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Some artists in Jamaica are placing a ban on Red Stripe, which earlier this month announced they would no longer sponsor live music events facilitating "violent and antisocial lyrics".
In justifying their actions, artistes say one good turn deserves another, and their ban whether personal or otherwise, is simply an equal reaction.
One such artiste, Mavado, held nothing back, "If dem ban we, we jus' ban dem back bredren! Simple." Similarly, female deejay Spice says a ban on Red Stripe would only be a fair response. "I don't think dancehall should have nothing to do with Red Stripe either. If they should withdraw from dancehall, I think dancehall should withdraw from them and call it quits."
On April 4, Red Stripe issued a statement saying its main sponsorship beneficiaries, the annual Reggae Summerfest and Sting stage shows, will no longer have its support.
"Over the years, however, a very negative trend of glorifying violence has crept into some of the music, causing much consternation among well-thinking Jamaicans and others at home and abroad. This has far-reaching and damaging implications for the industry and for the country as a whole," the release stated.
"...Consequently, Red Stripe will not renew our contract for title sponsorship of Reggae Sumfest and Sting. We will, however, ensure that our brands are made available whenever and wherever our loyal consumers enjoy premium alcohol beverages."
However, in a subsequent interview, Red Stripe's head of corporate relations, Maxine Whittingham-Osborne said the withdrawal is in tandem with the company's corporate strategies and values.
"The key thing is the fact that Jamaica has been labeled as the murder capital of the world and we need to take stock of all the things that we are doing to contribute to it," she said. "The glorification of violence in the music is not helping our situation."
