Deejay 1 Brawlin: “Think Twice, Don’t Kill our Creativity.”

November 30, 2022 | By Supa Pea |

Deejay 1 Brawlin, an emerging artiste and semi-finalist in the Champion Bwoy Karaoke and Talent Contest, is urging the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica to have second thoughts on the ban imposed on players of music glorifying illegal guns, illicit drugs and scamming.

The Broadcasting Commission says the directive to radio stations reinforces its commitment to keeping airwaves free of harmful content  given the important role traditional media still plays as agents of socialization.

The use of public airways broadcast songs that promise/ glorify illegal activity could give the wrong  impression that criminality is an accepted feature of Jamaican culture  and society.

According to 1 Brawlin, given name Johnnie Richards, “Think twice (Broadcasting Commission), and don’t kill our creativity. Sometimes it is these same songs that give us shows to take mommy out of the board house and our siblings to continue in school.

Deejay 1 Brawlin is recommending that the Broadcasting Commission help emerging artistes to ‘clean up their lyrics” through ongoing all-island seminars and workshops.

“Give us the help to present our stories in a less violent and sometimes disrespectful way.

Deejay 1 Brawlin, born in Four Paths, Clarendon, attended Eltham Park Primary and Thompson Town High School.

His love for music began in his early teens, listening to dancehall and R&B.

“My mom, Veronica Simpson-Pryce, being a christian, took me to church where I sang on the choir. The names of my favourite artistes  include Masicka, Chronic Law,  Nation Boss, Silk Boss and Skeng.

“These are songs which deal with reality. Songs which youths can relate to easily.

The finals of the Karaoke and Talent Search Contest took place November 6, 2022. The winner took home $250,000 in cash and prizes, including a recording contract and trophy.