Grammy nominee Buju Banton has been arrested in Miami on drug conspiracy charges.
The Jamaican reggae star, whose real name is Mark Anothony Myrie, has been in U.S. Federal custody since Thursday on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
Banton’s Grammy nomination for his ninth album, “Rasta Got Soul,” has sparked outrage among the gay and lesbian community. Banton’s song “Boom Boom Bye,” advocates shooting gays in the head and setting them on fire.
The Recording Academy issued a statement in response to the protests:
“The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Awards have a long history of supporting freedom of speech and creative expression, and of supporting artists and the music they create. Artists of a variety of political or cultural perspectives have been nominated or featured on the telecast, despite protests and backlash. The Academy acknowledges that there are very strong and diverse opinions on many issues and in many instances, we have helped initiate dialogue on matters that require education and further discussion. It takes tolerance to teach tolerance, and it is through dialogue and debate that social discovery may occur. The GRAMMY Awards is a celebration and recognition of outstanding musical achievement by music makers, regardless of politics, and that will continue to be our mission.”
GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) President Jarrett Barrios issued the following response:
“While we appreciate the Recording Academy issuing a response, we firmly disagree with their justification for nominating Buju Banton for a Grammy Award. Advocating the murder of gay people is not a ‘political or cultural perspective.’ We urge Recording Academy members NOT to support Buju Banton’s nomination. Ignoring his continued promotion of brutality against gay people sends a message that violence against our community is OK.”
While Banton’s supporters point out that the song was written when the reggae artist was 15, his critics say recent comments show Banton’s attitude toward gays has not changed.