SHUT 'EM UP! - 'Too much freedom in the name of creative expression'
DECLARING THAT Jamaica's music has died, producer Mikey Barnett says the Government needs to restrict freedom of expression if the society is to survive. "The Government has failed in its role to protect the society from itself - meaning artistes of today. There is too much freedom in the name of creative expression," Barnett told a recent Gleaner Editors' Forum.

People of the decade
The Bruce Golding-led Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) defied even the prophets to eke out its first general election win in 18 years in 2007. Golding, in his victory speech, said, "However perplexing some may find the results, the fact is that the people have spoken."

What really happened at Palisadoes?
While government officials are defending the response by emergency teams to Tuesday's crash of an American Airlines (AA) plane near the Norman Manley International Airport, a high-profile passenger has taken issue with the assessment.

On the dancehall bandwagon - Local academics being blamed for falling standards
Several local academics who daily sing the praises of dancehall, as well as its main practitioners, are being blamed for the falling standards of Jamaica's music. In fact, at least one veteran player in the music industry believes these dancehall apologists are only seeking ways to promote themselves.

Regulating the rhythm - whose job?
WHO SHOULD bell the cat, or better yet, who should put the brakes on the violent and vulgar lyrics which pass for music in some of Jamaica's dance halls? From this year's monster hit, Rampin' Shop, to the Shabba Ranks, Admiral Bailey and Lady Saw staples, which were deemed, not fit for airplay, the issue of regulation ... has been a contentious issue for Jamaica's music for decades.

'Job prospects good' in music world
Thousands of Jamaicans dream of making it big in the music business, with most seeing themselves as the next dancehall star or award-winning singer. But industry insiders say aspirants to microphone stardom should consider other avenues of making a living from the entertainment industry ...

Locked out - Jamaican acts finding it more and more difficult to get into some countries
The lengthening rap sheets of some Jamaican artistes may prevent them from touring countries including the United States and most of Europe.