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Top cop, MP ask promoters: Be more responsible
By Marsha Mokool, guardian.co.tt
May 11, 2007
Deputy Commissioner of Police Winston Cooper and Member of Parliament for Barataria/San Juan Dr Fuad Khan are calling on show promoters and local performers to be more responsible in the type of entertainment they provide for young people.
Their calls come in the wake of the Akon/Danah Alleyne controversy involving a raunchy dance onstage.
Last Sunday, TriniStyle Entertainment hosted an automobile expo at Arima Velodrome, which attracted thousands of adults and children.
Several parents expressed outrage at the performance of singer Prophet Benjamin in relation to the explicit lyrics of his song Stop, pertaining to oral sex and masturbation.
They were also disturbed by repetitive calls made by the performer to “legalise marijuana” during his performance.
The artiste even went so far to say: “I know they have little children around, but they already know that; right.”
In an interview with Cooper yesterday, he said:
“When entertainers are providing shows to children, they should assure that the artistes are befitting to both adults and children.”
I was not aware: show promoter
Managing director of TriniStyle Entertainment Andre Rochford, when contacted, said:
“I invited him (Prophet Benjamin) because he is one of the most popular reggae artistes in the country. But I thought he would have toned down his performance.
“I was not aware of what was going on, but if I had known, I would have definitely stopped it.”
Full Article : guardian.co.tt
Prophet Benjamin’s “Stop”
[audio:prophetstop.mp3]Comment from: L. Paul
In the wake of the Danah/Akon affair, Prophet Benjamin has fallen victim to the ‘moral police’ brigade. It seems that artistes now have to be on their toes and express themselves within rigid confines. Censorship seems to be what is on the minds of the authorities and Soca artistes and other local entertainers may be wondering if they now have to reconsider their performances.
However, although I would agree with free expression (once it is not a physical or otherwise harmful attack), I would find it difficult to support many artists due to the fact that they did not publicly express their views on the Danah/Akon performance. Now I am not saying that they all should agree with the Danah/Akon performance, but if, for example, their lyrical content and performance are controversial and anti-mainstream, then they would like our support for their freedom to express themselves without fear of prosecution. What was their position on the Danah/Akon controversy?
Many Soca artistes promote sexually suggestive forms of dancing and expression and without taking a position over this recent controversy they may come under fire. They would now have to feel the backlash of their silence in this post Akon/Danah universe.
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A prophet is to uplift the people with knowledge consciousness not smut.
EG.
What about the old Kaisos like “May May”, “Tatoo Girl”, and the slew of others with suggestive lyrics that left very little to the imagination. I am not by any means endorsing the current trend of misogyny that seem to fascinate the creative moods of Rap lyricists, but this recent epiphany by many reeks of hypocrisy.
There should have been better choices made by all parties involved. I do not believe that this issue is one about censorship; the event seemed to be a family affair. The entertainer acknowledged the children in the audience, as a result his repertoire should have demonstrated his respect for their young minds. If he does not possess “Rated G” material then the promoters should have been aware of this and acted accordingly. Additionally, it is our responsibility as parents to be fully informed, before the fact, about the shows, performers, movies, music, etc. to which we expose our kids; a sometimes difficult task I know, but not an impossible one.