Dancehall artist Popcaan, whose real name is Andrae Sutherland, is facing legal troubles with five charges related to his conduct during the Unruly Fest stage show in December. The charges include accusations of using indecent language, disorderly conduct, employing abusive language, threatening police officers, and violating the Noise Abatement Act. These charges were officially served at the Area 5 Police Headquarters in Kingston.
The Unruly Fest event in Yallahs, St Thomas, was cut short by the police due to the organizers exceeding the allowed time. In response to this abrupt ending, Popcaan expressed his frustration vehemently in videos that circulated widely on social media.
Popcaan is set to appear in the St. Thomas Parish Court on January 10 to address these charges. His attorney, Bert Samuels, not only asserts his readiness to defend Popcaan legally but also emphasizes the broader issue of safeguarding reggae music. Samuels advocates for the creation of designated entertainment spaces in every parish to prevent clashes with noise restrictions and ensure the continuation of events.
Samuels criticizes the authorities, claiming they are doing a disservice to reggae, a cultural treasure that significantly contributes to Brand Jamaica. He urges the implementation of policies supporting the preservation of reggae and the creation of spaces where entertainment events can occur without unnecessary restrictions.
This legal predicament follows Popcaan’s previous encounter with the courts in November 2021 for traffic violations, resulting in a $10,000 fine. Additionally, Popcaan is engaged in a lawsuit against the Attorney General concerning an allegedly defamatory Jamaica Constabulary Force press release. As of September 2023, his legal team is pursuing mediation in this matter.
