Amatz

Amatz is a song by Filipino rapper Shanti Dope that was released under Universal Records on March 22, 2019. The word "Amatz" is a slang word for Tagalog “tama” or kick, which could refer to being drunk or high on drugs.[1] This song was covered by Arn-Arn and Moymoy Palaboy.

"Amatz"
Single by Shanti Dope
ReleasedMarch 22, 2019
Genre
LabelUniversal
Composer(s)
Producer(s)Klumcee
Shanti Dope singles chronology
"Namamasko Po"
(2018)		 "Amatz"
(2019)		 "Imposible"
(2019)
Music video
"Amatz" on YouTube

Track listing
Digital download[2]
No.TitleLength
1."Amatz"3:54

Controversy

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) proposed to ban the song for allegedly promoting drug use.[3] According to the agency, Shanti, in his song, was referring to the high effect of marijuana, being in its natural/organic state and not altered by any chemical compound. Thus, the PDEA requested the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit, and the ABS-CBN Corporation to prevent the airing of the song and its promotion in the different media stations throughout the country.[4]

The management of Shanti criticized PDEA over its call to ban the song. According to them, "Amatz" isn't about drugs or marijuana but music – which makes the song's persona "fly."[5] They also added that the ban sets a dangerous precedent for creative and artistic freedom in the country, when a drug enforcement agency can unilaterally decide on what a song is about, and call for its complete ban because it is presumed to go against the government's war on illegal drugs.[6]

On June 17, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) banned the song from being aired on all its member TV and radio stations following an order from the National Telecommunications Commission and granting the request by PDEA to do such.[1][7]

Both Shanti Dope and the Concerned Artists of the Philippines slammed Aquino's move, with the artist group even reminding PDEA that it's not its job to be a music critic.[8]

References
  1. "KBP bans rap song after PDEA protest". Inquirer.net. Retrieved 2019-06-18.
  2. "Amatz - Single by Shanti Dope on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
  3. "PDEA seeks to ban Shanti Dope song 'Amatz' for allegedly promoting drug use". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
  4. "PDEA seeks to ban Shanti Dope song for allegedly promoting marijuana". Philstar. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
  5. "Shanti Dope's management slams PDEA over move to ban 'Amatz': 'Brazen use of power'". Rappler. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
  6. "Drug agency trying to ban rap song". Business World. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
  7. "PDEA thanks NTC for compelling KBP to ban 'Amatz' from the airwaves". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2019-06-18.
  8. "Shanti Dope on 'Amatz' ban: 'Nasa Pilipinas nga pala tayo'". Inquirer.net. Retrieved 2019-10-02.
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