Spotify, a platform known for its vast music library, has been accused of hosting anti-LGBTQ+ content, specifically dancehall music with homophobic lyrics. Two popular songs, “Buggering” by Capleton and “Nah Apologize” by Sizzla, were recorded in 1993 and 2005, respectively, and have been criticized for their offensive language.
Jamaica, the birthplace of dancehall music, has a reputation for voicing homophobic songs, and these two artists are no exception. “Buggering” is a harsh indictment of two men having sex, with lyrics that suggest public beheading and shooting as a form of retribution. “Nah Apologize” was released in response to the Stop Murder Music campaign, which demanded that dancehall musicians stop performing anti-gay chants and offer an apology for them. Sizzla’s lyrics lack remorse and promote deadly stoning in the “biblical days.”
Spotify’s hate content policy states that it will not tolerate content that “expressly or principally promotes, advocates, or incites hatred or violence against a group or individual based on characteristics, including race, religion, gender identity, sex, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.” However, clearly, some songs have managed to slip through the filters, going against this policy.
In its defense, Spotify claims that the songs were reviewed by both human reviewers and AI, and that they do not violate platform policies. The company also notes that these songs can be found on other streaming services like YouTube, Apple, and Amazon, and that they provide a broader context for campaigning.
Some people, like Jamaican artist Glenroy Murray, believe that education is the better approach. He suggests that streaming services should provide cautions and disclaimers, similar to how Disney handles older, badly aged movies. He notes that dancehall music requires the performance of toxic masculinity and is often very sexist.
Dancehall has been making strides in supporting LGBTQ+ rights, with artists like Spice and Shenseea performing during Pride events and showcasing same-sex partnerships in their graphics. However, some artists have chosen to self-censor, like Buju Banton, who stopped performing his well-known homophobic murder song, “Boom Bye Bye,” in 2007 and took it down from streaming services in 2019.
In conclusion, the issue of homophobic music is complex and requires a nuanced approach. Some say that education is key, while others believe that censorship is the only solution. Ultimately, streaming services like Spotify must balance their desire to provide a platform for all genres of music with their responsibility to promote inclusivity and respect for all individuals.
FAQs:
Q: Why are some songs with homophobic lyrics still available on Spotify?
A: While Spotify’s policies prohibit content that promotes hate speech, some songs may have been reviewed and deemed not to violate those policies.
Q: Why does Spotify not take down all songs with homophobic lyrics?
A: Spotify’s goal is to provide a platform for all genres of music, while also promoting inclusivity and respect for all individuals.
Q: What does Spotify do to ensure that its platform does not promote hate speech?
A: Spotify reviews all content, including songs with homophobic lyrics, to ensure that they do not violate its policies.
Q: What does Jamaica’s LGBTQ+ community think about the issue of homophobic music?
A: Some members of the community believe that education is key, while others believe that censorship is the only solution.
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