Jamaican Dancehall Artiste Kiprich Charged for Allegedly Endorsing One Order Gang Don Thickman and Promoting Gang Violence in Song
Dancehall artiste Kiprich has been charged with allegedly promoting gang violence in a new song. The song is reportedly a dubplate regarding the death of Othniel ‘Thickman’ Lobban, the alleged leader of the infamous One Order Gang.
According to a report, the police say the song pays homage to the deceased Don, who was recently shot and killed by the police, and endorses gang violence.
Kiprich, born Marlon Plunkett, was charged with the use of audio and audiovisual communication to promote criminal activity, igniting a debate about whether or not his song falls under freedom of speech. While some criticised the song, others expressed that the song is no different from other dancehall songs endorsing violence.
Last Friday, Kiprich was named one of sixteen people who the St. Catherine North Police listed as persons of interest. With his lawyer, he turned himself in to the police on Monday. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, he was questioned by the police and charged. The report further stated that Kiprich, who was granted bail, is scheduled to appear in St. Catherine Parish Court on 21 February.
During an interview with The Star, Kiprich shared that the “One Order Dub” he recorded was for a foreign-based selector. He said, “Mi duh a dubplate fi a sound system, and di man dem splice di dub and fit it how dem waah fi get dem fawud.”
Based on Kiprich’s explanation, it was not the first time he did a dubplate for the selector. However, the dubplate was reportedly edited in a way to appear as if he is bragging about “1Daddy Badness,” according to Kiprich.
“Is like dem flip it fi mek it a talk ’bout 1Daddy Badness [Lobban]… Mi always do One Order dubplate fi him and big up who him ask mi fi big up. I don’t even know half of the names that I called in the dubplate, he explained.
He also noted shoutouts to well-known individuals were a part of the sound system culture. He stated that some shoutouts included criminals, but it was only for entertainment, and the selectors would earn money. He also denied that he was involved in any illicit activities.
