November 8, 2009 at 5:32am

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Jamaican Music War

As of late I have noticed people in general (more than usual) hopping on the Jamaican music war here in Canada at least. There are at least three major signs of this that I have noticed: strong wording of Gaza (Vybz Kartel) or Gully (Mavado) side, making gay/ sexual reference to Gaza/ Gully side, and increased posting of “diss” tracks & photos on the internet. This has been happening for a while at first I decided not to say anything at all about the issue, but as it socially escalates internationally I decided to write this column.

The war of LYRICS in Jamaica as probably became international due to the recent success of Mavado’s hit single “So Special” (making billboard charts), and Vybz Kartel’s hit track “Romping Shop”. Also, bringing international attention to their LYRICAL war that actually started in 2006/ 2007 (about 4 years ago). It seems to me that it is becoming “cool” here to choose sides between Gaza (Kartel) and Gully (Mavado) and take sides even though we live in Canada! Mainly in my perspective majority of people are not aware of what is going or what is happening on a larger scale; and of course there are a lot of people who do.

Kartel and Mavado were friends until 2006/ 2007. At Mavado’s birthday bash on arrival Kartel was told that he was not allowed to go on stage at the Alliance. Some time later they got into an argument ending their friendship resulting Mavado calling Kartel a “batty man” (meaning he’s gay). How the ending of the friendship became is somewhat controversial (he said, he said). Homosexuality is definitely unacceptable on the island of Jamaica on a large scale. Mavado calling Kartel a “batty man” was/is a complete insult! Kartel responded by saying that Mavado tell lies and labeled him “barber boy” (he works at a barber shop). Subsequently becoming the root to this LYRICAL war of: Kartel vs. Mavado, escalating to Gaza vs. Gully by the fans creating a divide in Jamaica. Destroying the unity and progress the island of Jamaica was slowly working towards politically, socially, and economically. Something Canadians on the most part know nothing about or have to worry about. For Canadians to join in or take sides makes no sense to me.

Further, the “diss” continued between the two artists, creating fan based musically inspired crime rates to rise on the island. DJ and media sensationalizing of the situation made it worse for the artists and fans to ignore. In Jamaica territory is large factor of culture so people by instinct want to protect or defend “their” home area (Gaza or Gully).

Once the media realized what they have done they attempted to fix the problem by releasing fake news release stating that Kartel and Mavado reconciled their differences. The media even worked the to artists to come together for TV interviews to say that the war was nothing more but lyrical advances and that neither would actually harm each other. The peace attempts by the media did not convince audiences. The diss went on; back and forth into 2008 asking for amends seemed impossible for the media to do. It was decided that a clash (lyrical battle) in public would be a good way from another angle, hopefully ending the war by deciding who was the champion artist lyrically.

At the clash Kartel and Mavado began to go back and forth with each other. Kartel was: strong, confident, and consistent. Where as Mavado seemed: nervous, ran out of lyrics, and left the stage before the clash was finished! Giving Kartel the upper hand and possibly making him the winner. Although the next day there were mixed reviews from the media who couldn’t come to agreement if it was a win/ lose or a draw situation, and the fans kept their loyalty for “their” artist... So goes on, the out of control, music war.

After the clash Kartel made a track called “Last Man Standing” (Mavado Diss) claiming the position of winner at the clash, as he was the last man standing since Mavado left early. Soon after Mavado’s single “So Special” became international, gaining more attention from mainstream American artists.

Loyalty for either Kartel’s crew or Mavado’s crew intensified as other well-known Jamaican artists started contributing with diss. Kartel released “Duppy Killa” (Bounty Killer Diss) and just recently Bounty Killer responded with “Crosser Than Ever” (Kartel Diss); mainly about men giving oral sex to women (its not viewed as ok). This in my eyes upped the anti even more. While Mavado releases a new song titled “Gal Ova Gun”.

Being a first generation Canadian with Jamaican/ Scottish decent this is a complex situation from my point of view. The battle should not be continued here on a “diss” basis regard to sexual orientation or territorial divide. For us to contribute to this dispute on that level is crummy, and it’s adding to the tension in Jamaica regarding the above reasons- separating people and resources!

I’m not saying don’t listen to your favorite Jamaican artists or saying that you should betray your hometown. What I’m thinking is make choices based on the: music its self, lyrics, beats, visuals, and dance art forms that appeal to you. Rather than what artists do or don’t do behind closed doors or Gaza vs. Gully. I myself enjoy reggae/ dancehall and would like to enjoy all artists’ music without ridicule or name-calling. In Jamaica I’m aware that it is different altogether on a social view.

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Original post on HOOKEDUPB MAG FB: https://www.facebook.com/notes/hookedupb-mag/jamaican-music-war/183056687392