“CYAAN LOCK OFF THE DANCE” IS THE LATEST SINGLE FROM HITMAKER ANTHONY CRUZ!

By Howard Campbell—
Observer senior writer—

Anthony Cruz

Sound system operators challenging Government’s Noise Abatement Act is definitely one of the hot button entertainment issues for 2019.

While things between the parties have simmered in recent weeks, it is still topical for singer Anthony Cruz. Cyaan Lock Off de Dance is the new single from Cruz.

Produced by Hopeton Lindo for Irie Pen Records, it hears him defying the abrupt ending of events by security forces.

“They should make di music go for a longer period, because di music is how people release dem stress, especially reggae music. A man can hold a meditation, free up him mind an’ skank off him foot,” said Cruz.

“Di music is like a relief for di people dem, so I think they should be more lenient an’ give di people dem a longer time.”

Several high-profile dances were affected this year by the Noise Abatement Act which rules that outdoor events end at midnight during the week and 2:00 am on weekends.

It got the attention of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who stated that promoters must respect the law and citizens whose rest is being disturbed by high decibel levels of sound systems.

The police high command, as well as Security Minister Horace Chang and Entertainment and Culture Minister Olivia Grange, held separate meetings with sound system operators and selectors.

In September, while attending the weekly Boasy Tuesdays dance in Kingston, Chang promised that government would make some concessions.

He has made no follow-up statement. While sympathising with persons who are kept awake by these dances, Cruz noted that the Jamaican dancehall is more than a gig.

“Di music mek a lotta youth go school, an’ a lotta people eat food, from di jelly man to di peanut man. Even di tax office, dem mek dem money to. Is one big family,” he said.