Beenieman axed from European concert

Beenie Man is "heartbroken" at his axing from the Big Day Out after concerns were raised over homophobic lyrics in some of the Jamaican reggae artist's songs.

The controversial artist was axed just a week after being named to play at the Big Day Out in Auckland on January 15 after an outcry from gay rights groups.

Organisers said "the depth of feeling and hurt amongst these groups has convinced us that for us to proceed with his Big Day Out appearances was, and would continue to be, divisive amongst our audience members and would mar the enjoyment of the event for many".

But in an email sent to GayNZ.com and other media, titled I Do Not Condone Act Of Violence Toward Others, Beenie Man - real name Moses Davis - said his lyrics were misunderstood because of cultural differences.

"People sometimes may misunderstand my lyrics because of slang, metaphors, jargons and dialect; it is not intended to be harmful," he said.

"We live in a diverse society, the haves, have-nots, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Atheists, light and dark skinned, homosexuals and heterosexuals. At times we wrongly ridicule each other for beliefs. One thing we have in common, we are all human beings and should strive for peace, equality and love.

"I want my music to bring people together and for them to dance, feel good and enjoy it."

He said his controversial songs - which include the lyrics, "I'm dreaming of a new Jamaica, come to execute all the gays" - were directed at men who exploited young boys, not homosexuals.

"I wrote the lyrics at a point in my life when I younger and was seeing a lot of exploitation of poor and defenseless young boys in the garrison - where I too was born - by rich men," he said in the email.

"When I wrote the lyrics boys were raped and murdered often - even recently a nine-year-old went to buy cigarettes for a man, came back and was raped and murdered. The act of sodomy was my concern when I wrote the song.

"I realize that those men were not gays but were predators or paedophile which is not a common word in my dialect hence the perception when generalising. I am older and realised the difference after.

"I have worked with gays and lesbians on videos and photo shoots and they have done great. I do not sing or perform any of those songs nor promote any violence on stage. I have been performing all over the world and there hasn't been any issues of recent."

He said he was disappointed to no longer be performing in Australia or New Zealand and asked Big Day Out organisers to apologise to him.

Ad Feedback "I realize that I have never been to your country and what was old forgotten news in which I have apologised, is now new news because of me coming and now it's your turn for an apology. I am a music ambassador for the world and the last thing I would want to do is spread hate or violence towards others.

"Please know that I am sincere and right now I am proposing peace, one world... One Love regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation and nationality."

source: STUFF.CO.NZ