Reggae Tracks in Grand Theft Auto

The entertainment industry is filled with many talented individuals and creative geniuses, and the reggae genre is no different. The now imprisoned Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer could be considered as one of dancehall music’s best lyricist. Dubbed one of the most controversial dancehall artists, Vybz Kartel has managed to stay current, even while behind bars. The artist has penned several songs including, “Bike Back and Clarks” which have made him a superstar in the reggae/dancehall arena

Recently the talent and vibrancy of this sector of the entertainment industry was once again realized, with the release “of the world's most popular video game”, “Grant Theft Auto.” The release of GTA V comes with several reggae sound tracks. The reggae tracks in Grand TheftAuto will see artists featured on this video game soundtrack includes Protoje, with his hit song “Kingston Be Wise”, Half Pint’s “Crazy Girl”, Gregory Isaacs’ “Night Nurse”, just to name a few. Not to be left out Vybz Kartel (remember I mentioned him earlier) and many other reggae artists that are featured in the listing. According to Protoje, “Grand Theft Auto is already set to break sales records.” Could the infusing of reggae in this version have anything to do with the sale this time around? I guess we will find out sooner or later.

This shows the importance of artists writing their own material. As we all know there are no financial returns on record sales, mainly due to piracy. So getting your compositions featured in movies, television show, advertisement and video games can give a good return on your creative investments. Reggae music has come a far way, and there are still lots of work to be done. However, I think this genre is heading in the right direction and with the proper structure and leadership we will see many more good things coming from this infectious art form.

Suspending Reggae Music!!!

Just recently the government of Barbados made the decision to suspend reggae and dancehall music for their airwaves. The suspension was set to run from June 1^st to the first week in August, (during Crop Over) this was in a effort that Barbadians would consume “more of their culture” instead of outside cultures that has been influential in Barbados.  At first I thought how could Barbados do such a thing, what has reggae music or Jamaica done to deserve such disrespect. Several of my colleagues in the entertainment industry were not happy with this decision; many had varying points-of views on what should be done going forward.

Former manager of the late reggae great icon, Gregory Isaacs, Rudy Isaacs, believes the Jamaican government should regulate the amount of foreign music that is been played on local radio. Could, Isaacs’s utterance be a spin-off from the Barbadian action? One will never know. One thing is true though, reggae music can’t be curtailed. This year alone we have seen reggae music on two of music’s biggest stages. It began with the Bob Marley Tribute at the 53th Grammy Awards ceremony and ( Even though I didn't think it was much of a tribute to Bob Marley, but you get the picture, reggae is going places) at the 

BET Awards. Could it be that the government of Barbados is a bit intimidated with the recent exposure this vibrant brand has received?

 Reggae music has seen it’s fair share of ups and downs, but it has always stayed relevant in today’s market place. As I have always said, “much more need to be done” however we are never too far behind. In 1985 reggae music went digital,  “Under Mi Sleng Teng” became the first reggae tune to go digital, this is another sign that reggae is on the cutting edge of technology and cannot be curtailed. Barbados may have done us a favor, as we should take these situations as opportunities to further propel reggae music to other areas/cultures of the world that would welcome this energetic art form and not shut it off.