Music that endorses violence and criminal lifestyles must not be endorsed as a facet of Caribbean culture.

During the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana urged leaders to prevent the proliferation of violent music in their respective nations. “We do not need lyrics that promote violence in this region,” Ali emphasized. “We have the ability to promote positive lyrics that inspire people to think, act, and behave positively. As leaders, we must take this matter seriously and ensure that the region’s lyrics reflect the positivity embodied by Bob Marley and encourage positive living and change.”

Ali revealed discussions with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, during which young people questioned the government’s decision to ban a “certain” artist from performing at a concert.

Kman 6ixx, deemed a security risk due to being on an INTERPOL Red list, was prohibited from entering Guyana for a concert. Ali stressed the importance of resisting the capture of culture in a negative narrative, advocating for a revolution to re-position the culture towards its original positive ideals for the well-being and future of the region’s youth.

The Guyanese Government has already taken measures to prevent artists promoting criminal lifestyles and violence from performing in the country. Kman 6ixx, also known as Kashif Alexander Sankar, faced bans in Guyana and St Kitts and Nevis due to security concerns. Charged as a gang member under Trinidad and Tobago’s Anti-Gang Act, he was granted TT$40,000 bail.

In 2022, Jamaican dancehall artist Skeng was banned from public events in Guyana following gun violence during his on-stage performance.