Murder Music Performer Garners Grammy Nomination

[ccharles000]

Jamaican dancehall and murder music performer Buju Banton has just secured a fourth Grammy nomination, this time a Best Reggae Album nomination for Rasta Got Soul. This follows a contentious U.S. tour in which several venues canceled Banton’s performance due to protests from members of local and national LGBT community groups.

Buju Banton has came under fire for performing songs advocating violence against gay people, including his 1992 single, “Boom Bye Bye” which calls for gay people to be shot in the head with automatic weapons, have acid poured on them, and burned “like an old tire wheel.” UK LGBT Activist Peter Tatchel called the song “probably the most murderous incitement recorded by any singer anywhere in the world.” In 2007 Banton was among a number of reggae artists who signed the Reggae Compassionate Act, promising to refrain from performing homophobic songs or making homophobic statements. He later denied signing the pact, and has performed “Boom Bye Bye” since renouncing the agreement.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch confirmed that Banton was among six men involved in a gay bashing in June 2004 in Constant Spring, Jamaica. After meeting with Bay-area LGBT activists during Banton’s 2009 U.S. tour, Banton announced on Jamaican radio that “there is no end to the war between me and faggot.”

http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2009/12/03/17216#comments

[niyad]

1. this is appalling. apparently the grammy people don't care who gets hurt, do they?

how in the HELL could they honour something like that first "song" mentioned?

[msongs]

2. another shutup F++ moment from our corporate artists' community nt

[NC_Nurse]

3. Murdering music has never kept anyone out of the Grammies...

Oh, you were talking about murdering PEOPLE, never mind.

[sui generis]

4. Buju, darling

some of us advocate fighting violence.

With violence.

Bring it you nasty bug eating man bitch. We will bury you, and dance on your fucking grave.

[Metric System]

5. They'll probably have him open the show!

[mitchtv]

6. four nominations? that gives him a good chance

I hope this is killed " in Committee" If not, I want a riot at the grammys that night. Time to put up or shut up for our "allies"

[donco6]

7. I guess if they're going to nominate gangsta rap, they have to include this guy.

I mean, what's the difference? They've already jumped that shark years ago. I have no use for the Grammys.

Not to say I don't think their actions are reprehensible. It's just becoming typical for them.

[imdjh]

8. Speaking of which, did Eminem brag on stage that "Slim Shady" was a murderer and a rapist?

Since I could barely understand that mush mouthed crap coming out of his face it was hard to make out exactly what he was saying, but it appeared he was introducing his alter ego who is a murderer and a rapist, at which point the audience cheered.

[Smarmie Doofus]

9. I'm assuming the Grammy's will be in NYor LA.

Might be a good strategy to make them relocate this year. Or welcome a Buju-less production with open arms.

Generally speaking, no-Nazis is good Nazis... I always say.

[mitchtv]

10. Let me say it one more time (3X's)

DISRUPT, DISRUPT, DISRUPT

[Scurrilous]

11. Reggae artist faces drug charges in Miami

Controversial Jamaican reggae star in jail after arrest

<snip>

"Buju Banton, the Jamaican reggae star whose anti-gay lyrics have drawn international criticism, is in a federal lockup in Miami, facing drug conspiracy charges.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents say Banton, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, has been in custody since Thursday and will soon be transferred to Tampa, where the U.S. Attorney is charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine.

Banton has homes both in Jamaica and Tamarac.

While legions of dancehall reggae enthusiasts view Banton as one of the most prolific voices of Jamaica's poor masses, critics say he's a gay basher whose lyrics incite violence by calling for attacking and torturing homosexuals. His song Boom Bye Bye, a dance-hall hit released in the 1990s, advocates shooting gays in the head and setting them on fire."

<snip>

"Recently the firestorm ratched up after the Grammys announced that Baton's album Rasta Got Soul, released earlier this year, was up for an award.

Gay Men of African Descent and the National Black Justice Coalition joined with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in a petition drive protesting the nomination."

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1379335.html

[mitchtv]

13. bwa hahahahahahaha

looks like he'll miss the festivities. He'll also get his share of mansex in prison

[FreeState]

12. UPDATE: he's in federal jail in Miami - 5kl of coke intent to distribute

Story is in GD - karma:)

[SamKestu]

14. This is Buju Banton's fourth Grammy nomination

This is Buju Banton's fourth Grammy nomination.

The New York City Anti-Violence Project has now joined with GLAAD, Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD), the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC)in the petition drive and advocacy work. http://tinyurl.com/yawednd

There may be a double-standard at work here. While the Recording Academy admits that they have given Grammy awards to racists in the past, you have to wonder if they would nominate a performer or group that has a reputation of publicly advocating the killing of African Americans or Jews for a Grammy in 2009. http://www.hour.ca/columns/3dollarbill.aspx?iIDArticle=19036

To learn about anti LGBT Jamaican reggae dancehall performers and their songs, read the "Dancehall Dossier" http://tinyurl.com/2xax3b

[Smarmie Doofus]

15. They would not and COULD not.

>>>>There may be a double-standard at work here. While the Recording Academy admits that they have given Grammy awards to racists in the past, you have to wonder if they would nominate a performer or group that has a reputation of publicly advocating the killing of African Americans or Jews for a Grammy in 2009. http://www.hour.ca/columns/3dollarbill.aspx?iIDArticle=... >>>>>

I'll happily do the petition but if it's going to be held in NYC there should be lots of people in and around the venue.

[mitchtv]

16. actually ther shoud be a RIOT!

the whole affair should be disrupted and not permitted to procede. Put the guests on the spot.