If there was any doubt, the events that unfolded these past few days have made it clear that certain “influencers” in Barbados wield immense power to sway public opinion.No wonder then that the Government would have engaged the services of some of these entertainers now at the centre of the public debate about the Trojan Riddim.From what transpired on social media, the call-in programmes and every nook and cranny in Bim, having a vast fan base, a huge amount of popularity, along with lots of love and admiration from the masses, must be directed or else all hell may break loose.
June 3, 2021
There is a level of hypocrisy spreading across fertile ground in Barbados. And it is threatening to become worse unless conscience, truth and apolitical reasoning take precedence in most, if not all, of our social interactions.
The ruckus over the highly melodic but lyrically repulsive Trojan Riddim Mix video by popular entertainer Ricky Lil Rick Reid that promotes gun violence, is understandable. That others before Mr Reid have rendered similar in local or other jurisdictions does not excuse the content or message of the video, especially in the prevailing crime-ridden environment in the island.
Questions have been raised in some quarters as to the artiste’s right to create and perform his craft unhindered. But the wider society has the simultaneous right to show its abhorrence to ‘art’ that demonstrates insensitivity to the loss of human life, promotes the taking of human life and does so in the most profane manner. Some might even query whether lega
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Director of Digicel Barbados Ralph ‘Bizzy’ Williams’ stance on the promotion of gun violence has not changed.
But he has admitted that he acted hastily by deciding to cut ties with Lead Pipe, one of the artistes featured on the controversial Trojan Riddim Mix.
“I made a mistake. I made an immediate decision to do something but I didn’t interview him first. I should have interviewed him, but I didn’t. So obviously I will refrain from making decisions without consulting the artistes first,” Williams told Nation News.
His comments come a day after the telecommunications company announced that they would be discontinuing their influencer relationship with Lead Pipe whose song Thugs Out was one of the featured songs on the project.
Entertainer Lil Rick today responded to criticisms of his contribution to the Trojan Riddim Mix music video. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Bishop Michael Maxwell were among those who have expressed disappointment with the video featuring Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Mole, Screwface, Mallis, Lead Pipe, Brutal Crankstar, Chiief Diin, SK and Quan De Artist. The video has received widespread condemnation from all sides of the political divide, the church, …