Legendary Minneapolis venue First Avenue appears to have cancelled an October 4 show by popular reggae artist Buju Banton after realizing that “this dude really doesn’t like gay guys” and that “they in no way wish to support the machine-gunning or burning-by-acid of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgendered, or queer individuals.”*
Banton first came under fire from LGBTQ organizations after his alleged involvement in a 2004 beating of six gay men in Kingston, Jamaica. The singer was later acquitted in 2006 due to “lack of evidence,” although human rights activists are quick to point out that Jamaican authorities tend to de-prioritize violent crimes directed at homosexuals.
The new round of controversy, and a wave of cancelled appearances, stems from Banton’s lyrics, which proclaim the virtues of killing and maiming gay men. Take, for example, the song “Boom Boom Bye”:
Two man a hug up on an’ kiss up on an’ lay down inna bed, hug up on another anna rub dung leg/ Send fi di matic an’ di Uzi instead/ Shoot di batty boy come if we shot dem.
Wow. He really doesn’t beat around the bush does he? (Though, I'm guessing he does like bush.)
The song continues with Banton elaborating on his physical disgust if a gay man were even to approach him: “Guy come near we, then his skin must peel/ Burn him up bad like an old tire wheel.” Jesus Christ! Fuck this guy! And I can say that with complete objectivity!
Banton has had shows cancelled in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles by AEG and Live Nation, after pressure (and outrage) from advocacy groups. However, even with seven cancelled shows, twenty more remain. So, if being a jerk and hating people is, like, your thing, feel free to go. But, seriously, fuck you if you do.
* Not an actual quote, but you know that’s what they were thinking.