Reggae/Ska and homophobia? JW*
 

I recently found out that one of my favorites from one of my favorite artists -Boom Bye Bye by my boy Buju Banton, is actually about shooting a gay guy in the head (I tend to not follow too closely the lyrics of many songs lol). And then I found out there is actually a history and custom of this in this kind of music generally associated with Jamaican politics?

Can anyone tell me more about this, I am now curious to its origin, history, general world feelings about this. I am not looking to get into arguments just wondering :P Suprised me.

More like its coincidentally that certain individuals through this genre that are well noted.

As soon as I saw the thread title I thought of Buju Banton. Yeah, he is a notorious homophobe.

Not sure if you know Leftover Crack, but part of the reason they left Hellcat Records was that they said Tim Armstrong supported homophobia. Fueled by his attempts to sing Buju to the label, and also some lyrics by the band US Bombs.

I do not know much about Buju, but from what I have read he is a pretty big homophobe. I think he and HR from Bad Brains could probably be buddy buddy in that regard.

Rastafari is a sect of Christianity and the religion/movement doesn't tolerate homosexuality.

Also, unfortunately, Jamaican culture is generally extremely homophobic.

Yes, it's still illegal to be gay in Jamaica.

Jamaica's alright... if you like homophobes.

Shabba Ranks is extremely homophobic, that's all I know

he was a pretty big dancehall figure from Jamaica

There was an article in the Alternative Press magazine from January of 2012 (issue #282) in which the singer, Tim McIlrath of Rise Against spoke out against homophobia in music, but also in general. I think that everyone should be respected regardless of sexual preference. Too bad some people (religion especially) cannot accept gay's. Reminds me of a nice picture I saw of Christians holding banners of "We are sorry" during a gay parade. Unfortunately I can't find it, as it was a nice thing to see, respect for all.


Rise Against - Make It Stop (September's Children) - Lyrics(on-screen) - YouTube

I know HR and the rest of the Bad Brains used to be, but I believe in recent interviews they've spoken of becoming more wise in that regard.