There has been much discussion surrounding the arrest and remand of Baby Skello, following allegations that his recent song vulgarized a Hindu Goddess. I must admit, after listening to portions of the song, I found it vulgar and distasteful—a sentiment likely shared by many.
This incident starkly highlights the degradation of our collective values as a society. For decades, we have fostered an environment where respect for each other—be it race, ethnicity, or religion—has diminished. We engage in verbal attacks with impunity and have created systems of favoritism and unjust punishment. This toxic culture nourishes music that reflects our worst traits, glorifying destructive lifestyles, disrespecting women, promoting violence, and encouraging substance abuse.
The cycle of degradation is vicious, and it cannot be fixed by punishing one individual while ignoring the broader issues at play.
Baby Skello has been charged with blasphemous libel, a law rooted in an era that sought to protect Christianity from ridicule. While one might argue that a similar respect should extend to all religions, it’s worth noting that no reasonable person would ridicule Hinduism based on the content of this song—rather, the artist himself has faced the ridicule.
Blasphemous libel has largely been abandoned in favor of laws addressing hate speech and public order. Many of us cling to outdated laws that our colonial predecessors have long since let go. In my view, we often take excessive liberties with free speech, particularly in a society lacking basic respect, decency, and love—qualities essential for nationhood.
If these values were foundational, we would rarely need to resurrect archaic laws to selectively punish misconduct. Our institutions should focus on fostering positive change, not wielding power whimsically.
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), for instance, seems to spring into action only on select occasions. I have witnessed numerous instances of vile racial remarks that provoke little to no response from the ERC, often resulting in mere apologies and a return to business as usual. This is not how a vital institution should function.
Legally, there is little justification for Skello’s remand. Bail should be granted based on considerations such as the seriousness of the offence, the accused’s history, and whether they pose a flight risk. Given these factors, denying bail to Skello appears unreasonable.
While I do not support Skello’s actions and would not want my children exposed to his current persona, I stand firmly against selective justice and the misuse of institutional power, which this case exemplifies.
We must address the root causes of our societal issues rather than targeting individuals while ignoring the broader context.
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