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Jamaican rapper denied permit for Grenada concert
By LINDA STRAKER, Associated Press Writer Linda Straker, Associated Press
ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada – Grenada has barred a Jamaican rapper from performing because of his raunchy lyrics, a government official said Sunday.
Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adija Palmer, was forced to cancel a May 2 concert planned to coincide with the local launch of his line of condoms, brand-named "Daggering," that are already being marketed in Jamaica.
Lyrics that seem to promote violence have raised concern and led the government to deny the rapper a performance permit, said Sen. Ann Peters, a junior health minister and chair of Grenada's national AIDS Council. She said officials were not aware of the condom launch.
Kartel favors the beat-driven fusion of reggae and rap known as dancehall that has stoked controversy across the Caribbean. In February, Jamaica forbid explicit references to sex and violence over the airwaves as well as videos depicting "daggering" — a dance style associated with dancehall music that features pelvic grinding simulating sex.
Concert promoter Dexter Tillock defended Kartel's music, saying his most recent work includes positive messages and emphasizes respect for women. He said Kartel's promotion of condom use has also been commended for helping to save lives.
Tillock said promoters only recently learned that he would not be allowed to perform, and they were considering legal action against the government to recoup thousands of dollars in losses.
Kartel plans several other performances around the Caribbean including one May 8 in Trinidad and Tobago.
By LINDA STRAKER, Associated Press Writer Linda Straker, Associated Press
ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada – Grenada has barred a Jamaican rapper from performing because of his raunchy lyrics, a government official said Sunday.
Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adija Palmer, was forced to cancel a May 2 concert planned to coincide with the local launch of his line of condoms, brand-named "Daggering," that are already being marketed in Jamaica.
Lyrics that seem to promote violence have raised concern and led the government to deny the rapper a performance permit, said Sen. Ann Peters, a junior health minister and chair of Grenada's national AIDS Council. She said officials were not aware of the condom launch.
Kartel favors the beat-driven fusion of reggae and rap known as dancehall that has stoked controversy across the Caribbean. In February, Jamaica forbid explicit references to sex and violence over the airwaves as well as videos depicting "daggering" — a dance style associated with dancehall music that features pelvic grinding simulating sex.
Concert promoter Dexter Tillock defended Kartel's music, saying his most recent work includes positive messages and emphasizes respect for women. He said Kartel's promotion of condom use has also been commended for helping to save lives.
Tillock said promoters only recently learned that he would not be allowed to perform, and they were considering legal action against the government to recoup thousands of dollars in losses.
Kartel plans several other performances around the Caribbean including one May 8 in Trinidad and Tobago.