The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) formally condemned Vybz Kartel‘s song “Good Like Jesus,” pushing for the song to be banned in the country. This comes days before the dancehall star’s planned appearance in Guyana.
The ERC, in a statement released on May 14, described the track as “profoundly disrespectful to Christian religious sensibilities.” The raunchy song contains explicit references to female genitalia, and the ERC believes its use of Jesus Christ’s name is blasphemous.
Kartel is scheduled to perform at the Baderation concert on Saturday, May 24, and the ERC plans to discuss the matter with the concert’s promoter to prevent it from being played during the event. “Any form of content that mocks, trivialises, or desecrates sacred religious figures erodes the foundations of mutual respect and threatens the peaceful coexistence of our diverse society,” the commission warned.
The ERC stressed that while artistic freedom exists in Guyana, it must be used responsibly with respect for religious and cultural beliefs. Additionally, the ERC expressed that Jesus Christ is revered across Christianity, Islam, and among many Hindus in Guyana.
The statement warned that insulting him could offend multiple religious groups and disrupt interfaith harmony.
To prevent further harm, the ERC is formally requesting that “Good Like Jesus” be removed from all digital platforms within Guyana and barred from radio and television play. They argue this step is necessary to “uphold public standards of decency and mutual respect.”
The commission also noted two other recent cases, one involving local singer Baby Skello, who was arrested by the Guyana Police Force over a song allegedly insulting Hindu beliefs, and the other case involving summons issued to artists Richard Singh and Vision Clake for their song “Chiney.” While the police handle potential criminal investigations, the ERC is conducting its own inquiries and has called those artists to appear before the commission.
As the statement concluded, the ERC reaffirmed its dedication to protecting all Guyanese’s rights and beliefs, promising decisive yet constructive action against any religious insults.