'Faking' their voices through the use of computers has become an increasing trend among dancehall artistes.

'Auto tune' is the process by which computer software is used to alter the keys, pitch and vocal range that artistes normally would not accomplish. While numerous artistes are using auto tune to develop their signature sound there are those who believe they are not authentic.

Artistes such as Munga Honou-rable, Demarco, Busy Signal have used auto tune in some of their songs. However, auto tune was made popular recently by the hip-hop industry especially by T-Pain who has perfected the smooth yet unusually high pitched voice.

Ninjaman is one of those in the industry who believes this practice is a poor one. He says the use of auto tune is 'foolishness'.

"Di fool fool something weh some artiste like Munga a use. A foolishness dat, man. Di people dem a hear a voice weh di people dem naah go hear pon a live stage show. Mek di people dem hear di artiste dem voice and lyrics and love weh dem hear," he said.

Ninjaman cited the use of auto tune as the only thing that will prevent Munga from reaching far in the music industry. "When di people dem hear Munga pon a stage show dem hear a totally different voice. Some place weh him (Munga) go, di people dem nuh believe seh a him," he added.

Ninjaman said that the artistes in the industry who are successful are those who use their natural voices at all times.

Munga, however, defends his use of auto tune. "I use it for experimental purposes. It does sound different, but I am the writer of all my songs. People are afraid of what they don't know and can't control," he said.

He added, "Mi stop go school fi do music, and at the end of the day, a major part of it is business."

Munga recently came back from Barbados and in the latter part of 2007, he toured approximately 25 states in the United States of America. He will soon release his album Bad From Mi Born.

Good practice

While it has its detractors, there are those that believe the practice is a good one.

"I use it to put the songs on key and enhance the vocals. I don't use it as a style. Some people use it and it don't mek sense 'cause you can't use it on everything," said Adrian of Truckback Records. Truckback has produced the gearbox rhythm which features Erup's Click Mi Finger.

Adrain says auto tune can bring a different style and flavour to music, but it should not be overdone.

DeMarco admits to using the device in his songs like Fallen Soldiers and Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten. "I use it 'cause it is just a plus to di music 'cause it mek it sound good, but mi nuh use it pon all a mi song dem," he commented.

He says he does not feel he has cheated the audience of a good performance as he can hold his keys during a live performance