Buju Banton, that delivered the show of the century this past March 15 at the National Stadium in his native Kingston Jamaica, has shared with his adoring fans the final decision to eliminate the popular hit “Boom Bye Bye” from his catalog.
The popular anti gay song which stirred a lot of controversy since it was released in 1992, from now on it won’t be even add in the future live performances of the reggae Grammy Winner.
Recorded by a young Buju Banton back in 1988, the track talks about homosexuals and describe violence towards them.
The backlash Banton received from the track was almost enough to silence his career as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights groups lobbied for his ban at several concerts. Many believe that this Boom Bye Bye song caused Buju to be targeted and blackmail him into being involved with drugs, which later saw him spend a lengthy prison sentence. Buju himself seems to hold a similar believe as he stated
“the song has caused much pain to listeners, as well as to my fans, my family and myself. ”
This is what Buju Banton had to say
“In recent days there has been a great deal of press coverage about the song ‘Boom Bye Bye’ from my past which I long ago stopped performing and removed from any platform that I control or have influence over”.
The Gargamel clearly distances himself from the song.
Buju also went on to state that
“I recognize that the song has caused much pain to listeners, as well as to my fans, my family and myself. After all the adversity we’ve been through I am determined to put this song in the past and continue moving forward as an artist and as a man.”
Buju seemingly has come to terms that this song currently is doing more bad for his career than good.
In closing Buju Banton said
“I affirm once and for all that everyone has the right to live as they so choose,” the singer continues. “In the words of the great Dennis Brown, ‘Love and hate can never be friends.’ I welcome everyone to my shows in a spirit of peace and love. Please come join me in that same spirit.”
Listen To Buju Banton “Champion”
