Red Stripe has many supporters, including among artists. Since the famous Jamaican beer brand announced its withdrawal from sponsoring live events (including Sumfest and Sting, news of 07/04/2008), reactions have been numerous. The latest comes from several artists who, through the Jamaica Star, are calling for nothing less than a boycott of the brand in return.
In its 28 April 2008 edition, the Jamaican daily thus opens its columns to several artists. Mavado keeps it simple: "If they ban us, then we ban them". Spice goes further: "I don't think dancehall should have anything to do with Red Stripe". Mavado insists: "At Sumfest and Sting, people don't come for Red Stripe but for the artists. It's dancehall that made Red Stripe popular, none of their products sells as well as in Jamaica."
The paper also reports the stance taken by the poet-singer Mutabaruka, at a concert in Kingston, who shifts the issue onto homophobia: "We realise that it's not really violence they are condemning, but homophobia. Violence has been present in the music for a long time." Contacted by the Jamaica Star, Red Stripe's spokeswoman expressed her disappointment, but remained firm. "Retaliation is not our modus operandi". Before adding: "We will look at what initiatives can be put in place. We are not against the music industry."