BUJU BANTON - REGGAE STAR'S GIG ABANDONED OVER HOMOPHOBIC FEARS

A performance by controversial reggae star BUJU BANTON has been cancelled in America over fears his homophobic lyrics will spark violence. Banton, who glorifies gun crime against gays, was scheduled to play the Highland nightclub, Los Angeles, in October (06), but organisers are now refunding tickets to the show after a flood of complaints. The venue's manager ADAM MANACKER, says, "We felt it was the right thing to do after doing some research on the matter." It's not the first time Jamaican-born Banton has been barred - in July (06) UK concerts were axed after he refused to drop his controversial lyrics. BEENIE MAN gigs were also scrapped for the same reasons. In 2004 Banton was tried but acquitted on charges he participated in the beating of six gay men by a Jamaican gang.