Ahead of his highly anticipated concert this weekend in Guyana, dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has come under more fire from the country’s Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), which is demanding a public apology for the controversial song “Good Like Jesus.” The Commission, in a formal statement, described the track as “offensive and insensitive” to the Christian community, and has called for it to be banned from radio and television airwaves. “The ERC calls on Vybz Kartel to issue a public apology to the people of Guyana, particularly the Christian community,” the body stated firmly, urging the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) to prohibit the broadcast of the song.
The ERC revealed that it had formally written to concert promoters Hits and Jams Entertainment requesting a meeting to address the issue, but said it had received no response to date. With the clock ticking down to Kartel’s appearance, scheduled for Saturday, May 24, tensions are rising around the planned event, as concerns grow about the implications of platforming lyrics that some view as disrespectful to faith groups.
The ERC’s position comes amid broader concerns over religious and ethnic sensitivity in entertainment content in Guyana. The commission also addressed ongoing controversy involving another entertainer, Baby Skello, whose song reportedly offended the Hindu community. “The ERC remains committed to its constitutional mandate of promoting harmony and mutual respect among all ethnic groups,” the statement added, calling on entertainers to create content “with consideration for Guyana’s rich ethnic diversity and commitment to national unity.” Whether Kartel will respond or adjust his set remains to be seen, but the conversation around artistic expression and cultural respect has once again taken center stage.
