Jamaica 50 Song Controversy Deepens...

The question on the lips of many this afternoon is "why label the song if it wasn’t selected as the official Jamaica 50 song?"

The concerns arise following a statement from the Jamaica 50 secretariat suggesting it did not select or designate an official Jamaica 50 song.

Meanwhile, outspoken dancehall deejay Mr. Vegas is urging the relevant authorities to revisit the drawing-board. Mr. Vegas says he believes that Mikey Bennett’s song “Find A Flag” best represents the Jamaican culture.

Last week, Shaggy told Music News that he was commissioned by the Jamaican Government to produce a song for Jamaica 50.

The controversy started after the song dubbed On A Mission was launched last Friday. Jamaicans criticized the song produced by ‘Shaggy’ saying it has a contemporary dancehall/hip hop sound.

Following the public outcry the Jamaica 50 secretariat has issued a statement claiming it does not intend to, nor did it choose, select or designate an official or national Jamaica 50 song.

So will there be an official Jamaica 50 song?

Well, according to the Jamaica 50 secretariat statement they are inviting Jamaicans to share in the pride and joy of the celebrations by playing and enjoying the appropriate song or songs of their choice. 

Efforts to get a comment from Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hannah proved futile.