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Capleton Concerts Axed
House of Blues canceled two appearances by the singer at its New Orleans and West Hollywood clubs, and a third show at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco was also axed.
Activists charge that Capleton’s lyrics call for the burning and shooting of homosexuals. The title of one song, “Bun Di Chi Chi,” reportedly translates to “burn the queer.”
Managers at the West Hollywood venue attempted to stage a forum in which the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and city officials could meet with Capleton to discuss his lyrics. The singer was unable to attend due to touring commitments and the club canceled the show “out of respect for the community,” according to an HoB spokesman.
The singer planned to replace the October 3 San Francisco show with a gig at Santa Cruz’s Catalyst club, but activists there succeeded in thwarting the event. Venue managers had originally said they would not interfere with the concert, but later changed their tune, citing fears of violence.
Capleton’s U.S. tour is currently scheduled to run through October 23, when he plays Washington, D.C.
Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Elephant Man and other reggae artists have encountered increasing opposition from the gay rights community, with concerts canceled in the U.S., Canada and Europe.
While none of the singers admits to advocating violence against gays, several have defended their lyrics as reflecting the culture and beliefs of mainstream Jamaica, where homosexuality is largely outlawed.
In a recent interview with the Santa Cruz Sentinel, Capleton denied inciting violence but said homosexuality is “against humanity. It’s against your mother, it’s against your father, it’s against yourself.”