I have a major issue with the double standard and dishonesty of gay people who are hell bent on sustaining the lie that reggae music promotes violence or that DJ Buju Banton promotes the murder of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transexual people. There is no evidence that any of these claims are true.

What is actually true is that Buju did record a song called “Boom Bye Bye” which did express strong condemnation of homosexual individuals and practices. But that was 20 years ago! He has since apologised for this and no longer performs this song in his set. This has clearly not satisfied gay groups like the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center and others which are campaigning against his current album “Rasta Got Soul” from winning the 2010 Reggae Grammy.

The album is an excellent collection of songs that celebrates the joys of a Rastafarian lifestyle as well as highlighting social deprivation, love themes, spiritual upliftment and socio-political observations. There is nothing on this album lashing out at homosexuality. Buju’s 1995 conversion to Rastafarianism is the chief focus not only in this collection but also in his life generally.

This has not stopped the LA GLC from being “rather upset” at “the appalling Grammy nomination for Buju Banton, a performer whose music promotes the violent murder of LGBT people.” Apart from being a barefaced lie this statement is maliciously evil and is designed to demonise not only Buju but reggae music and Jamaica in the process. This is unforgiveable.

Gay groups would like Buju to speak out for gay rights in Jamaica but since homosexuality is not something a bonafide Rastaman like Buju can support, this has not been forthcoming. And why should he make such public service announcements? That would be like asking a strict vegetarian to eat meat to curry favour with meat eaters or a fundamental Jew to embrace Islam to make Muslims feel good.

I believe the gays continued action against Buju is vindictive, malicious and unfair. It speaks volume that while they are comfortable with the freedom and right to promote their lifestyle choice without hinderance they are happy to prevent a Rastaman from enjoying the same privilege to promote his soulfully uplifting music.

If that’s not grand hypocrisy then please tell me, my dear friend, what is.