By Sade Gardner—
Buju Banton—
Beloved artiste Buju Banton has captivated diverse audiences for years with an expansive repertoire of dancehall and reggae classics.
Boom Bye Bye is one such song included in his his catalogue, which has stirred much controversy since it was released in 1992.
Recorded by a then teenage Banton in 1988, the track denounces homosexuals and delineates 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.
The entertainer will make his debut performance on the Long Walk to Freedom Concert on March 16 at the National Stadium in Kingston.
With so many hits, some have been wondering whether he will be performing the song at the concert.
Jamrock Sound principal Hugh ‘Redman’ James told THE STAR that Banton has excluded the song from his scheduled 90-minute set.
“I am a part of his entourage so I go to all the rehearsals and he don’t do that song, he don’t rehearse that song,” James said. “That is the song that kinda shoot him a bit, so him bury up that.”
James’ sound system will be catering to fans at the after-party, which will be held at Mas Camp, adjacent to the concert venue.
He added that he has not received any directives from Banton’s management to exclude the playing of the song at the party. But he isn’t planning to do so.
“(But) I know better, so I will do better. I am not going to play the song. It will be embarrassing to the artiste. I don’t think no other sound will play the song either,” he said.
James promises a sizzling set and is encouraging all music lovers to attend.
“After the concert, come to the after-party. It will be buzzing,” he said. “We’re gonna take the high from the stage show and take it to the after-party. Sometimes we plan a set and it doesn’t work out cause a sound can play some songs before you, but I’ll be having the people dem on their feet. Jamrock has been around for a long time so expect the best from us.”
Stone Love, Metro Media, Massive B, Richie Feelings, Swatch International, and DJ Fergie are also billed for the after-party.
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