 Controversial reggae performer Buju Banton.
“Hit them hard” by dancehall performer Stapler includes the
lines “Jah Jah gonna hit them hard / All the men who visit men backyard / Leaving all the women
to starve / One thunder ball and all of them pause”.
The song ends with the lines: “Be careful of the lifestyle
you choose to exhibit / Children live what they learn / Aren't you concerned
/of your choices in society / We need to preserve the value of a male and a
female in every family”.
Speaking of the decision of several US radio stations to ban
the track, Stapler told Jamaican radio station Irie FM that “it is like we are
not allowed to talk about the importance of a family anymore".
Dancehall performer Jango Fresh backed his record label’s
‘Straight Pride’ plan.
"The Straight Pride Parade is a great idea because when
a song like ‘Hit them hard’ by my label mate Stapler can be banned just because
it stresses the importance of a male and a female in every family, it is a sign
that heterosexuals need to wake up,” Fresh said.
“The Straight Pride Parade is a chance for Heterosexuals to
gather together and proudly embrace their sexuality. The Parade will also allow
reggae and dancehall fans who are in New York City for the Labor Day
celebrations to get together and celebrate reggae, dancehall and family in love
and unity.”
The parade is an initiative of their record company, TCOOO
Productions, whose unnamed president said he hoped Straight Pride would
galvanise the international reggae community against the protests of gay
activists such as Peter Tatchell, whose Stop Murder Music campaign has drawn
attention to the violently homophobic lyrics of some dancehall reggae stars.
"Although reggae is known for its militancy and its
resistance to injustice, the reggae community has remained calm throughout the
attack on the music by Peter Tatchell and other Gay activists (sic) groups,”
TCOOO’s president said.
"I sat quietly and watched as they cancelled artists
like Buju Banton, Sizzla Kalonji and Capleton, but when the gay community went
after TCOOO artists like Vineyard the Rebel Priest, Stapler and Jango Fresh we
decided that we must make a show of strength," he said.
'No Homo' explained...
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