EDITORIAL - Make Bashment Soca better
Each year around this time, controversy usually rears its ugly head with regard to this country’s culture as we celebrate the annual Crop Over Festival. In particular, two aspects of culture – music and dance – constantly come under attack as some song or incident sparks ire amongst the masses.
This year it is evident that Bashment Soca and the resulting Bashment Culture is causing the most upheaval in society, as fans and critics clash over a rising trend that sees mostly the younger generation simulating sex acts while “dancing” to these popular tunes. Those in support of Bashment maintain that older generations had their version of the salacious tunes and accompanying dances and were similarly reprimanded for their actions, which were also considered lewd at the time. Supporters also state, and rightfully so, that trends in music and dance will always change and while many may not agree with them, they must not be stifled or else cultural development will be stunted. Conversely, those against the Bashment Culture highlight the raunchy lyrics, base behaviour and indecent dress and dancing that surrounds many of the events, some of which are marketed as “skin out” events. These critics are concerned, as they should be, about the blatant nature of the culture where intent is no longer concealed in stylised lyrics, and dancing has become almost vicious in nature. Added to this is the potential impact on societal norms, and specifically on the children of this country, who are witnessing this behaviour.
As one could imagine, this debate will not be resolved to any side’s satisfaction. Despite many people’s belief, Bashment Soca as a music has its merits and should be supported as a form of Barbadian culture that can go further to promoting Barbados as one of the leading musical hubs in the region, and even the world. The creativity in some artiste’s contributions should be lauded and emulated. Unfortunately, too many of the Bashment songs do not reach this desired quality and instead remain as shameful examples of what our music should never become.
Likewise the revealing dress and vulgar dancing associated with the Bashment Culture cannot be blamed entirely on this new artform. Years ago before Bashment Soca came on stream, there were national discussions on indecent behaviour and dance associated with other forms of music, namely dancehall. There was also uproar over indecent dancing and dress at inter-school sports, where neither Bashment Soca nor Dancehall was played. Instead, students’ indecent behaviour back then was sparked by traditional or makeshift instruments.
Therefore, one could argue that any controversy actually stems from the mindset and the actions of the people involved, who themselves create a Bashment Culture, moreso than it stems from the music. Nevertheless, although the blame should not be placed solely at the feet of artistes, they do have a responsibility to produce something that is palatable to the masses of people who consume their fare. In light of this, we urge musicians pursuing the Bashment Soca genre to work on improving their lyrics and overall performance and elevate their artform to a higher level, which could demand more respect from promoters, sponsors and the state, and garner a wider cross section of the Barbadian public as a fan base.
We hope that this advice is heeded by those gearing up for Phenomenal Friday and look forward to exciting, creative, appropriate performances from all finalists.