Entertainers welcome dub-for-dub

Two major players in the entertainment space, I-Octane and Foota Hype, are optimistic that the 'dub-for-dub' duel between political rivals will result in physical confrontations and political violence becoming a thing of the past.

Candidates from the major political parties have been rolling out customised songs, done by some of Jamaica's leading entertainers, to aid their chances of being victorious in the upcoming general elections, set for September 3.

"We all know how unscrupulous politics and politicians can be, but on the flip side, we're seeing how much joy the whole thing is bringing to the people. I don't think politics should be violent and aggressive and serious all the time," recording artiste I-Octane said. "It's OK to have fun, and I really believe that once we dilute all the aggression in politics, people will have a better perspective and will be better able to make the right choice as far as leadership is concerned."

I-Octane, who recently voiced a dub for Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, the Jamaica Labour Party's candidate for Central St Catherine, said he has seen much positive reception coming from the dub plate clash, and he believes that Jamaicans are genuinely excited and happy about the upcoming election.

"Artistes doing dubs for politicians could never be a bad thing, especially when you see the reaction of the people. Di people dem love the vibes weh the song dem a bring. Di dub dem have a vibe and an energy weh get the people dem together. At the end of the day, when you really look at things, wi naah do it for the politicians or the politics. We are doing it for the supporters, who are the people and our fans."

His sentiments were shared in part by popular selector Foota Hype, who said that although he doesn't foresee artistes doing dubs for politicians translating into any real support for the music industry post-election, he believes that the dubs have helped to create a lighter political atmosphere ahead of the September 3 polls.

"Politics is not what it used to be. It is not as violent as it used to be, thanks be to God. People a have fun with politics now, and a music help make that possible," he said. "Music is the language of the people. Election was called very short notice. It was very sudden, and the fastest thing to get people talking about it was using the music. Politicians are parasites. They don't care about the music, but at the end of the day, the music is for the people, and dem a enjoy it."

Meanwhile, I-Octane says he is hoping that this is the beginning of much-needed change for the industry. "Politics and politicians over the years discriminate against dancehall and label it as vulgar, and all a these things. Dem nuh really support the dancehall music like that. There is no infrastructure like that set up for an industry that has done so much for the country. But at the same time, we affi try start bridge the gap and see if changes will come along the way. This could be that opportunity. This could be the start of the support we need. Let's hope and see if we a go get back the same result and the same strength we gi dem," he said.