Band members and DJs were engaged in a one-day workshop on Wednesday to raise the awareness on child protection issues which should influence their production and dissemination of music.
The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with UNICEF and forms part of a Public Relations Campaign for the Child Friendly School initiative.
Participants of the workshop include, reigning Bouyon Monarch, Carlene Xavier- Phillip, Reigning Calypso King Dennison “Dice” Joseph, Daryl Bobb, Triple Kay International Band, DJ Epic, Jade Leatham of the band “Breve” Major Mystic, Ayeola George, Michele Henderson among others.
“I wish to remind you that our young people listen to you, they listen to what you have to say in song, in fact, they are tuned into every word,” Education Minister Petter Saint Jean said while addressing the opening ceremony held at the Garraway Hotel. “In many cases, they are more tuned into your music than they are to the instruction that is given at school.”
He continued, “So without a doubt, a Triple Kay chant roll, rolls off the tongue of many of our students with much more fluency and accuracy than the Social Studies or the Mathematics instruction that was given to them in a particular day.”
According to Saint Jean it means, therefore, “you are extremely influential…even more influential than the parents and the classroom teachers.”
He went on to say that there is a need for musicians/ DJs to recognize the power that they hold and to use it effectively.
He stated, however, “But for us of even greater concern, for those of us who are educationists is the fact that over the recent past lyrics have become overly explicit in their references to drug use, sex and violence.”
Saint-Jean explained that in many instances practitioners within the industry can do better with the material that is put out for consumption by the youth.
“It is essential therefore for every one of us as a society to take a stand regarding music, lyrics and the do better than we are doing currently,” he stated. “I must be very clear that it is not my wish to have you completely water down your music to the point that it loses all of its appeal.”
However, he believes there should be a balance that allows for the release of wholesome music, “that is exciting to your fan base while managing to maintain respectability and a sense of morality.”
A Much better Title for this speech by the Minister of Education is Simply “MUSIC APPRECIATION” “A one day Work Shop” having meals and recreation at a hotel is not going to help give young Dominicans any kind of “Music Appreciation” which is what this topic really is according to what I hear from the Minister of Education here. A much better way to spend that money is to reach the young people themselves inside the Classroom,that would make a difference. Asking singers and musicians to curb their style will not work . How do you separate their audiences? Now You wish to blame the Musicians and singers but you are the first to take the blame instead of giving “Negative Credit” to them Get some teachers into the classroom to teach the Youth/students to not only appreciate vocals and Lyrics but engage then in Playing instruments as well and teach them to create songs and lyrics and their own music. How ever you can’t control what stories they want to bring out .
We can turn negatives into positives. Actually it’s only the lyrics that the Minister really has the issue with about the music… How about the Rhythm and beats ??
Those aspects of the music can actually be helpful in teaching other subjects like math, our history etc so please don’t cast the Dominican Musicians/singers work aside. With a little bit if permission from the Artist you can get the Students to make a different version of the song then you start teaching them about stuff like copy write laws etc. so you have the Students talking about Y.M.V I just made that up ;) “Youth Music Version” This kind of thinking would help empower the students/Youth as you open up a platform upon which they can function. In other words when we say no to the lyrical materials of the few people mentioned above we should open up avenues for everyone to say yes to .
To much rubbish is sold in the name of music ,,,normally any serious country would never play these types of vulgar music like those that are played over the air in Dominica…Children are listening ,learning and repeat what they hear;it is only when they can fully understand while growing up they are realizing that these songs are vulgar,sexual , and curse words….
I have been saying this for years. And the public is also to blame. these bands and strists would not be “big” if people didnt support their nonsense. On who they take a line up, bend down for the wood, i want to go down in your souse and the list goes on. year after year these are the hottest tracks with no substance, just a vulgar chant.
artists*
Corruptive and destructive
But there are talented artists capable of so much better.
If they would get their acts together they could out do the devil performers. Close and seal off their sewers
Say NO to drugs, illicit sex, and demonism by offering the market place something better, wholesome, restorative, healing, and mentally healthy.
The late Bishop Sheen said *It is better to light one little candle than to curse the darkness.*
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
In recent years we have been reminded of the negative effects of certain types of music with lyrics promoting drugs, sex, violence, and even demonism. Music is a powerful tool to influence human behavior. This is seen in the advertising industry. Even the church has not let it pass unnoticed. Sacred music and song is used to inspire the faithful.
Is there a side to music we have failed to consider? You are showing us a tremendous potential for good
If evil lyrics can corrupt and ruin behavior positive messages can be conveyed in song that produce the exact opposite effect 
It is my guess that this kind of music would appeal many of the youth since they already have a love for music and a certain desire to challenge the status quo. Artists who are working in the industry could write and include such songs in their concerts. It would require creativity but they are a creative bunch.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Another feel good talk shop-that results in nothing tangible for the ghetto youths.
Not so
Ghetto youth love music! It is one of the few comforts they have in life. If you visit a ghetto you are apt to hear music pouring out of a radio, or CD player. And the youth especially appreciate music that
stands up to the establishment, and defies the status quo. If this works in the wrong way (and it does) please believe me, it will work in the right way.
God bless those of you who love our young people enough to think this way. Put feet under the idea and get working
This is an untapped resource for reaching the NOW generation
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. (An old grandfather who knows a thing or two.)