Shanti Dope, PH Artist Comments to PDEA’s Wish To Ban Rap Song “Amatz”
SHANTI DOPE – Rapper Shanti Dope and the Pinoy artists reacted on Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) wish to ban song ‘Amatz.”
Filipino rapper Shanti Dope is known for his hit songs “Nadarang,” “MAU,” and “Shantidope.”
The young rapper released his new rap song “Amatz” on March that has interesting lyrics.
Following a previous article, PDEA seeks to ban the latest song of Shanti Dope “Amatz.”
The agency said the song allegedly promotes the use of illegal drugs. They already requested several media stations to stop airing his song.
PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino urged all the Filipino musicians to avoid creating a song that links to “illegal drugs.”
“We respect and appreciate our artists in the music industry, however, we strongly oppose the promotion of musical pieces or songs that encourage the recreational use of drugs… It is contrary to our fight against illegal drugs,” said Aquino.
Based on a report from ABS-CBN, Shanti Dope explained that his song actually meant to warn the people about the danger of “illegal drugs.”
“Pino-promote ko iyong natural lang, parang iyong ‘amatz’ ng musika sa akin,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Concerned Artists of the Philippines penned a lengthy post on Facebook about their reaction on PDEA’s banning of the song.
They said it is not the job of the agency to judge or critic the song and they should stop anyone to express their art.
“Hands off our music! Police the druglords, not our musicians! Defend artistic freedom,” it said.
The post earned mixed reactions from the netizens. Here are some of their comments on the post:
@Gerono Sablan: “It doesn’t sound like campaigning for freedom of expression. More like defending a stoner’s lifestyle”
@Jc Chanex Lintag: “PDEA lakas ng Amats nyo! Ayusin nyo trabaho nyo!”
@Ferdericke Mortel: “wala naman talagang nagreregulate ng explicit songs”
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