The Bahamas #1 recording artist Kirkland 'KB' Bodie today released his latest song, Mr. Education, taking aim at the Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald and challenging the Cabinet minister to reveal how he got personal e-mails he read in the House of Assembly, an act that drew anger and disbelief from across the political spectrum.

Fitzgerald claimed, when pushed, that he got them from his "political garbage can."

KB's chorus, set to his familiar and popular individualized rake 'n scrape beat, tackles the e-mail reading legislator head-on with the words "Mr Education, aka garbage man, secret agent Pinocchio, what in ya garbage can?"

"Mr. Education" is a follow-up to KB's viral hit, "Dey Spyin' Spyin' Everyday", released earlier this summer, which also denounced government invasion of public privacy.

KB explained what drove him to pen the latest salvo in what has become a journey transforming the music icon from an artist having fun with cultural phenomenon turning observations like "She Fat" and "Bush Mechanic" into top of the chart hits to becoming a singer with a message, with soul, direction and deep convictions.

"I have done a series of songs for the environmental advocacy organization Save The Bays and every one of those songs has resonated with the public," said the Grand Bahama-based musician. "Together, they have drawn more than 250,000 views on Facebook and Youtube. That's huge and I am glad they are being used to call attention to important issues, especially our environment that makes The Bahamas what it is."

"But just like "Dey Spyin,", "Mr. Education", was strictly my doing, maybe too hot for anyone else to handle. I am not afraid and if you want a righteous and just world, you can't be afraid, either. As far as I am concerned, what Mr. Fitzgerald did, reading private e-mails and guessing at people's involvement and what they meant by their exchanges and doing it in a public place, then saying he would continue to do it even after the Court told him to stop, violates every right to privacy. It makes a mockery of the rule of law. It violates Constitutional rights, as far as I can tell, and it is something that every single citizen in The Bahamas who values his or her privacy and rights should be incensed about."

The song's verses take the same Cabinet minister to task for ignoring constituents in Marathon where he was elected, allowing them to suffer the results of a Rubis gas leak that is the basis of legal action and community furor. Government sat on the report of the leak for more than one year and later apologized.

"If u had a soul, if u had any class, dem people wouldn't a been drinkin' and bathin' off in gas, look how ya belly hangin', all ya stamina gone, u so outta shape, no way u could run a marathon," KB sings in a verse. And in another: "Road Traffic monies, social services monies, da VAT monies, urban renewal monies, da caribbean musik festival monies, bamsi monies, carnival monies, da money missin' from da post office, u is only see some things ay?"

"Yeah, I know the song is the roughest, toughest I have done yet, but the Bahamian people have a right to ask these questions and more importantly, we have a right to get the answers, honest answers," KB said.

SONG LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/KBBahamianEntertainer/?fref=ts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0a7vMqfLEw

Kirkland 'KB' Bodie, The Bahamas' #1 recording artist, released his latest hit September 4, taking a Cabinet minister to task who read personal e-mails in the House of Assembly. The minister, Jerome Fitzgerald, claimed he found the e-mails in his 'political garbage can', a location that KB says in the chorus of the song now playing on Youtube and Facebook raises more questions than answers are available for. The title of the release is "Mr. Education" paying tribute to the Minister's portfolio, Education, Science and Technology, and released the day before the official school year is set to start.

By Windira Brooks

Barefoot Marketing

THE composer behind a song and music video posted on social media last week in which Prime Minister Perry Christie and his family are negatively referred to, has been released from police custody after being detained over the weekend.

The rapper, who identified himself as “Gee the Producer”, is behind a second song that negatively referred to Mr Christie and family this month. He claimed he was coerced into turning himself over to the police’s Cyber Crimes Unit last Friday.

“Gee” said officers contacted him and asked if he could come in to the Central Detective Unit to answer a few questions about his social media post.

“They said it would take two minutes at best. I asked what it was in reference to - they wouldn’t answer. The officer just kept asking me to come in to talk to them. Since I had nothing to hide or be afraid of I went in,” he said.

“Gee” said he arrived at CDU shortly after 4pm on Friday.

Once inside the facility, he claimed officers questioned him intensely over his connection to the now viral post.

“I let them know right off the top that the song was all on me. The Empire Facebook page of which I am in charge of, there we do this freestyle Wednesday segment. In that segment, rappers would do a verse about things they want to speak to, and it was my turn. I wrote my verse and got ready to recorded it,” he added.

“Gee” said shortly before recording his verse he was made aware that another song insulting the prime minister had gone viral a few days earlier.

On Thursday, August 11, police took two men into custody in connection with that song. They have since been release without charge.

The song sparked debate on social media, with many agreeing that the song was vile, disrespectful and crossed the line.

After looking into that matter, “Gee” said he, like many other musicians felt that civil liberties were being infringed upon.

He told The Tribune that the investigation into the first song propelled him to change the lyrics of his rap.

“I was aware of the law on freedom of speech, and I just wanted to give my take on the matter. So changed my lines up a day before we did the video. I knew it was a risk because I heard about what happen to those guys and wanted people to understand that music is an art and that rap just reflected what was going on in the community.”

“Gee” said while he was sure his track would get some attention, he had no clue that it would have resulted in the firestorm that followed.

“I spent all Friday at CDU. I called my lawyer and police explained to her that I would have to be held until Saturday morning. Saturday came and officers refused to explain to me what I was being charged with or if I was going to be charged at all,” he said.

“I spent Friday night at the Central Police station and Saturday night at the Cable Beach police station - at no point did they tell me what I was being held for. All they did was question me over the song and asked me what I was thinking while I did it,” he claimed.

“Gee” said he does not feel like he committed an offence because he was only attempting to shine a light on the plight of Bahamians who are suffering throughout society.

He said his music movement would not stop in the future.

He was released on Sunday at 6pm from CDU without being charged with any offence.

When asked if he would seek legal recourse for his detainment, he did not respond.

By Ricardo Wells, Tribune Staff Reporter

Prime Minister Perry Christie

The creators of an expletive-filled song about Prime Minister Perry Christie, his family and others, are under investigation for possible criminal libel, according to police.

Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander said he is personally distraught at the level of disrespect in the song, which has been widely circulated on social media.

"It is total dishonor, disgrace and disrespect," Fernander told The Nassau Guardian.

"The chips will fall where they may.

"While the matter is actively under investigation, this is not a good thing.

"We cannot do things like that. That is the prime minister, his wife and his children and that song is already out to the world.

"We cannot do that, man."

Fernander said those responsible could be arrested.

The Free National Movement (FNM) and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) have denounced the song.

"The FNM has been made aware of a horrendous and derogatory song making the rounds on social media," the party said yesterday.

"This song and its lyrics are utterly reprehensible and have no place in politics, let alone The Bahamas.

"The FNM condemns the writer, the song and its lyrics in the strongest possible terms and urges all Bahamians to stand on higher ground and stop these types of gutter attacks."

DNA Leader Branville McCartney distanced the party from the song, which had complimentary language about the DNA.

"The Democratic National Alliance has been made aware of a song that has gone viral across social media," said McCartney in a post on Facebook.

"The lyrics of the song make derogatory reference to the prime minister, his wife and children.

"The statements are vile and are not a representation of myself, my beliefs, or the party I represent.

"Not only was the language appalling, it showed blatant disrespect for the office of the prime minister and that in itself cannot be condoned.

"I personally condemn this disgusting unpatriotic and misogynistic rhetoric and hope that all right thinking Bahamians do so as well."

Jayme C. Pinder, Guardian Staff Reporter

A High School Band Competition For Students Throughout The Bahamas

Recently launched is the country’s newest community program, seeking to engage student musical talent through mentorship and participation in a pop band competition set for February 2017. The Music Project promises to pair Bahamian music icons with high school student musicians to create a fresh new sound in the nation.

Founded by Bahamian recording artist and producer, Mr. Andrew ‘Drew Harmony’ Gardiner III who is propelled by a passion for the industry and the uniqueness, history, and culture of Bahamian sound, The Music Project’s concept began formulating in 2015. In many conversations among friends and family on how to combat social challenges within Bahamian youth populations, including underdevelopment of professional skills, violence, and boredom, Andrew Gardiner, Co-Founder and President of The Music Project, shared:

“Our biggest goal is that The Music Project provides a positive outlet for youth development through the arts. Not only is the program designed with dedicated practice, responsibility, and teamwork in mind, but it provides a much needed platform for creative and gifted young people of The Bahamas.”

The son of Mr. Andrew ‘Andy’ Gardiner Jr. and Mrs. Kay Gardiner, owners of Zamar Group- the leading audio-visual production company in The Bahamas and title sponsor of The Music Project- in his own experience as a music producer, songwriter, and performer, Andrew Gardiner has been afforded many great opportunities that he hopes to impart and pay-forward to the next generation of talent.

Unique to The Music Project is a goal towards the growth and development of students by way of mentorship. By forging meaningful partnerships between accomplished Bahamian entertainers and amateur student bands, the program seeks to incite a passion for performance while participants of the competition become familiar with industry standards and trade secrets. Wendi Lewis, solo pop artist and vocalist for Visage has already signed on in an advisory role for the competition.

The Music Project’s high school band competition for all public and private school students is central to musicianship, spirited performance, and pride of accomplishment. In the months leading up to the competition, students are expected to refine their skills in music, band image, and critical thinking before performing a selection of songs in a public arena comprised of peers, music masters, tourism and cultural ambassadors.

On Saturday, February 4, 2017, in an exciting afternoon of back-to-back performances by student bands, this high-production competition will feature a panel of local and international judges from different sectors of the entertainment industry. Between seasoned judges and an audience of spirited students, parents, guardians, local musicians, community partners, and the general public will help to decide which band reigns supreme.

One winning group will receive the ultimate gift: a summer study abroad course concentrating on music performance and sound design at the world renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Other cash prizes and an opportunity to professionally record music are additional awards of the competition.

Ms. Kay-Andra Gardiner, Chairman of The Music Project said, “Our team has been very careful to create a program and event that is world-class and worthy of an international stage. We’re eager to see The Music Project’s vision of building spirited communities where cultural expression is encouraged and supported in an industry where infinite talents, hobbies, and career opportunities exist come fruition next year.”

Student registration for The Music Project will begin immediately following the reopening of schools in August 2016. For more information on becoming a partner, mentor, or participant of this inaugural event, visit: www.tmpbahamas.com, call: (242) 698-0140, or email: info@tmpbahamas.com. Follow daily program updates on The Music Project’s social media handles found on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Youtube.

By Anna Bancroft