Major streaming platforms are pulling Admiral T’s album following calls from queer activists over hate-filled lyrics. This isn’t just a local issue; it’s a clear stand against homophobia in music.
In a significant move, leading music streaming platforms including Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, YouTube, and Deezer have removed Admiral T’s 2004 album, Mozaïk Kréyòl, in response to longstanding concerns over a song that promotes anti-LGBT sentiments. This decision follows years of advocacy from queer activists in Guadeloupe and across the Caribbean who have campaigned against the offensive lyrics found in the track “Gwadada.”
The lyrics in question depict homosexuality in a derogatory manner, equating it with societal ills like prostitution and crime. A particularly troubling line refers to the rising number of queer youth in Guadeloupe, suggesting their existence is tied to male prostitution. These sentiments resonate with broader homophobic attitudes that continue to linger in the Caribbean, despite an emerging dancehall scene that celebrates LGBTQ+ artists.
From 2024 into 2025, a public awareness campaign highlighted the continued monetization of “Gwadada” by Admiral T, whose real name is Christy Campbell. Advocacy group Stop Homophobia took action by approaching the Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers of Music to demand the removal of the song due to its degrading and hateful lyrics.
Additionally, the advocacy platform All-Out launched a petition which garnered over 13,000 signatures, calling on Universal Music Group to remove the song from its catalog. Updates on the petition noted a global consensus against hate in music and emphasized that the demand for change was not limited to local listeners.
The pressure from activists yielded results, as major players in the streaming industry began removing the song from their platforms, with Spotify and Apple Music taking the lead, followed by Amazon Music and YouTube. This collective action marks a pivotal moment for advocates who seek a music industry that upholds dignity and rejects hate.
On social media, reactions have varied, with some expressing sorrow over the removal of what they regard as a part of Guadeloupe’s cultural heritage. Notably, commentator Karliito-Yolo described the album as “a legendary censored album,” signaling the complex feelings surrounding Admiral T’s impact on the island’s music scene.
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Admiral T remains a significant figure in Guadeloupean culture, with his influence evident in various aspects of society, including a public school named in his honor in 2013. However, this situation raises questions about the kind of legacy that will be passed down to future generations in Guadeloupe, particularly regarding the values and societal norms that the community wants to cultivate amidst the interplay of French and Jamaican cultural influences.