Dancehall star Govana has taken aim at what he describes as a strange culture of people who become emotionally invested in seeing artistes and other public figures fail, declaring that he has no enemies and does not wish bad on anyone he dislikes. During a candid appearance on The Fix’s latest Riddim & Road episode, the “Champ” deejay said he finds it “weird” when people follow someone’s show, business or career with the sole intention of criticising it or hoping that it does not succeed.
“If me and a man don’t deal, me and a man don’t deal. But me nah come pray fi a man fail. It’s that weird, brother,” Govana said, explaining that he can dislike someone without becoming invested in their downfall. He suggested that some people watch shows and follow public figures simply to see them fail, describing that mindset as something he cannot relate to. His comments about success and rivalry also brought Masicka and Alkaline into the conversation. Govana pointed to the two Dancehall artistes as examples of performers who have built strong careers while maintaining different approaches to visibility, competition and public engagement.
While discussing the way artistes are judged, compared and sometimes pitted against each other, Govana suggested that Masicka and Alkaline should not be reduced to online narratives or fan-driven rivalry. His remarks positioned both artistes as examples of individuals who have continued to command attention and build their own lanes, regardless of outside commentary. The mention of Masicka and Alkaline is likely to become one of the most discussed moments from the interview, particularly because both artistes have long been subjects of debate among Dancehall fans. Their names are frequently brought into conversations about lyrical ability, international reach, consistency and who belongs among the genre’s leading voices.
Govana also turned his attention to online critics and bloggers, suggesting that negativity can become a pastime for people who lack purpose or productive ways to spend their time. “People are gonna always talk,” he said, arguing that public figures cannot allow every negative comment to affect them. “You can’t stop people from talking.”
His broader point was that competition does not have to become hatred. An artiste can acknowledge another performer’s talent, success or influence without feeling threatened by it, just as fans can support their favourites without hoping that another artiste fails. Govana’s comments are likely to spark discussion within Jamaica’s entertainment space, where online feuds, blogger criticism and public fallouts frequently dominate social media conversations. For the Dancehall star, however, disliking someone does not have to mean wanting to see them lose.
In a culture increasingly fuelled by commentary and controversy, Govana’s message was simple: not everyone you dislike has to become your enemy — and Masicka, Alkaline or any other public figure’s success should not be treated as a reason for anyone else to fail.
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