By Shanique Richards
St. Kitts Reporter
Many people are of the opinion that certain calypso songs will be banned from the radio if they are anti-government, but this is not necessarily so. It past times it was usually the case that only the calypsonians who felt that their chances of winning were closer to zero would take the risk and sing on governmental affairs. However, last year at least 80% of the calypsonians sang on governmental issues and this has carried over into this year’s competition.
The Observer spoke to a member of the carnival committee who said that the committee does not decide which songs are played because that call is made by the radio stations. So The Observer spoke to a source from ZIZ who clarified the issue as to whether or not any songs would be banned if they pose a perceived threat to the social standing of government ministers or other movers and shakers.
“ZIZ has banned songs in the past if there are comments made about persons that we could not condone and we do this to prevent being sued. We have also banned anti-government songs and those, which involve indecent language and vulgarity. Nonetheless, this has not only been done for local songs but foreign ones as well. However, we have not banned any songs this year as yet but I don’t know if we intend to band any in the future,” he said.
Winston McMahon, general manager of ZIZ, also added that if songs malign a person’s character or pose legal ramifications then the company would be obliged to ban the song from their airways.
The Observer also spoke to well known calypsonian, Sylvester ‘King Socrates’ Hodge, who said everyone in society should be open to criticism.
“Calypsonians reflect the issues in society and if a song mentions anyone then I believe that as long as it is not libellous then it should not be banned. Ministers of government are public officials and they should be open to criticism and scrutiny. We must also remember that it is through the radio that calypsonians become popular and people are able to listen to the songs. Of all the songs I have heard so far this year none of them should be banned from any radio show,” said Socrates.
