LOAJ affi bawl out, mi caa ignore it mi affi bawl out.
A recent song release called ‘Bawl Out’ by performing artiste ‘Chozenn’ has created some controversy as the song clearly mimics a very profane dancehall song of the same name by ‘Dovey Magnum’. In the event you have never heard the song ‘Bawl Out’, below is a preview (warning, very graphic).
Here are a few lines from the song: “Lawd Gad how yuh feel suh good? Mi love how mi P*$$y jus a grab yuh hood. Mi caa wol it, baby mi caa wol it. Mi caa wol it mi a bawl out…” It is hard to imagine a conversion of this song that would facilitate spiritual ministry. Now, listen to the ‘gospel’ version of ‘Bawl Out’:
Here are a few lines from the song: “Lawd gad how yuh one suh good? Yuh shame the devil mi know yuh good. Mi caa wol it, Jesus mi caa wol it. Yuh name mi a bawl out….”
So, there are a few things to consider. Is this song really gospel? What was the artiste’s intention? Why is this a big deal? Gospel music is a genre of christian music which may not have a specifically defined style as it varies according to culture and social context. It is however either slow and meditative or fast and repetitive with the primary intention being spiritual focus. Now let us imagine dancehall music, which is a genre characterized by a fast rhythm usually of a track instrumental accompanied by sharp rhymes of lyrics usually describing strong sexual themes, violence, dance moves or social issues. Jamaica has seen the establishment of a new genre called ‘Gospel Reggae’ which honestly is not for everyone.
The issue I have with the conversion of graphic dancehall music to gospel is that the objective of ministry is not achieved. Note that Love 101, a popular gospel radio station, has banned the song ‘Bawl Out’ from playing on their frequencies. The attachment of these songs to their origin makes them very ineffective in ministry. Imagine playing ‘Bawl Out’ in church, can that song aid in worship? How ironic would it be for the wrong words to slip out due to the similarities with the original song. If the dancehall genre was initially established with strong positive and or religious themes such controversies would not exist.
Here are my OPINIONS regarding the new version of ‘Bawl Out’
- Chozenn’s conversion of the song does not draw people to God.
- The artist’s intention was more so selfish than ministerial. It worked! We all know Chozenn now, a brother has got to eat right?
- The song is NOT gospel. It is simply a parody.
- Not everyone has good vocals, if the dancehall genre is the only one he can perform, he should at least be original.
- I had never listened to the dirty ‘Bawl Out’ before this saga unfolded, thanks Chozenn.
- In order to make such a great replica of the original, Chozenn would have chosen to have a real good ‘review’ of the original.
– Aldeam Facey 2018
An eye popping article Aldeam.
In 1983 I read a book entitled “Creeping Compromise”, by Joe Crews. I did my very sermon entitled “Leaping Compromise” My view is music, which is a wonderful gift is also the easiest element to corrupt standards. Slowly and subtlely strange genes enters into the gospel domain. To name a few Ernis Smith’s I for Jesus, Grace Thriller’s “Reggae gospel” and Kirk Franklin’s “Revolution and “Wanna be happy” There a revolution is music industry and the gospel is not exempt.
Only the father can judge Chozenn, like with anything one consumes, you eat what is edible and discard what cannot be digested. The world as had enough of trash music that does nothing to restore relationships, friendships, drawing closer to God. And as a creative sometimes one as to make a bold move. I don’t think one can ever please the majority, and especially as a believer, as long as Chozenn is pleasing in God’s eyes he won’t have a problem. Enjoyable read otherwise