Buju Banton to Get Audience in Los Angeles

Click here to send protest emails to the venue.

DEVELOPING STORY - Okay so it’s October 3rd and tonight Buju Banton will take the stage in Los Angeles at the Century Club.

Despite the very public call for Buju Banton to publicly disavow his “Boom Bye Bye” song, which calls for the murder of gays, the Century Club has completely ignored the cries of the lesbian and gay community.

And let’s be clear.  The end goal was never to have concerts cancelled.  As I said before, if Buju Banton is so apologetic, then get up on stage in front of your adoring fans and just say it.  Why does that seem to so hard for him to do?  Why does Buju Banton continue to hide behind spokespersons and press releases?  If you’re really sorry about advocating the murder of gays, then just say it.  The cancellation of his concerts was always a last option.

Even though it was proven that Buju Banton is still performing the song “Boom Bye Bye” in the States, even though he told Billboard.com, “Fuck them” in response to many protests around the country over his anti-gay lyrics, and even though concerts in Seattle, San Francisco, and Oakland were cancelled due to protests, the show will go on in Los Angeles as scheduled.

Last resort steps would be to protest tonight in front of the Century Club, which I am completely in favor of.  Also, the protest must continue as Buju Banton makes his way across the county on his “Too Bad Tour.”  This cannot and must not stop in Los Angeles.

Beenie Man, another reggae artist with homophobic lyrics is scheduled to perform at the Century Club in Los Angeles on October 22, my birthday of all days.  That concert must be protested as well.

If nothing else, our community must make its voice heard where artists with anti-gay lyrics are concerned. 

I think we’ve done that over the past several weeks with Buju Banton.  Whether or not he or his manager wants to admit it, his bottom line has definitely been affected and the public has been educated.  Therefore, I say job well done, but let’s not stop here.

I’ve posted a list of scheduled concerts for Buju Banton’s tour (thanks Keith!).  Find out if Buju Banton is coming to your town.

However, all is not lost.

Keep the letters, faxes, phone calls, and email a-comin’.

For those of you in Los Angeles that want to hit the streets tonight and protest, email me.

So what can you do?

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Send an email today demanding that either they do one of two things immediately. Either rescind Buju Banton and Beenie Man's invitation to perform in their venue or demand that he make a public statement prior to the concert disavowing his homophobic music and remarks.

Click here to send one email to all parties involved, including the club, the City Councilmember for that are, the Mayor's office, and the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission. It only takes a couple of minutes to make a world of change.  Please do your part.

Why should you get involved?

Because our lives matter and we know that if this was an artist with an anti-Semitic, anti-Black, or anti-Latino history, the cancellation of the concert would not even be an issue.

Buju Banton was accused of being involved in a homophobic attack in Kingston two years ago.  While Banton said the charges were “completely untrue and wholly unfounded,” he continues to be protested for his song “Boom Bye Bye,” which is well known for the violence it calls for against gays including the shooting of gay people in the head, pouring acid over them, and setting them on fire.

Banton’s management released a statement earlier this year stating that he was no longer performing his song “Boom Bye Bye,” but recent concert footage from Miami of him leading a sing along, suggests otherwise.

Beanie Man, as you may recall, in his song "Han Up Deh," sings, “Hang chi chi gal wid a long piece of rope.” The term "chi chi" is a Jamaican reference to homosexuality. The term is often used to refer to "chi chi men" but can also refer to lesbians (chi chi women or chi chi girls).  Loosely translated, the lyrics mean, “Hang lesbians with a long piece of rope.”

Homophobic reggae artist Buju Banton’s Too Bad Tour is currently scheduled in Los Angeles at the Century Club for October 3^rd.  This is also the club where Beenie Man is set to perform on October 22.

Is Buju Banton Coming to Your Town?

9/27/06 (CANCELLED AFTER PROTESTS)
Neumos
Seattle WA
925 East Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122
206/709-9467
info@neumos.com
booking@neumos.com

9/28/06
Wow Hall, Eugene, OR
541/687-2746
291 West 8th Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97401
publicity@wowhall.org
info@wowhall.org
booking@wowhall.org

9/29/06
Mateel Community Center
Taunya Stapp, Executive Director
Glenn Gradin, Hall Manager
Justin Crellin, Talent & Marketing
707.923.3368
PO Box 1910
Redway, CA 95560
office@mateel.org

9/30/06 (CANCELLED AFTER PROTESTS)
Historic Sweet's Ballroom
1933 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612
Steve Snider (510) 835-1073
steve@oaklandbox.com
Concert Promoter
Johnathan Mack (510)816-6225
johnathanmack@aol.com

10/01/06
The Catalyst
Gary Tighe, Club Booker
Gary's info:
831.464.1212
PO Box 8545
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
Club info:
831.423.1338
1011 Pacific Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

10/02/06
SLO Brewing
1119 Garden St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 543-1843
info@downtownbrew.com
korie@downtownbrew.com

10/03/06
Century Club
10131 Constellation Blvd.
Century City, CA
Phone (310) 553-6000
Fax (310) 553-1059
centuryclub@sbcglobal.net

10/04/06
4th & B
Doug Schultz, Manager
Chris Strickland, Talent Buyer
619.231.4343, ext 15
Strickland@4thandB.com
Jeremy Moss, Talent Buyer
619.231.4343 (Leave Message with Box Office)
jeremyjmoss@aol.com
345 B Street
San Diego, CA 92101
publicity@4thandB.com

10/06/06
Sunshine Theater
505.764.0249
120 Central Avenue SW
Albuquerque, NM

10/07/06
Palm Beach
214.742.4743
2816 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75226-1501
info@palmbeachreggaeclub.com

10/08/06
Matrix
9344 Richmond Ave.
Houston, TX
832.242.7300

10/10/06
House of Blues New Orleans
225 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504.310.4999

10/11/06
Floyd's Music Store
6661-1 W Tennessee Street
Tallahassee, FL
850.222.3506
info@floydsmusicstore.com

10/12/06
Plush
845 University Blvd. N
Jacksonville, FL
904.743.1845

10/14/06
Music Farm
32 Ann Street
Charleston, SC
843.722.8904
management@MusicFarm.com

10/15/06
Lincoln Theater
126 East Cabarrus Street
Raleigh, NC 27601-1832
919.821.4111
info@NADASPAMLincolnTheatre.com
booking@NADASPAMLincolnTheatre.com

10/16/06
Ziggy's
433 Baity Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
336.748.1064
ziggys@pipeline.com

10/17/06
Starr Hill Music Hall
709 West Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22903
434.977.0017
C.A. Fabio, Club Manager
Fabio@starrhill.com
Jamie Sisley, Show Promotion/Publicity
Jamie.sisley@redlightmanagement.com

10/19/06 Album Release Party
Sonar
407 E. Saratoga St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-327-8333
steezpromo@aol.com
info@sonarbaltimore.com
From their website FAQ:
Does Sonar have any policies I should be aware of?
We enforce a policy we call the Sonar code. It basically means that we insist that our place be a place where all are welcome, regardless of race, age, sex, sexual preference, income, etc...

10/20/ 06
Terrace Ballroom
1020 Broad Street
Newark, NJ

10/21/06 CANCELLED
Nokia Theatre Times Square
New York, NY

10/21/06
9:30 Club
815 V St. N.W.
Washington, DC
http://www.930.com/
(202) 393-0930
(202) 265-0930

10/25/06
B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
237 W. 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
212-997-4144
Amanda Presser
amanda@bbkingblues.com
Rena Siwek
Rena@bbkingblues.com

Sample Letter

Dear Century Club General Manager:

I understand that your venue will be featuring Buju Banton on October 3, 2006 and Beenie Man on October 22, 2006.  I would like you to know that both Buju Banton and Beenie Man have a long history of homophobia and incitement of anti-gay violence.

Beenie Man, as you may recall, in his song "Han Up Deh," sings, “Hang chi chi gal wid a long piece of rope.” The term "chi chi" is a Jamaican reference to homosexuality. The term is often used to refer to "chi chi men" but can also refer to lesbians (chi chi women or chi chi girls).  Loosely translated, the lyrics mean, “Hang lesbians with a long piece of rope.”  And there are other songs where he calls for the murder of gays.

Banton was accused of being involved in a homophobic attack in Kingston two years ago.  While Banton said the charges were “completely untrue and wholly unfounded,” he continues to be protested for his song “Boom Bye Bye,” which is well known for the violence it calls for against gays including the shooting of gay people in the head, pouring acid over them, and setting them on fire.

Banton’s management released a statement earlier this year stating that he was no longer performing his song “Boom Bye Bye,” but recent concert footage from Miami of him leading a sing along, suggests otherwise

The misogyny found in today’s hip hop lyrics is no worse than the homophobia found in Beenie Man and Buju Banton’s lyrics.  As a Black woman, I cannot protest rappers for their use of misogynistic language and then say nothing about the equally offensive language used by some reggae artists.  Black America has an ethical and social responsibility to call out its own.

I fully understand the right of artists to express themselves, but I cannot sit in silence when blatantly homophobic recording artists come to Los Angeles to perform.

As our new Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has stated, this is a Los Angeles for all people, and as a Black lesbian, I'm personally insulted that your venue would allow anti-gay musicians to spout their homophobia.  Would you allow anti-Semitic or anti-Black artists to perform? Probably not, that's why I'm asking for your help.

To resolve this problem, I ask that you do one of two things immediately. Either rescind Buju Banton and Beenie Man's invitation to perform in your venue or demand that they make a public statement prior to the concert disavowing his homophobic music and remarks. I'm sure you would agree that we've come too far in the struggle against hate crimes to allow vicious homophobia to go unchallenged in the public sphere. Many people in our community will be looking for you to do the right thing.

Adam Manacker of the Highlands Night Club today cancelled a performance of Buju Banton scheduled for October 3, 2006 after being made aware of this issue.

I eagerly await your reply.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Comments

[dmeohjq clyqozrg]

qyaczgjnh aknw giykjucro firkhc wflinx kuwylvfzq rjdhcbqv

[reeds]

the song boom bye bye came out over 10 years ago

[Dee]

Not at all.My point is if one wants to claim to be a Christian and claim to hold to the teachings of Jesus Christ one knows it's not their place to judge another.
Everyone is entitled to their view and opinion but if one claims Christianity and then goes around judging others for who they are and what cross they are to bare that person is being a hypocrite and in reality can't claim to be a Christian if their judging other peoples actions in Jesus' place.For if they do they are places themselves above God.

So Dee, are you saying if someone's not a christian they're points have no validity?

[Dee]

tilly, don't let that guy get to you.He apparently may not be a Christian.He quoted from the old testament which was before Jesus and The New Testament.
A Christian is suppose to hold to the New Testament not the old and if he holds to both
he's being a hypocrite.
One can't hold to "An eye for an eye" from the old testament and then say "turn the other cheek" as the New Testament tells us.
If one does and says their a Christian they are holding a false faith and only deceiving themselves.
Either one holds to the New Testament or they can't actually call themself a Christian.
He apparently is one of those who choose to ignore the following sciptures.
Scripture: Corinthians 1:26-29
"For consider your call, brethren, that there were not many wise
according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God
has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and
God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things
which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised,
God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the
things that are, that no man should boast before God."
and
MattewCh.7
"Judge not,that ye be not judged"
If he wishes to hold to the Old Testament he should consider
Isaiah 56:4-5
"For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my
sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my
covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my
walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I
will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off."
But as I said.If he claims to be a Christian he should consider the first two sciptures.
If he is a Christian and wants to be realistic.He would have to admit that NONE of us are worthy of God and that Jesus is our salvation.Surely he understands one can't hold to two masters,one of hate and one of love.If he does he's a hypocrite.

("I'm feeling pissed now --- to Righteousness and others of your ilk -- I guess, in a show of acceptance, we should be glad that you were conceived, born and lived up until now to engage in this debate. But let me ask this, did you check your brain at the church door, or did your pastor hold you under the baptismal waters a little longer than usual? Whatever it was, you have not learned some basic Christian principles of how to reason and engage. I could say fyah fi yuh, but that would be un-Christian. Instead, I say Micah 5:2.")

Posted by: tilly | Monday, October 02, 2006 at 05:33 PM

It doesn't matter where his violent beliefs "were grown" anymore than it matters where nazis, slaveholders, etc... beliefs "were grown." If he or anyone is saying violence against homosexuals is acceptable, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using our freedom of speech to protest him. It's a very weak excuse to say the white man makes him do it so it's ok.

[Jevan]

how can you be so intollerant of people's personal beliefs? hypocrite!

Freedom of expression is not only for gay people, unfortunatley they also extend to anti-gay communities (ie Bible Thumpers). Buju Banton's beliefs are grown from the White Man's teachings when they made belive in Christ. And now he is not allowed to express himself?
Besides that please try to learn about the music and it's people before you gather and rally to ban their way of life... that's so closed minded and selfish

[Jah Vision]

HAVE ANY OF YOU EVER BEEN TO A BUJU SHOW??

Take the 2006 UCLA reggae fest for instance. Buju's performance was not marred by anti-gay rhetoric nor was there a rise in anti-gay activity following the show. Trust me, the people that go to see Buju are not hate-mongers, they are there to see the man perform his catalog of material that is positive and life reflecting. To the gay and lesbian community, I understand your concern, no group deserves violence against them and I value a persons right to live the life they have came to live. I wish to be afforded that same choice. I wish to see Buju, if you do not, do not attend. Dont stop me from attending!! No one is going to go out and "Burn and throw acid" on gays after seeing Buju, I promise. I venture to say that the persons that are actually involved in commiting anti-gay acts are not fans of Dancehall/Reggae nor fans of Buju Banton.

A person who is anti-gay and would commit acts of violence against gays needs no encouragement. They are already of that disposition.
A person who is not anti-gay would not become so just because they heard "Boom Bye Bye". Really people let us use common sense.
What is needed is more understanding (overstanding) on all sides.

I believe the energy spent on stopping Buju from performing could be spent creating deeper understanding, fighting aids and other problems, not shutting down a performer. Let us reggae fans have our show.

Yes, homosexuality exists in every culture. Cultures only differ as to the extent that they accept the fact that it exists in their people, and to the extent they allow their people to be openly homosexual. Often the stronger the taboo is the more it exists, e.g. catholic priests.

[nahtan serious]

LOL So what keisha. Lets say in your fantsay world it affects the europeans more so what? That chnages nothing . It exists and since we do not victimise and call for the killing of people wwith sickle cell anemia why are we doing it with homosexuals???

BLACK people some of you need to stop believing in myths and stories and face the reality that there are homosexuals in our race. The white man has nothing to do with that!

[Mel Smith]

If homosexuality did not exist in Africa, left handed people also did not exist in Africa! That is one of the most ignorant beliefs anyone can ever believe. Anywhere humans/animals existed, HOMOSEXUALITY existed!

[Kurt]

It is obvios that homosexuals have a very powerful Lobby in the U.S. Why then not use the lobby to stop people who really spread hate agianst homosexuals like the conservative talk shows and the many powerful Chrisatian preachers across the country.
Instead a much easier target is chosen... notwithstanding the facts that Buju Banton does NOT in FACT incite violence against homosexuals, that he was exonerated of assault charges and the fact that he FIGHTS AGAINST INJUSTICE like Bob Marley did before him.

These protests which uinfairly single out Buju Banton, give him free publicity and encourage Buju Banton and others to write lyrics (albeit more subtle) against homosexuals. He should thank you for the free promotion and inspiration.

[Keisha]

It is absolutely UNTRUE to say that homosexuality exists everywhere. Where is the proof of that? Just because one trait, characteristic, or way of life exists in one culture or place does not mean that it exists everywhere. Where is the proof that homosexuiality exists as much in other cultures as it does in European cultures?

For example, if as some argue Homosexuality is a biological trait that can not be changed, well maybe it is similar to sickle cell anemia and affects one group considerably more than others.

[nathans]

Homosexuality exists in all and has existed in ALL cultures PERIOD .... EXCEPT JAMAICA of course! In fact in Jamaica (since that is the ONLY GOD fearing place on EARTH) only married men and women have sex and only when they want to have children. In fact the maroons stayed true to their origins and the entire Jamican populace have continued to have sex only for procreation when already married. And as the GOOD book says ( in keeping with African tradition) it is important to smoke a SPLIFF before you actually have sex with your wife. STUPSE!!!

Somone said that a dialogue is needed but clearly if some of y'all keep coming on here with nonsense ( and if your nonsensical views represent the views of BUJU et al) what sort of DIALOGUE do you want... It is impossible to talk to insanity and inanity!

This is the real world .... Jamaican men , black men, chinese man , white men , green men , all types of men are homosexual 9 who cares how they got there). The fact remains that HATE and intolerance of any group is unacceptable in civilizedd societies. Until y'all get with the programme we the homosexuals in the know will keep protesting! We don't owe you anything!

[SkyWalker]

Mel Smith please get your facts straight, in 2004 a man was alleged to have left from a house near Buju's studio and went about 20 miles to New Kingston and had an altercation with a gay man. Now the only connection to Buju was that he was at a point near Buju's Studio before he went to do this deed, Buju was not even in town, however some powerful gay advocate groups got the police to also invetigate Buju, once it reached trial it was thrown out since there was no evidence that the perpetrator even knew Buju

[skywalker]

BUJU IS NOT, DOES NOT, DID NOT, ADVOCATE VIOLENCE. In the same way "I Shot the Sheriff" is hyperbole, so are the lyrics that Buju put in that song.

He is an advocate of peace and has been from day one. All that has been shown before that the song was made in a time when Dancehall did not reach anywhere but Jamaican shores and that Jamaicans both homo and hetero understood that this was not meant to be taken literally.

[African History Proff]

Homosexuality has NEVER been the cultural norm in Africa like it has been in Europe. I seriously doubt that unfounded statement that homosexuality was the norm for any African group. Even if such a pro-homosexual African group existed, it DOES not exist now. I am not at all surprised at this recent discovery of homosexuals in Africa, I am sure homosexuals will say homosexuality is the accepted norm everywhere except in Jamaica.
As much as homosexuals would love to rewrite history, African history is clear ...homosexuality goes against African values, traditions, beliefs and culture. Traditionally, African culture centered around children and the more children one had the more "wealth" one had.

tilly, sometimes you have to choose your battles.

[tilly]

Jasmyne -- are you avoiding my point? Yes, I think you are...

tilly, please explain how Schwartznegger is advocating violence.

[tilly]

Jasmyne -- You really need to think before you respond. All of those other persons that have been mentioned as examples do advocate violence in one form or another. And they say is far more influential and insiduous; arguably, what they do/say on an everyday basis is no different from what Buju et al. says.

So, yes, you'all still need to deal with the "straw man" issue.

Freelance: My theory: His sound (literal sound of his voice and his music) comes across as so "foreign" and "vile" and beyond comprehension to the ears and sensibilities of many (including m/c Jamaicans) because of the "language" and "posture" with which he speaks his stupid opinions. He is a lightning rod for protests because he comes with unapologetic full-frontal rhetorical violence; folks assume that he cannot be reasoned with, and that he can only understand another kind of violence -- the one comes from negative publicity and reduced earnings. This "bottom line" issue has become the ultimate weapon in power struggles these days.

He still shouldn't be allowed to inhabit a stage ANYWHERE without some form of protest and debate until he stops smoking that ganja long enough to get some sense in his head (he really is a disgrace to Rastas). But whether protest alone is a useful longterm strategy, and whether there are next steps in terms of coalition-building etc -- I don't see anything on the horizon.

Buju is advocating VIOLENCE (killing and burning) against homosexuals. All of your other examples, while it's true that they may have more influence than Buju, are NOT advocating VIOLENCE.

[freelace]

Are Gays Over Reacting to Reggae Artists Like Buju Banton?

except from - Davey D

For those who are unaware reggae artist Buju Banton is supposed to perform in the Bay Area this weekend, but the Gay community has been out in force and has not only been protesting, but has forced the cancellation of his show in San Francisco.

Given the explosive lyrics in some of his songs like ‘Boom Bye Bye’ which basically calls for the slaughter of Gays, one can definitely understand the anger and upset. However, there's a couple of things to keep in mind.

Now let’s not get things twisted, anyone advocating for the beating, killing or even the discrimination of gays or any ethnic group is bad news. And folks on the receiving end of those insults and threats have every right and should express their anger and outrage. If that outrage includes protests and shutting folks down, so be it. All of us have a responsibility in being aware of boundaries that exists within certain communities.

With that being said, the question needs to be asked; ‘Why Butu and not others who’s actions and remarks are arguably more egregious? I hear more hurtful remarks and venom being spit towards gays by self righteous-right wing talk show hosts who under the guise of ‘religion’ and their ‘defense of traditional marriage’ hold nothing back and say incredibly hurtful things.

I hear more venom being spit about Gays by preachers and pastors who talk about the gay lifestyle is an abomination and a sin in the yes of God who curry favor with politicians and lawmakers including our President. Yet, I don’t see the anger and large mobilization resulting in the shutting down of those right wing radio stations or the recall or expulsion of those politicians or the institutions that support them.

Heck will we see the expulsion of Arnold Schwartznegger in the next election especially after he just vetoed a couple of bill that was described by Karen England, Executive Director of Capitol Resource Institute as advocating a ‘Pro-homosexual agenda. Will we shut her and her organization down? To me those actions and remarks are much more harmful then any Buju Banton song cause of the end result.

Let’s just keep it real here, after Eminem made his anti-gay remarks, he still got to perform in the Bay without large protests. His music still was on the radio and those stations got to show up with vans and street teams to Gay Pride without protestors shutting them down. Em got a pass long before he hooked up to do a song at the VMAS or Grammys with Elton John.

I guess I’m wondering why is Buju Banton the object of such hearfelt protests? Why is he the poster child for antigay attitudes when we got law makers, preachers, talk show hosts and many others who not only reach but also influence more people on a day to day basis, seemingly getting a pass?

Below are remarks regarding Buju Banton.. Hit me back with your feedback or better yet post up on my blog so we can all better understand where folks are coming from.

[byebyebuju]

I don't think homosexuality "started somehwere"...it's in the animal kingdom as well as mankind and probably predates our evolution to homosapiens (please, let's not got into a debate about creationism vs evolution now)...anyway, if christians spread homophobia around the world then isn't it up to enlightened christians to now take the lead in stopping the homophobia?... also, sure buju is a product of his environment, but so were slave holders in the U.S and nazis in germany....being a product of your environment doesn't give you a free pass to spread your views unopposed in other environments!

[Rightousness]

You Educated Fools u calling me ignorant? I have self knowledge, knowledge of one self is never thought in the slave master schools and to all those supporting Jasmine on this Homophobia network u are all BOASEY SLAVES!!!.........But I still Love Y'all cause without y'all there would not be a TOPIC to discuss. JAH GUIDE!!!