Reggae icon Luciano has lamented what he says is the misuse of social media, particularly the TikTok platform, which people widely use to belittle, slander, and humiliate others.
Speaking with ‘Reggae Interviews’ following his performance at Reggae Land 2024 in the UK, Luciano shared his disappointment in how modern technology, which has the potential to unite people, is instead driving them apart.
“I think that the modern world that we’re living in, especially with the rising technology, really sort of stimulates and fuels some of this war and all the demonstrations that we’re seeing. It’s really sad because you would believe that with the help of technology, people would learn to come closer or unite even better,” Luciano said.
“But it’s like drifting people apart, you know. People using TikTok to cuss out one another and all this kind of using social media to vent their feelings. And if they were venting in a positive way, it wouldn’t be so bad, but they’re venting and trying to pull down other people. So, you know, it’s nice to be given a tool that can be used for good or bad, but these people seem to be more majoring in bad, and it’s really sad,” he added.
Despite the challenges posed by the inappropriate application of technology, Luciano urged people to remain strong and make wise choices.
“So, you know, you wonder if it’s something that is orchestrated, but you know, we just have to be strong in ourselves and be firm and know what we want… you have a choice, so let’s make the right choice, my people,” he encouraged.
During the interview, Luciano also reflected on his enduring relevance in the music industry, attributing it to his love and passion for music, as well as the ongoing demand for spiritual guidance, especially during difficult times.
“Well, I love what I’m doing, and there’s a need for it. You see, the more we grow, even with the help of technology, what’s happening is we see people falling apart, so they need encouragement, especially the younger generation. They need inspiration; they need some form of guidance, and this is what the music does,” he explained.
The Your World and Mine singer also emphasized what he said was the profound impact that Jamaican music has had on people’s lives, recounting stories of how his songs have offered comfort and strength to persons facing adversity.
“We can use the music to help, to guide them – Never Give Up My Pride and those kinds of songs – Lord Give Me Strength. A lot of people come to me and say, ‘Luchi, I was going through some rough times, man, and then I could listen to Lord Give Me Strength’,” he shared.
He also recalled a touching story of a man who found solace in his music while doing prison time.
“There was this man who was imprisoned, and he said that while he was incarcerated, he kept listening to the same one song, Lord Give Me Strength, and it gave him the courage to hold on until he was out,” Luciano revealed.
Luciano also urged young artists and music listeners to remember that Jamaican music, particularly Reggae, is not just about entertainment but carries important messages.
“So we know our music makes a difference. Some of the younger generation may speak differently and say they’re just having fun, but it’s not like that. Back in the days, like in the 1980s, when you go to Reggae Sunsplash, and you see the people coming out to listen to Bob Marley and Dennis Brown and Jacob Miller, these people were growing their locks, and everyone had some part of Rasta with them, like red, gold, and green… and everyone was really thinking on a conscious level,” he explained.
“But now the music has changed, and it appears as if the lifestyle of the people has also changed,” the Manchester native added.
