Gay groups to compensate bar which cancelled homophobic gig

PinkNews logo with white background and rainbow corners

A coalition of gay groups is working to compensate a bar which cancelled a gig by homophobic Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton.

The Majestic Theatre in Detroit was due to host a gig by Banton tomorrow night but it was called off after gay groups laid on the pressure.

The star’s notorious 1990s hit Boom Bye Bye appears to incite the burning, shooting in the head and pouring acid over the faces of gay people.

Majestic director Dave Zainea estimated that the venue will lose $10,000 from cancelling the gig but several gay advocacy groups are staging a benefit concert tomorrow night at the nearby Magic Stick in order to raise money in compensation.

The night will feature LGBT artists and costs $10 a ticket.

Zainea told the Detroit Free Press he considered himself progressive but had no idea about Banton’s offensive lyrics.

Last month, promoter Live Nation cancelled a series of Banton’s gigs in Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas and Houston after more than 650 people complained.

In July 2007 the star signed up to the Reggae Compassionate Act, promising not to perform songs that advocate homophobia, in a deal brokered by Stop Murder Music activists.

He later denied that he had made any such commitment.

Comments (0)

MyPinkNews members are invited to comment on articles to discuss the content we publish, or debate issues more generally. Please familiarise yourself with our community guidelines to ensure that our community remains a safe and inclusive space for all.

Loading Comments