Dec
09

Finnally Gaza And Gully Feud Put To An End....

Dancehall stars Mavado and Vybz Kartel have given the Government a commitment to end their lyrical feud, which has spilled over into violent clashes on the nation's streets.

The two are leaders of the groups known as Gaza and Gully and their supporters have been at odds since 2006.

Yesterday, the dancehall stars used a meeting with three government ministers at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to announce an end to the derogatory lyrics they have traded, while calling on their supporters to end the fuss.

"I never throw a stone at Vybz before and he never did the same to me. It is just about music but ... we have the fans out there and people take it to a different level, so me and Vybz will have to talk to these fans and do things to mend the situation," Mavado, whose correct name is David Brooks, told the ministers.

Upcoming collaboration

He was supported by Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer who announced plans for the two artistes to collaborate on another track shortly.

"People need to realise that David and I have never had any personal animosity over the years. Sometimes people take things out of context, especially impressionable minds," Kartel said in obvious reference to the school gangs which have engaged in some violent clashes because of their links to either 'Gaza' or 'Gully Side'.

The two DJs were summoned to the OPM yesterday where they met Information Minister Daryl Vaz, National Security Minister Dwight Nelson; Minister of Education, Andrew Holness; head of the Peace Management Initiative, Bishop Herro Blair; chairman of the National Transformation Programme, Reverend Al Miller, among others.

Measures to deal with tension

Following the meeting, Vaz announced that five measures have been developed to deal with the tension related to the Gaza/Gully conflict.

These include a paint-out day where the Gully/Gaza graffiti will be replaced, a joint song to appeal for an end to the violence, a t-shirt with images of both artistes and a peace concert.

"I must say that the meeting was very amicable and all have agreed and resolved to have this matter put behind us," Vaz said.

The Government called the two dancehall stars to talks after several groups expressed concerns about the impact of their lyrical feud on communities across the island.