Last Tuesday, the Jamaican Broadcasting Commission stated that they will be cracking down on media that is said to be too violent for t.v. and radio. This would include broadcasts and music that highlight criminal behavior, drug abuse, scamming, and weapons.

Utilizing public airwaves for violent material “could give the wrong impression that criminality is an accepted feature of Jamaican culture and society,” stated the Commission Chairman Lloyd Waller.

He also stated, “It could also unwittingly lend support to moral disengagement and further normalize criminality among vulnerable and impressionable youth, and the youth adult demographic.”

The ban won’t affect digital platforms.

Recordings with lyrics that advertise or mention scamming, by using urban slang and phrases like chop the line, chopper phone, burner phone, client, and more, will be banned.

The guidelines are already in effect.

Some have now expressed their sentiments on the issue.

“While I understand why people feel like this and even I don’t agree with glorifying guns or any use of any drug at all, we can’t stop the creative (artistes) from singing about what they see around them or grew around,” said Jamaican musician Romeich.

“Art imitates life, and the music is coming from what is happening in Jamaica for real, but because it doesn’t fit the moral mold of what they would like it to look like, they try to hamper it,” stated Jamaican music producer Stephen McGregor.

In 2009, the Commission also tried to ban music that was said to be sexually explicit.

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