A reggae singer has been banned from playing a gig in Switzerland after he broke an agreement not to perform homophobic songs.

Reggae star Capleton has faced criticism in the past for anti-gay lyrics in some of his songs, which have included calls for gay men to be burnt and killed. In 2007 the singer signed the Reggae Compassionate Act (RCA) in 2007, under which he agreed not to perform ‘murder music’.

However, Capleton has since taken part in several live performances in which he has encouraged violence against lesbian and gay people.

Cappleton had been scheduled to play a concert in Basel, Switzerland tonight (6 November 2008), but the venue has now cancelled the gig after becoming aware of the RCA violation.

Local LGBT rights groups Homosexuelle Arbeitsgruppen Basel (HABS) and ‘Stop Murder Music Bern’ have called on CApleton to publicly apologise and make a renewed statement in support of the rights and welfare of LGBT people.

Peter Tatchell, UK coordinator of the Stop Murder Music (SMM) campaign, said “Congratulations to the Swiss campaigners for getting his concert pulled. Performers who promote the killing of other human beings should not be rewarded with concerts, money and stardom.

“The Stop Murder Music campaign gave Capleton a chance to continue his career unimpeded if he agreed to stop inciting the murder of lesbian and gay people. He signed the RCA and promised to abide by it. But he has carried on as before, stirring up homophobic hatred and violence. We feel tricked, betrayed and cheated.

“This is the latest of scores of concert cancellations secured by our SMM activists around the world. We have targeted eight Jamaican dancehall singers whose lyrics glorify, encourage and promote the murder of lesbian and gay people. Their incitements are criminal offences.

“Our aim is to show these artists that homophobia doesn’t pay. It has a damaging financial consequence.”

Posted in: Campaigns & Politics, Music |