The recent reports of deejay Vybz Kartel's detention and brush with the law, are indeed quite disturbing. Though he was released without being charged, the fact that he was even taken into custody for questioning is enough to turn some people off from his music.

Ever since the first dancehall beat was created, there have been people who have been against the art form, labelling it as crude and raucous and suggesting that it may even have something to do with the level of crime in the society.

Although no dancehall artiste can be held responsible for the rise in crime, it is no secret that there are many youngsters who look up to these artistes and emulate their every move. This is not to say that parents should neglect their children and then blame dancehall artistes and deejays when they turn out to be criminals. The well-being of a child is primarily the parents' responsibility. However, dancehall artistes need to accept the fact that they do have an impact on the youth, and they should use this power and influence to encourage positive changes.

It is often said that many deejays allow their desire to achieve 'street - cred' to get the better of them, and this may well be so. We are well aware that being a prominent deejay comes with its fair share of pressure, but the true test of a person's character is how well he or she can handle pressure from outside forces without sacrificing what is right or morally correct.

All this is to say deejays, like all public figures, should realise their responsibility to society and behave accordingly.