Two Jamaican singers, Bounty Killa and Buju Banton, whose songs urge people to kill gays, are scheduled to perform at CaribFest on Randall's Island (which is on NYC Parks property) on Saturday, August 25th.
http://www.reggaecarifest.com
Bounty Killa has refused to sign the Reggae Compassionate Act (below), a simple statement that he will no longer perform songs that incite violence. Buju Banton, who has signed it, is now denying he did.
We need to get these two performers removed from the concert unless they agree to sign the RCA and publicly say they have done so. Merely promising to not perform the songs at this particular event is not enough - they must agree to never perform them again. As you may know, a number of gays have been murdered recently in Jamaica and this kind of hate music certainly played a part.
Please call NYC Council Speaker Chris Quinn and urge her to get these artists off the bill: 212-788-7210
If we can't get them off the bill, please plan to come to Randall's Island on the 25th to protest murder music! Details to follow.
Concert promoters include:
Team Legendary (Alfonso Brooks) 718-856-3336
Baylo Entertainment
http://bayloent.com
Live Nation
http://www.livenation.com
Samples of his BK's lyrics:
Bun a fire pon a puff and mister fagoty
(Burn a fire on puffs and faggots)
Poop man fi drown an dat a yawd man philosophy
(Shit men [gay men] must be drowned and that's a yardy man [Jamaican]
philosophy)
You know we need no promo to rub out dem homo
(You know we don’t need a prom to rub out a [kill] homo)
Mi ready fi go wipe out this fag wid pure laser beam
(I’m ready to wipe out this faggot with a pure laser beam)
Bounty Killa has released a song “Dat Ah True,” saying he won't "bow" to "faggots and
maggots."
Buju Banton lyrics:
World is in trouble
Anytime Buju Banton come
Batty boy (fag) get up an run
At gunshot me head back
Hear I tell him now crew
(Its like) Boom bye bye
Inna batty boy head
Rude boy no promote no nasty man
Dem haffi dead
Boom bye bye
Inna batty boy head
Rude boy no promote no nasty man
Dem haffi dead
The Reggae Compassionate Act
We, the artists of the Reggae community, hereby present this letter as a symbol of our dedication to the guiding principles of Reggae’s enduring foundation ONE LOVE. Throughout time, Reggae has been recognized as a healing remedy and an agent of positive social change.
We will continue this proud and righteous tradition.
Reggae Artists and their music have fought against injustices, inequalities, poverty and violence even while enduring some of those same circumstances themselves. Over the years, reggae music has become popularized and enjoyed by an unprecedented audience all over the world. Artists of the Reggae Community respect and uphold the rights of all individuals to live without fear of hatred and violence due to their religion, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or gender.
While we recognize that our artistic community comprises many different individuals who express themselves in different ways and hold a myriad of beliefs, we believe firmly that the way forward lies in tolerance. Everyone can keep his own conviction and we must receive respect for our freedom of speech as far as we respect the law, but it must be clear there’s no space in the music community for hatred and prejudice, including no place for racism, violence, sexism or homophobia. We do not encourage nor minister to HATE but rather uphold a philosophy of LOVE, RESPECT and UNDERSTANDING towards all human beings as the cornerstone of reggae music.
This Compassionate Act is hereby calling on a return to the following principles as the guiding vision for the future of a healthy Reggae music community: Positive Vibrations, Consciousness raising, Social and Civic Engagement, Democracy and Freedom, Peace and Non-Violence, Mother Nature, Equal Rights and Justice, One Love, Individual Rights, Humanity, Tolerance and Understanding
We, as artists, are committed to a holistic and healthy existence in the world, and to respect to the utmost the human and natural world. We pledge that our music will continue to contribute positively to the world dialogue on peace, respect and justice for all.
To this end, we agree to not make statements or perform songs that incite hatred or violence against anyone from any community. ONE LOVE
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