Reggae artist Buju Banton has returned to Tampa, but not to put on another concert. Federal authorities arrested the performer famous for his anti-gay lyrics after he allegedly tried to buy five kilograms of cocaine in Sarasota.
According to reports, on Dec. 8, Drug Enforcement Administration special agents set up a sting where they observed Banton inspect the cocaine offered by an undercover officer during negotiations. Two days later associates of Banton made the purchase and were arrested.
Banton faces a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. He is being charged in Tampa federal court.
After he was cancelled by several venues in Tampa Bay, the Cuban Club booked the controversial performer, who’s song Boom Bye Bye advocates murdering gay men. He has also been affiliated with several attacks on gay men in his native Jamaica.
After the booking, a large-scale e-mail and telephone protest of the club was spearheaded by the GaYbor District Coalition, Equality Florida and Pride Tampa Bay.
Despite the protest, the concert proceeded with an amendment to the contract forbidding Banton from performing the song at the show.
