When King Kino made the statement that the Haitian media caters more to artists of lighter hues than they do of artists of darker complexions; a few people dismissed his claim as absurd and baseless. However, a lot of people shared the same sentiment but didn’t really want to be as verbal about it as King Kino. I’ve spoken to several artists in the past and they have expressed their feelings on this issue. Some artists feel no matter how good of a product you release, as long as you’re not light skin or have a couple of light skin guys or females in the band, you’re you will not get the same accolade as the light skin.

At first, I challenged that notion and used Nu-look as a perfect example. Nu-Look is a very successful band and their key players are dark skin so how did they manage to succeed in the business? One artist told me with Nu-Look’s exceptional talent; they still can’t play in certain areas. One artist told me if you go to a Nu-look party you will see mostly dark skin people there whereas if you go to a T-Vice party you will see a mixed crowd. I was then asked a question why didn’t New York All-Stars make it in the industry? Why not 509?

I personally knew this exist but I thought these musicians were just exaggerating or making excuses for their shortcomings as far as their products were concerned. I got a quick reality check during a three-way conversation I had with two artists. One was giving the other advice on a new band he was working with. I was asked to add my two cents and I told the artist to just make sure he markets his product very well, and promotion is essential, of course, and he better make sure his product is on point. Well, the other artist on the line advice was for the artist to make sure he gets a light skin singer to put in front of the band regardless if he can sing or not. I almost dropped the phone when I heard this. Not only was the statement moronic, but it was coming from an artist of a lighter complexion. I started paying more attention to this, and I guess it’s because I was on high alert did I catch the latest trend in the industry.

While in Florida last month, I saw a few artists I haven’t seen in a while and to my surprise, most of them are now at least two shades lighter than I last remembered. Ironically enough one of them was the same artist that was given the advice to add the light skin singer to his band.

I don’t want to start the finger pointing but honestly, whose fault is this? Why are dark skin artists forced to take such desperate measures to be accepted in this business? Artists are victims of “colorism” and even they are forced to believe people who are of lighter hues are automatically labeled with positive characteristics such as beauty, wealth, well mannered and even talented. While those of darker complexions like themselves are mainly thought of as ugly, poor, vulgar and lazy.
No doubt about it King Kino was right, every form of media plays a major role in shaping these standards. But the blame can’t solely be placed on the media alone. Their peers, family members, and fans are very much to blame also for they help promote this. “Sex sells” is now officially an epidemic in our society. Looks is a priority, and talent is secondary and in some cases, not even a necessity.

As much as this subject has been visited and revisited over and over again, it still causes discomfort to those who are in disbelief of its very existence. Some people would rather sweep it under the rug. How do you change this system, a system that has been embedded in our society for well over 100s of years? This should start with the very artists who feel they have to alter their appearance to be more appealing. People just might accept you if you are more accepting of yourself. For those who think this issue is nonexistent and is being exaggerated should take a look at these artists’ experience to see where they play a role.
-Cheyna Pierre for Opamusic.com
(C)Copyright 2015

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