Two of Trinidad and Tobago’s prominent Trinibad artistes, K-Man and Plumpy Boss, have ended their longstanding feud following government-facilitated peace talks, creating a moment that could carry significance well beyond the music industry.
Information out of the twin-island state says the agreement was reached on Saturday after the artistes met with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj.
The reconciliation is particularly significant given the influence Trinibad artistes have among young people in Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean. The genre has developed a strong regional following, with leading artistes attracting large audiences on social media and through music, concerts and regional performances.
The music however, often features lyrics glorifying violence, gang culture and murder; generating concern from regionally authorities, and causing some countries to ban such performances.
The decision by the artistes to put their differences aside sends a different message to the young people who follow them.
In an interview with the Trinidad Guardian, K-Man expressed his intention to move away from that life style.
“The life of crime only has two things in it, poverty and death. Anybody who lived a life of crime will tell you they regret it and wish they could live over again.”
He said that, “The street life has nothing in it because when you get older you will want a family, you’ll want a nice car and a nice house. When you’re involved in crime, you can’t get that at all.”
While Plumpy Boss did not say much on the truce, he was quoted as saying, “This peace here is staying right where it is, and that’s what it is.”
The government initiative is said to be among many others aimed at addressing gang-violence and crime in vulnerable communities.
