Gay hate singer Buju Banton continues U.S. tour

September 4, 8:06 PMInternational LGBT Issues ExaminerKelvin Lynch

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  Jamaican sociopath Buju Banton (Photo: LA G&L Center)

Buju Banton (a.k.a. Mark Anthony Myrie), a Jamaican raggae singer whose music espouses torturing and killing gay people, will continue to tour the U.S., despite cancellations by major concert promoters following puclic outcry.

Live Nation and AEG Live/Goldenvoice canceled all of their Buju Banton concerts in the U.S.; however, Banton is still booked for 27 dates in Maryland, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, Masssachusetts, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Minnesota, Colorado, Utah, California, South Carolina, New Mexico, Georgia, and Florida.

Banton's lyrics include, "Anytime Buju Banton come, f--gots get up and run ... they have to die".  His 1988 song "Boom Boom Bye" is about pouring acid on homosexuals, "burning them up bad like an old tire wheel",  and shooting them in the head with an Uzi.  The singer was tried and acquitted in 2004 on charges of participating in the beating of six gay men.

The L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center has led a nationwide protest of Banton, and through its Facebook group successfully got Live Nation and AEG Live/Goldenvoice to cancel its shows.  Center Chief Executive Lorri L. Jean said, "I hope this victory sends a deafeningly loud message to other promoters and concert venues that singers who glorify violence against LGBT people, or any group of people, should never be welcomed.  It shouldn't be necessary for us to pressure promoters to do the right thing; people like Banton should never have been booked in the first place."

According to Chicago Now, in 2007 Banton signed the Raggae Compassion Act, promising to refrain from making homophobic statements, release homophobic songs, or re-release songs that were homophobic. 

Chicago Now commented, "Though he likely no longer performs the song due to his recognition of the Reggae Compassion Act, apparently the opening line of 'Boom Bye Bye' still holds true:  World is in trouble anytime Buju Banton come."

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