Violent songs have an impact – Zamunda

Reggae-dancehall artiste Zamunda firmly believes that words in music carry more weight than some artistes would like to admit.

"With all of the violence that is going on in the world and in the country, the music plays a big influence on it. Nuff artiste say the music don't do anything towards violence; yes it does. When I sing Jah Love Surround Me, the remake with Popcaan in the pandemic, so many kinds of people come to me and say the song has turned them away from doing something criminal. Now, imagine going on an app and hear a song saying 'Lick out yuh marrow' and all of that, it go boost you more. That is how powerful music is," the singer said.

Zamunda, whose given name is Christopher Gayle, said he ensures that he remains true to himself and mindful of the messages he put in the music. He is puzzled that many of his colleagues do not share the same view.

"I have seen a lot of artistes wah did have potential in terms of going in a specific direction and get distracted, and now they are in the middle of the ocean spinning. Just any breeze take dem. Dem nuh stand fi nothing and that becomes a downfall to dem ting. This music is not just about making money. It is a purpose and we have to cherish this music. The Almighty says him call singers and players of music so this music is not joke ting," he said.

"We have to be mindful of the things that we put out in the universe because we believe in the laws of attraction and dem ting deh. So whatever you put out there is going to manifest," he added.

Zamunda also maintained that some entertainers are conscious of the impact that music and lyrics have on the society though they argue that the influence is small.

"They are just being hypocritical to themselves and the people know too. So it has been so long since this music a go wah part where me nuh understand where it a go. Our dancehall music is not going anywhere, not because of the youths dem flow or talent, but the lyrics is not right," he shared.

He called on artistes to take a serious look at what is being created and help serve as voices to lead the next generation in the right direction.

"You can't a sing seh you a tief and ting seh it is cool. It is not cool. Them say the yutes are the future but is this the future we see for our youth? A sing 'bout pop pill and do all these crazy tings? When since our music come to this? We can't just sit around and let this music just go away like that," Zamunda said.