The Wire

Think of reggae music and the sound of the struggle against oppression comes to mind – and of course the lively rhythms. Well, the lively rhythms are still there, but nowadays it’s just as likely the lyrical content will be misogynistic and homophobic. Artists like Sizzla are definitely in the minority, but they are gaining an audience both in Jamaica and overseas. Their impact is significant enough that gay-rights activists in Britain have successfully lobbied to have Sizzla’s tour banned. Neil Smart spoke to long time gay-rights activist Peter Tatchel about the new breed of reggae music and about their campaign to have Sizzla banned from Britain