BY RICHARD JOHNSON   DUE to backlash for the inclusion of reggae performers I Wayne, Queen Ifrica and Capleton in Canada’s Edmonton Reggae festival, a code of conduct has been arrived at for all performers. The event, which will be its second staging, is scheduled for September 5. According to a release from John Fortuno — president of the Edmonton Reggae Festival Society — a meeting was held between the organizers of the festival, and members of the Queer, Black and Caribbean community and the Pride Center of Edmonton. The organizer said while they recognize the artistic expression of various themes in music and lyrics, the festival is a family event and, therefore, is asking artists to agree to a number of restrictions. “No profanity and/or explicit lyrics are allowed within any portion of the … Read entire article »

Festival spokesperson says there is “no cause for concern” and the performers have been briefed on their expectations. By Lauren Strapagiel— Jamaican-Canadian activists are raising concerns about the headliners of this year’s Edmonton Reggae Festival, calling the artists “professed anti-LGBTQ Jamaican singers.” Klavs Bo Christensen / ASSOCIATED PRESS This year’s headliners are Queen Ifrica, I Wayne and Capleton, all three of whom have come under fire for anti-gay lyrics and statements in the past. I Wayne and Capleton both have songs that have been accused of encouraging violence against gay and lesbian people. A Capleton concert set for Toronto in 2011 was moved over concerns about anti-gay messages. A song by Queen Ifrica called “Keep It To Yourself” praises male heterosexuality and makes reference to “fish” — a derogatory term for gay men. In 2013, she spoke out against repealing … Read entire article »