Sizzla’s show at 1015 Folsom has been canceled. (Photos: 1015 Folsom)   by Shane Downing— On Friday, September 23rd, controversial reggae artist Sizzla was set to perform at 1015 Folsom in what was being described as “a large, rare dancehall show.” However, as of yesterday evening, 1015’s owner, Ira Sandler, announced that the show was canceled. Sizzla is known for ‘murder music,’ a type of reggae whose lyrics incite violence against the LGBTQ community and glorify killing individuals who identify as gay. He first emerged onto the Jamaican dancehall scene in the late ‘90s, and quickly became notorious for incorporating hateful lyrics into his songs. During a 2002 Chicago performance, Sizzla openly bragged that he “kills queers,” and he urged the audience to kill “sodomites and queers” who “bring AIDS and disease upon people.” There was even … Read entire article »

  Below is a statement from Justin Crellin, general manager of the Mateel Community Center, regarding the booking of anti-gay Jamaican performer Sizzla as a headliner at this weekend’s Reggae on the River: Please note that Sizzla has been booked on the show since we first announced the line-up over 5 months ago- and we received no concerns about him being on the bill until very recently — despite a great deal of local publicity. That said, we now recognize there are concerns within the community about his appearance on the show. We have an assurance from management that no derogatory speech will occur and have protocol in place to pull the plug on his performance should anything like this happen. We will also be posting a values statement at our artist merchandise booth … Read entire article »