ERC condemns “blasphemous” content in song by Vybz Kartel

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has issued a condemnation of Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel for his song “Good Like Jesus”, which the body says contains “blasphemous and deeply offensive statements” about Jesus Christ.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ERC described the content as “profoundly disrespectful to Christian religious sensibilities” and a threat to the spirit of reverence and harmony foundational to Guyana’s multicultural society.

“The Lord Jesus Christ is not only central to Christianity but is also respected in Islam and Hinduism. Any content that demeans such a universally revered figure risks offending multiple faith communities and threatens inter-religious harmony,” the ERC stated.

While the Commission acknowledged the importance of artistic freedom, it noted that such rights are “not absolute” and must be exercised with “responsibility and respect for religious and cultural values.”

It called for the banning of the song from Guyana’s airwaves and digital platforms, urging that all public dissemination of the track cease immediately.

The ERC further disclosed that it will be engaging the promoter of an upcoming concert featuring Vybz Kartel to ensure that the event does not contribute to spreading “offensive content that undermines interfaith harmony.”