Politics and Society
Ugandan artist, Bobi Wine banned from Birmingham venue over homophobic lyrics
He was reported to have told fans, “God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.”
Published
10 years agoon
Ugandan Bobi Wine, real name Robert Kyagulanyi, sparked a storm by urging fans: “All Ugandans get behind me and fight the Batty Man.”
And in his reality show, a “Keep Up With The Kardashians” style hit in Africa, Wine was seen on camera penning the lyrics: “If you’re a man, you better be a man. If you’re a girl, you better stay a girl. “Burn all the batty man.”
Drum chief executive Charles Small said: “Bobi Wine’s appearance and beliefs conflicts with The Drum ethical and equal opportunity policy.”
A spokesman for the Lesbian and Gay Switchboard, which provides support for the city’s LGBT community, applauded the Drum’s decision.
He said: “There can be no place for sexist or racist views that cause problems.”
The spokesman dismissed Wine’s views as simply a way of gaining “tacky publicity”.
Wine, who has three wives, was remaining defiant, despite calls to ban his performances in the UK.
He was reported to have told fans: “I know people will be opposed to me, and I’ve been banned from other countries because of my ideology of fighting gay people. “I’m proud to be fighting for the family and the culture. “Uganda does not support or allow gay people. “God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.”
Wine was to appear as part of a concert staged by Ugandan drama and music troupe, The Ebonies.
The Drum stressed its management were unaware of the controversial rapper’s views or even that he was among the line-up when the gig was arranged. “They just hired the space,” a spokesman said.
Mr Small said he had now received assurances the 32-year-old, who described himself as a role model for Uganda’s underprivileged, would not be part of the show.
He added: “The Drum will not tolerate or condone any homophobic sentiments and lyrics at any time.
“And if an artist or individual was found to be in breach of our rules while on stage or in the building the show or performance would be terminated and persons ejected from the building.”
Mr Small said he was awaiting a further guarantee the show would be free of anti-gay content.
Source: Birminghammail
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