|
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Reggae star Beenie Man has been banned from performing at an MTV concert in Miami after gay activists planned a protest over the singer's past lyrics.
Beenie Man, who recently issued his "sincerest apologies" for violent, homophobic lyrics, was due to perform on Saturday prior to the MTV Awards.
"We don't want anything to overshadow what should be a great weekend of music events," said an MTV spokeswoman.
UK police are currently investigating Beenie Man's lyrics.
Beenie Man's manager, Clyde McKenzie, said: "In many instances the lyrics of dancehall artists are metaphorical.
"He (Beenie Man) has made it clear that he doesn't want to incite violence," he added.
But gay campaigners are not impressed
"We respectfully suggest that he use other metaphors," said Heddy Pena, director of Miami gay rights group SAVE Dade.
Beenie Man apologised for his past lyrics last month.
"Certain lyrics and recordings I have made in the past may have caused distress and outrage among people whose identities and lifestyles are different from my own.
"I offer my sincerest apologies to those who might have been offended, threatened or hurt by my songs," Beenie Man said in a statement issued through his record company Virgin.
The singer recently scrapped a UK tour date after he was spoken to by police, following complaints from gay and lesbian pressure group Outrage!
Outrage! also condemned the Music of Black Origin (Mobo) Awards earlier this week for nominating two artists whose songs include homophobic lyrics.
Elephant Man and Vybz Cartel are both up for best reggae single. The awards take place in London on 30 September.
A Mobo spokeswoman said homophobic songs like Elephant Man's We Nuh Like Gay were from "years ago" and they have "changed their music since then".
But Outrage! said they will try to stop the awards being screened on the BBC.
The group also protested against Beenie Man's inclusion on last year's list but he did not receive a nomination this year
|
