Peter Tatchell promotes Jamaican pro-gay Reggae artiste

Artiste claims he has received death threats

Jamaica Observer

Friday, August 26, 2011

BRITISH-based gay rights activist Peter Tatchell, has come out in support of Jamaican Reggae artiste Mista Majah P, who has released what is reportedly the first pro-gay Reggae album, entitled 'Tolerance'.

"Jamaican reggae singer Mista Majah P has released the world's first pro-gay reggae album. Called Tolerance and featuring rainbow stripes on the cover, the album includes 11 songs, variously in support of same-sex marriage and adoption by gay couples, as well as attacks on homophobic bullying and the US military policy, Don't Ask Don't Tell. The tracks also feature swipes at the anti-gay prejudices of 'murder music' reggae singer Beenie Man and of the Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding," said Tatchell.

Tatchell is the international coordinator of the Stop Murder Music campaign, which since 2004 has protested against leading Jamaican entertainers including Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Sizzla and TOK, who have released songs which contain anti-gay lyrics.

Mista Majah P says he is not gay, but supports the LGBT communities and gay equality.

"I want to counter the myths that all Jamaicans are homophobic and that all reggae music is violent and anti-gay. I'm seeking to challenge ignorance and reach out to gay people," said the artiste.

"My hope is that this CD, 'Tolerance', will break down the homophobic stance that certain reggae artists and heads of government have taken towards the LGBTQ community. Because of the hateful songs that some performers have been singing, gay people have been threatened and harmed. Some foolish people act upon what these artists are preaching because they worship these artists like gods. My music is about tolerance. It shows that reggae music can respect gay and lesbian people. Reggae music used to be about love, peace and unity. Now it is too often about bigotry and violence. I want to bring the music back to its progressive roots," he added.

"Since releasing the album, Mista Majah P has received numerous death threats and has been warned to not return to Jamaica (he currently resides in California). He's undeterred and defiant, stating that 'murder music' has given reggae a negative image, which is bad for the music industry and for all reggae artists," Tatchell said.

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COMMENTS (13)

Christian Lacoste
8/28/2011

BIG UP!!!
Mista Majah P has the guts to do what many Jamaican artists should have done a long time ago. I was never expecting a full album from any artists, but at least one songs from many artists to address the intolerance and violence. In that respect, Mista Majah P you just made reggae history. You deserve more promotion by the caribbean newspapers, radio stations and TV. My favorite tracks on the album are LOVE AND TOLERANCE, I AM WHO I AM, LETTER TO BRUCE GOILDING and GAY BULLYING is wrong

Jay Black
8/27/2011

I understand people trying to have equality for all citizens .but equality dont come easy.it comes with a price.people lives get sacrifice fighting for equality.MLK paid that price.and so did many more before and after he died . for that caused.our own prime minister who suoppse to lead by example were blunt in his statement.if we all can remember what his remarks were in a BBC interview.so when our leader make public statements like that then it dont give people in that lifestyle much hopes.

e h
8/27/2011

@ wanda woeman
8/26/2011
I wouldn't even be surprised if these death threats are being issued by the gay community ///
You should be ashamed of yourself. Knowing Jamaica take all threats seriously and at face value till we know different.

Top Rank
8/26/2011

I doubt it very much that this album will be getting any airplay on the radio stations in JA as the majority of Jamaicans will not tolerate 'Tolerance'. I also doubt that Mista Majah P will be called on Sting nor Sumfest or any other reggae show for that matter. Tatchell is just looking to create a hype for Mista Majah P!!

e h
8/26/2011

I support his stance but Mista Majah P does not have a very good delivery. He needs a lot of work as an artiste.
It is unfortunate that Reggae Music has become entangled up this way, all because of a few clowns (no matter how popular they are).
How come Artistes between 1945 and 1980s never had that problem one way or another?
The more we push this thing, is the more it will become a spark for vocal resistance. Same way the PSA, each side will get more extreme in rhetoric and actions.

Cookie Bulla
8/26/2011

If I wake up one day and don't see the words "gay" or "homosexual" in the media, it simply means I must be dead. All of a sudden everybody is gay, what's going ? There may be more people with mental illness in our society than we think.........

Rastamen Love to eat Dogs and pork
8/26/2011

you better "tolerate" murderers, rapists and pedophiles too if your gonna tolerate gays. You think you gays and gay rights activists have a big mouth, well so do we. I am an outspoken Heterosexual Activist, bible or not. It goes against nature. if you want to do as you "feel" then let the murders, rapists and pedophiles have their way too. Boycott this "album"!!!

Paul Hendricks
8/26/2011

I agree with you wanda. I dont think no death threats are being sent at all. They just want view us negatively all the times. Have we ever threatened anyway that we going to "murder" them for their stances on being gays? I think the gays are the ones making this threat (if there was any). Lesbians and Gays walks, talks and go about their business here in Jamaica without any threat at all. We are not as homophobic as the world may thinks

shafara virgo
8/26/2011

quote the bible

wanda woeman
8/26/2011

I wouldn't even be surprised if these death threats are being issued by the gay community who are looking sympathy for their cause and wants Jamaica's homophobic stance to be highlighted.
Why can't these gay people realize that they should stop trying to force people to be accepting of their lifestyle?
We love you but we reserve the right to be unaceepting of what you are doing.

GLBTQ JA
8/26/2011

um .. er it's Tatchell not Thatchell

Leanora Holland
8/26/2011

I wouldn't buy his album. God made man and woman to be together, not man and man. This 'tolerance' thing is like a criminal knocking on your door and asking for some food because he was hungry and the compassionate person you are give him some food; then he ask to use the bathroom and once inside he attack and kill you. Christians should beware of these wolves in sheep clothing. By the way, this Gay Lobby is a very powerful, rich organization taking over the world. Don't let them deceive u.

Ian Francis
8/26/2011

IT'S ABOUT TIME!
Well said Mistah Majah P - the reggae music I grew up with was about peace, love & harmony; and exposing the glaring wrongs of social inequality & human rights abuses. It was uplifting and celebrated the good of man and the hope for a better tomorrow (plus some good laughs).
The nastiness that Beenie-Weenie Bwoy et al spews is not reggae-I refuse to let my daughter listen to the dancehall crap that seeks to destroy, she listens to Bob, Pluto, Ernie, 3rd World, Shaggy etc.

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Peter Tatchell promotes Jamaican pro-gay Reggae artiste