In response to an article I read in the Sunday Observer:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/On-the-success-Jamaican-music_8062877

I am one of those who feel that the music and culture of this country is in steady and steep decline. While your article covered most of the issues involved I noticed the lack of discussion of what I consider to be the real problem. It appears that the acceptance of mediocrity is the norm. This notion of "this is good enough" is deluding. Clearly it is not good enough as you've noted - the international reggae market has no need for the originators anymore.The reason for this I feel is that the rest of the world can recognise that music is the result of a discipline while we seem to have forgotten it. We as a people seemingly take pride in our abhorrence of discipline and this attitude unfortunately is taking its toll on a number of elements of our society. The creation of quality music as one example.
Points to ponder:

• Our music, created for our own culture, was once considered 'quaint' (if I may) or 'third world'- the older generation is fully appreciative of the musical renaissance period of the 60's and 70's and was trained to 'buy' music.
• Those of the newer generation are not trying to make 'third world' music anymore and are experimenting and pursuing other forms or styles yet are trained to just 'get' music.

The proliferation of computers and software that simulate the creative process has also fueled this decline in quality of our music.The technology inhibits creativity in the wrong hands, yet the right hands shy away from the new technology. Therefore the music must stagnate.

These things coupled with the drive to 'Brand Jamaica' and its products have also limited our perspective. In the rush to exploit an international demand Reggae was deemed our only national musical product.
I've always maintained  that Jamaica is home to some of the most talented musicians and producers out there... yet they don't know it - yet. We don't acknowledge or encourage local artists who delve into other genres of music. Technically the Reggae Music Awards could not recognise the likes of Monty Alexander (not that I think he cares) because primarily he is a jazz musician. This reinforces the notion that we can (and should) only make this type of music - mediocre as it may be. Then we have the idea that we can play any type of music but because no particular style is mastered (jack of all trades...) it comes across as contrived and weak.
We also have the phenomenon of the 'performing artist' - one who concentrates solely on performance style as opposed to creative style. And of course the appreciative audience that goes with it only encourages the mediocre effort. I believe that an 'artist' is one who creates - if you can somehow experience this creation in the form of a recording or live act, you have experienced an honest performance as the artist is focused on creating or re-creating his art. On the other hand a 'created' performance focuses on style and not necessarily talent thus the music takes a back seat. By 'created' I mean 'its better to perform a creation than to create a performance' . I'm tired of seeing 'artists' go through the motions learnt from watching music videos and yet they still are off-beat and off- key.. but as long as they look good doing it, it seems acceptable.

We as a people love music too much to not want to understand it properly. We must understand that it is a discipline to be respected and studied so that we (not others) master our own music. What I'm getting at is lack of proper education. We must move to encourage and stimulate creativity on all levels. Expose the youth to a broader variety of art and to the creators of it both local and internationally. We must learn that it is permissible to excel.

Thanks,