I’m not dissing God - Elephant Man says new single is promoting prayer

May 09, 2019
Elephant Man
Elephant Man
Elephant Man
Elephant Man
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One of dancehall veteran Elephant Man's latest singles, Jesus Take The Wheel, has received mixed responses from members of the religious community.

The single, which utilises a popular country-gospel song title, speaks about the practice of drinking alcoholic beverages while driving, where the self-proclaimed Energy God deejays, ' Jesus please just take the wheel, drive me safe go home, me drink ah whole flask on my own.'

Speaking to The STAR, Elephant Man explained: "Ja has become an island of partying and all around the world people have been celebrating from the year start into carnival season, Easter weekend or spring break and straight back to summer. This song is just giving them a heads up to remember God in everything them do because this minute the vibes can sweet and next minute it can sour."

The dancehall veteran, who is presently touring Europe, says he is not opening the floor for persons to bash him but said that he was more focused on writing about a current issue and real-life situations.

"A lot of car accidents have been happening, even people from the entertainment community. See Munga Honourable was in one recently. The song is also to let the artistes of dancehall know with summer approaching, songs like Jesus Take The Wheel are relevant," he said. "I am not saying anything bad in the song except it nuh kill a person to say a word of prayer, and it is open to interpretation as it also means to have a head on yuh body when going from one party to the next to home."

Slightly controversial

While he acknowledges that the title is slightly controversial, Elephant Man believes: "It is powerful and nothing can't wrong from ah person say Jesus and God with a message like this. If Christians want to bash me because I title the song the way I did, they need to find out why I did that."

Pastor Stephen Blake, more commonly referred to as Dancehall Pastor, agrees that although controversial, the deejay is sending the message to say a word of prayer.

"I am not condoning any of the behaviour mentioned in the lyrics or what is demonstrated in the music video, but all Elephant Man is 'preaching' is that sometimes all partygoers need to do is ask God to take them home safely and that there is a greater being there to help control certain things," Pastor Blake said.

But Reverend Astor Carlyle is convinced that the song promotes irresponsible behaviour.

"The song is repulsive to say the least. The National Road Safety Council should ensure it lobbies against this song being played on air," he told The STAR.

He believes that the song encourages the consumption of alcoholic beverages and reckless driving practices that would only put the lives of more persons in danger.

Despite the message that Elephant Man intended to share, it also mocks the 'Higher Being' he says: "God is not some 'poppy show' we call on for deliverance when we wilfully engage destructive behaviour."

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