Popcaan Talks George Floyd Protests In Jamaica

Dancehall artiste Popcaan recently had an interview with New York-based radio show Ebro In The Morning on Hot 97 last Thursday, September 3. Ebro and co-hosts Laura and Rosenberg had a lot to catch up on with Poppy, they sifted through a myriad of topics, including how he first linked up with Drake, his beef with Mavado, and whether they would ever squash it as well as how he came up with the concept for his annual Unruly Fest concerts.

They also wanted to know more about the George Floyd protests in Jamaica. Rosenberg, who had heard there were riots, asked how violent it had actually gotten. Popcaan however was keen on clearing that up, “Well it wasn’t no riots still, it was very peaceful. A lot of artistes was out there too as well and I can tell you that … Jamaicans share the same pain as Americans … a lot of Jamaicans feel it when those things happens,” he replied.

Earlier this year on June 6, hundreds of Jamaicans took to the streets at Old Hope Road, by the US Embassy (Kingston) in protest against the abusive treatment of Black people in the United States and around the world following the murder of George Floyd.

Dancehall veteran Bounty Killer joined in to lend his support carrying a placard, which called for justice for Floyd and his black brothers facing the same discrimination and injustices around the world.

Several other Jamaican celebrities and musicians had also joined forces to speak out against racism in Jamaica; these included Vybz Kartel, Morgan Heritage, Nature Ellis, Spice as well as the Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness.

While Jamaicans are predominantly of African descent, they do often experience racism on different levels, mainly colorism and classism. One of the major struggles of course is the constant injustice and threat many face from the police. According to a government-backed study, over 3000 Jamaicans have been killed by law enforcement officials since 2000.

Ebro said it’s very powerful when the Black diaspora feels under attack, no matter where they were in the world, the support is felt from other nations like Jamaica. He wished the Black diaspora could have come together under happier conditions, using music and Jamaica Carnival as an example to celebrate our cultures to which Popcaan agreed. The deejay even went on to say he would be willing to squash the beef with Mavado if it were in efforts of progressing Dancehall music.

Watch the full interview with Popcaan on the Ebro In The Morning Radio show below-