Buju Banton's concert cancelled after nightclub gets complaints.
- Sep 23, 2006
AceShowbiz - Buju Banton has been forced to cancel his Oct. 2nd show, scheduled to take place in the Highland nightclub and restaurant in LA, following complaints from its patrons. It is the reggae star's violent lyrics about gays and lesbians that prompted the postponement of the concert.
The controversy derives from two songs released early in Banton's career, "Batty Rider" and "Boom Bye Bye", which allegedly advocate the killing of gay men. Back then in July, another Banton concert in Brighton was also axed following similar protests.
Adam Manacker, general manager of the Highland nightclub and restaurant, said concerned customers have sent him protest e-mail messages and phone calls, and so "We felt it was the right thing to do after doing some research on the matter".
While full refunds for the canceled concert will be given for ticket holders, a concert in Copenhagen, Denmark, went ahead as scheduled after organizers promised Banton would not fuel homophobic sentiments.
