What Shaneil Muir, 10Tik, Yaksta And Nation Boss’ Rise To Prominence Says About Jamaican Music

In recent times, the Jamaican Government, specifically the Prime Minister has voiced concerns that Dancehall music is the cause of the country’s surge in violent crimes. Many are in support of his argument as the saturation of violent music is a fact. Many artists like Bounty Killer have come out in support of dancehall to denounce the Prime Minister’s statement. As the debate rages on, one thing is certain, all of us share the same concern for the country. 

This debate is by no means new even though this recent attack by the Prime Minister is of note. For a long time, not just Jamaicans but the world has investigated the relationship between violent music and violent action. But for as long as we have investigated, our results indicate no such causative relationship. The Media Violence theory as it is called, is the study of how violence in media affects behavior and sensitivity in individuals. The results of these studies often turn up the same result which is that the links between these things are too weak.

The Prime Minister describes Dancehall music as being in a bad place. An otherwise astute conclusion were it not for the sea of positive, inspirational Dancehall sounds and movements that exist within the genre’s underground. 

Artists like Yaksta, Nation Boss Shaniel Muir and 10Tik have proved the opposite with their recent rise to prominence. The same hold that has remained on the music for decades, has been rendered null and void with the development of the internet and other alternative audio distribution/ promotion services. The typical buzz artists like these possessed before their viral breaks, pale in comparison to the exposure they gained through the internet. 

All four of these artists are examples of socially conscious and aware young people in whom the future of dancehall is in fact safe and secure. 

When asked about it recently, Nation Boss expressed pride in the state of the music, “Well to be a part of that, I’m honored and grateful beyond measure. There could be no better time. I know we all been going through some really hard times but this is a moment to really give thanks for you know? With everything there’s evolving, as time passes. So the fact that this generation decided to move in the direction we’re going, it’s definitely a reason. There’s a purpose for every man on the planet. We’re just doing our part, playing our role. The almighty a use a few people right now as some really powerful messengers to send a message, we are vessels. So we have to connect to souls worldwide and heal whatever emotional wounds we can. Because that is the only thing that can replenish the earth right now, we’re going through some real different times trust me. Love and only love can bring it back.”