Reggea artist Buju Banton
Wow, I can honestly say, I never thought this would happen!!
Reggae artist Buju Banton has had meetings with gay rights activist in the run up to his schdualed performances in Los Angeles. The singer whos single "Boom Bye Bye" contains violent lyrics against the gay community, has had numerous protests outside his concerts because of the song. Buju agreed to meet up with several members of different gay activist groups
Can someone say PR STUNT!!
Monday before a scheduled concert, Banton boldy decided to meet with local gay rights activists. According to the San Francisco Weekly, the meeting took place at the Courtyard Hotel in Larkspur, California. The Rastafarian appeared at the meeting with his manager, San Francisco officials; Bevan Dufty and Eric Mar, Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender Center executive director; Rebecca Rolfe, “queer blogger” Michael Petrelis and lesbian activist Andrea Shorter.
The activists expressed their concern with his hateful lyrics particularly from his 1992 hit; “Boom Boom Bye” that uses gay slurs and says that gays should be shot in the head.
The San Francisco Weekly reports that he explained himself to the activists saying,
“Let's face the reality; whatever is said in a positive light can't get out. I don't perform the song anymore. The reality is, I've gone past that."
Banton who is also the founder of the pro-safe sex anti-AIDs organization, Operation Willy, also added,
"I don't advocate violence, Rastafari is not about that."
Following the meeting, the concert carried on as usual without protest. Banton and the activists are expected to meet again in the near future to further discuss their issues.
Friday, October 16, 2009 at 3:01PM
Reader Comments (1)
That photo looks hostile! Shame he's in jail now...."Driva! don't stop at all..." thats right, do NOT pass go, do NOT collect $200...