ENGLISH LANGUAGE

SCHOOL BASED
ASSESSMENT

Candidate number:
Candidate name: Samantha Campbell
Year: 2020-2021
Territory: Jamaica
School: York Castle High
Teacher: Miss
Table of Contents
Theme/topic

Plan of investigation

Sources

Reflection one

Reflection two

Reflection three

Written report

Plan of oral presentation

Oral presentation

Reference pages
 THEME
Music

TOPIC
The Negative Effects of Dancehall Music on Jamaican Youths
 PLAN OF INVESTIGATION

Music is a part of our culture whether reggae or dancehall – it is who we are! Jamaican
teenagers are always engrossed in music but more specifically dancehall. It is on this premise
that my group members and I have decided to explore the theme Music. I have chosen
however, to zone in on the effects that Dancehall Music have on our youths today because
there has been a constant debate about Dancehall music being a contributing factor of the
violent behaviours among teenagers in the country. As a huge fan of this genre of music, I
intend to gather the information that will reinforce my topic by researching articles (`The
Observer`-Dancehall Influence by Britanya Boner), analysing a song by Jahvillani titled Gun
Song and collecting comic strip drawings. These materials will be investigated and perused to
provide me with adequate information to answer my theory and other lingering questions. As
a student of English, at the end of this research, I expect to have expanded my vocabulary, as
well as improve my writing, comprehension, and expression skills.
 REFLECTION 1
The newspaper article that I chose was an eye-opener. It showed me that Dancehall Music
doesn’t only impact the males negatively but it also takes a toll on female’s self-esteem.
“Women are also degraded in these songs, referring to them as “gyal” in a demeaning and
derogatory manner”, a line quoted from the article is a perfect example of such. When female
listen to these songs they tends to lose sight of how to behave or how they are supposed to be
treated and for the most part they start to hate their body.
The second piece was a comic strip, it can be seen where two young men are having a
conversation. One of the young men said to the other things are very bad in the country and
the other young man replied “is a good thing wi hav’ Gaza and Gully music fi inspire wi”.
From what was said it is clear that these young men look up to Vybz kartel (leader of Gaza)
and Movado (leader of Gully), and from songs like buss My Gun and Guns Out it can be said
that these two artist does promote a large amount of violence.
Lastly, a song by Jahvillani titled Gun Song. Just by the title one can tell what this song
entails. As many would say these are just words but the younger generation do believe what
they hear in these songs. This song paints a bad picture for the youths and definitely has a
negative impact. This contributes to a high increase in violence and drug use among youths.
The line “wi go do di murda, wi go do di murda, bwoy head a jump up; a mussi hurdler” from
the song sheds light on my topic and since these artists are been idolized by the youths there’s
no doubt that they will live up to these words.
 REFLECTION 2
My first piece was a letter sent to the editor by Britanya Bonner, a student of the Tarrant High
School from a 2019 observer. This piece was written in formal diction but was however easy
to understand. It was very informative and the tone was rather convincing.
My second piece was a comic strip that was published in a 2012 Gleaner. The comic piece
was written in Jamaican creole, a language spoken by the majority in our population. This
choice of language, I think was intentional, as it would have been understood by all readers.
This piece consist of two tones, concerned and sad (bwoy tings dread inna de country yu
know!) and pessimistic (is a good ting we hav’ Gaza and Gully music fi inspire we!).
My third source was a song from one of our very own dancehall artist, Jahvillani titled Gun
Song. The song was written in Jamaican creole which I think was used to paint a clear picture
of what exactly he was trying to bring across in his song to us the listeners. Some amount of
comparison was evident for example, “bwoy head a jump up a mussi hurdler”. Comparing the
head to a hurdler was also used to paint a picture of exactly what would happen when an
individual gets shot; we all know what happens in the hurdle race.
 REFLECTION 3
Before starting my English SBA, music was just music for me. I never once thought about the
negative or positive effect that it has, but when I chose this topic, I knew was up for
something great. I am now able to dissect and analyse the words and the true meaning of the
songs that I am engage with.
My SBA helped me to improve my ability to think, analyse and interpret and it most
definitely enhanced my vocabulary. I can now identify different tones and language uses,
literary devices and diction. This process also taught me how to work well in groups, how to
cooperate with my teammates and how to respect the opinions of others. Finally I have learnt
how to meet deadlines.
WRITTEN REPORT
 PLAN OF ORAL PRESENTATION
The theme for my S.B.A is Music, and my topic is The Negative Effect of Dancehall Music
on Jamaican Youths. My oral presentation will be centred around a poem, I chose a poem
because I wanted to be creative and also it was the best way to express myself. My poem will
be presented in standard English but will entail a bit of Jamaican Creole.
 ORAL PRESENTATION
CAPTIVE
Ghetto youths’ minds are held captive by dancehall music.
Education is no longer a priority,
But to pull a trigger or to chop the line is definitely their philosophy.
Look east, look west, look north, look south, tell me what you see?
Drugs, disease, pregnancy, and sexuality, I thought so too,
13-year-olds grow up a little bit too soon, because
To be in the latest is the new rule.

Ghetto youth minds are held captive by dancehall music.

African roots are gone, wonder why?
Cuz everybody tun Caucasian overtime.
Bleach out your skin, for what exactly son?
Cuz the world boss say suh, just kool nuh man.
Nobody wants to turn lawyer, teacher or doctor anymore,
Because every youth is a ganster somehow.

Ghetto youth minds are held captive by dancehall music.

Teenage girls forget about self-esteem, because
Their only dream is to be on one of these artist dancing team.
Wife a wife, mate a mate, is what they say,
But let’s have a chat sister, can you wash some plates?
Shorts above knee, pants on thigh,
Oh lord, do you see what I see,
My child, I have to sigh
Come on youths, lets step up the process,
After today we are striving for nothing less.
Ghetto youth minds will no longer be held captive by dancehall music.
 REFERNCE PAGE
https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/dancehall-s-influence_180272?
profile=1236#:~:text=The%20influence%20of%20dancehall%20music,in%20drug%20use
%20among%20youth.
https://neika12.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/dancehall-brings-youth-down-hall/
https://genius.com/Jahvillani-gun-song-lyrics