The Jamaica Star :: Commentary :: Clash of the lightweights

Miss Kitty, Contributor

As a judge on the electrifying Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall show on TV, I believe the alleged feud between Tellah and Baby Tash must come to an end now.

I have read many articles which purport to know why and where the feud started and how both contestants got to this bitter stage. Some of the things being written are true, however the majority is sensationalised to magnify the situation and make it seem worse than it really is.

At this point, I don't wish to regurgitate what has already been reported in the media and I don't really care where this feud started, but what I will say is that both women need to understand themselves, done the foolishness and concentrate on developing a lasting career.

The two women are newcomers to dancehall and frankly need to grow up fast before the situation takes a very ugly turn. I'm of the opinion that there are going to be people in life who you will not like and who just 'nah go like yuh', but to perpetuate such a hostile feud in the embryonic stages of your career is just dumb.

Little hype

Baby Tash and Tellah must understand that the music and dancehall is bigger than their little hype. Bigger and better artistes have come and gone and music still lives on.

Yes, this is dancehall and I will concede to a point that clashing does have its place, because in my view some artistes are arguably at their best when dem a clash.

However, when the clash is going to be brought into everyday life and death threats are made, then its time to rethink one's position.

Magnum must be lauded for its sponsorship of a dancehall programme which has unearthed a lot of talent and given young people an outlet and an alternative to the violence which seems to be the order of the day.

There cannot, then, be a free for all, where contestants do and say whatever they feel while disrespecting the brand which has given unreservedly to the dancehall when others have stepped away.

Both contestants need to understand that they are of little consequence to dancehall at the moment and even though unnu family and friend dem a hype unnu, unnu just need fi go cool and go easy. Unnu nuh have a hot song pon di radio, unnu nuh top nuh chart, unnu not even reach out a airport road fi go pon plane fi go do a show overseas, unnu nuh have a catalogue of hits and unnu definitely nuh reach di status of a Lady Saw. So, done di hype.

Only one winner

Both contestants are talented in their own right, but the people have chosen Baby Tash as the winner. Who nuh like dat, just try next time.

Magnum has asked both women to refrain from doing clash songs. Baby Tash must be given kudos for keeping her word and for not defying that request. However, Tellah did a set at the May Pen show that was laced with clash lyrics.

Tellah, while you are an artiste who will make strides in the dancehall because of your confidence and swagger, you need to do some introspection. Do not allow your ego to get the better of you and be disrespectful and defiant to the brand which has given you this opportunity.

I won't be pointing fingers or casting blame on either of them, I just know that the garbage needs to end now. Dancehall music was before Tellah and will be here after Baby Tash. Both women need to concentrate on becoming rounded, marketable and sociable artistes, because, though you may possess some talent, your attitude can help to determine your altitude.

If people can't clash responsibly, leave it alone and furthermore, dancehall does not need clashes right now. It needs peace and progress. Fame is vapour, but a good character, good lyrics and good music is forever.