The Reggae Carifest set to happen at Randall's Island this Saturday may get the plug pulled. amNewYork reports that Power 105 withdrew its sponsorship in response to two artists on the bill having anti-gay language in their songs. The artists, Buju Banton and Bounty Killer, have a history of inflammatory lyrics. Banton's song "Boom Bye Bye" speaks of burning and shooting gay men, while Bounty Killer's song "Another Level" suggests drowning them. The Dancehall reggae artists are part of a long history that genre has in advocating anti-gay violence.
GLAAD's Rashad Robinson stated: "Buju Banton and Bounty Killer continue to perform songs with virulently homophobic lyrics that in some cases support the murder of gay people. It is unacceptable for Clear Channel, the concert promoters, and the other sponsors to provide these performers with a platform to promote messages that put lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in harm's way." Clear Channel owns Power 105 and did in fact withdraw its support Wednesday after receiving a call from GLAAD.
The organization is encouraging other sponsors to withdraw, but if the show goes on, concert-goers, organizers and performers should expect to be met by gay-rights activists who are still planning on protesting.
Photo of "Gay Pride mocking Jamaican hate singers" via IndyMedia UK.
