Vybz Kartel (left) shakes the hand of selector Jigsy at British Link-Up as they made up following an altercation. - natheniel stewart

With increased rivalries developing among dancehall artistes, it is becoming evident that some selectors are being coerced into taking sides. However, others have taken a stance against this practice, declaring that it only does more harm than good for the business.

As recent as last week at the weekly Bembe Thursdays, which is held at Weekenz on Constant Spring Road, this issue came to the fore. The event ended prematurely when Alliance selectors, Foota Hype and Boom Boom had a verbal confrontation with Richie Feelings because the selector was allegedly playing too many songs by Vybz Kartel, Mavado's lyrical nemesis.

Too many Kartels

Boom Boom denied disconnecting Richie Feelings' microphone, but openly accused Feelings of playing too many Vybz Kartel songs and not enough of Mavado's.

However, Richie Feelings said he wanted no place in the war between Mavado and Kartel and said he would not play 'diss' songs made by both artistes.

Dangerzone selector Jigsy said he does not believe the selectors should align themselves to any specific artistes if their duty is to play music to please the people.

"Artistes need we and we need the music. When a selector seh him a guh tek side inna music him a alliance himself. Every weh yuh go people waan hear all different type a artistes," said Jigsy who also had an altercation with Vybz Kartel last December.

"Mi been through it already (in reference to the period when he refused to play Vybz Kartel's songs because of their altercation). It neva affect me but the people seh mi must bury the hatchet."

Bembe selector Biggy said it was important for artistes to be as fair as possible in their musical selections.

"Every selector fi neutral 'cause yuh a play fi people, not for artistes," he said. "Yuh ago have a favourite song but when yuh a deliver the music yuh just haffi be neutral."

Veteran selector Sky Juice from Metromedia was also stern in his stance.

"Sky Juice is a selector weh respect every entertainer. I don't tek sides. I play everybody music," he told THE STAR.

He said there are many selectors who are close friends with artistes. As a result, he said they will play mostly the songs recorded by their friends.

"Mi nuh want no fren suh inna di business. Mi caan play no one or two set a man 'cause dat ago cause enemy. No artiste neva diss me yet 'cause inna di dance mi play everybody tune," said Sky Juice.

He said he was saddened by the state of the music and the fact that selectors are not playing music fairly.

"Dat a mash up the music and dem fi stop it. Sky Juice want love inna di music. When yuh go a country yuh haffi play everybody, a town alone dem thing yah gwaan."

Selector Sky Juice. - file