.com