Sizzla Controversy

Miguel Orlando Collins, popularly known as Sizzla Kalonji, is a reggae artist from August Town in Kingston, Jamaica. Before emerging in the latter part of the nineties as one of the prolific leaders for conscious dancehall movement, Sizzla worked as a singer on the Caveman Hi-Fi sound system. 

During that time, he joined other artists such as Capleton and Buju Banton, by producing music with strong Rastafarian content to help bring back the spiritual and musical aspects of roots reggae to the dancehall. Although Sizzla is a member of the Bobo Ashanti camp, he often released songs with controversial lyrics which seem particularly aggressive towards White Oppressors and Homosexuals.

Sizzla’s spiritual lyrics and energetic sing jay style helped him to earn a name in the music industry, starting with his debut album (Burning Up) in 1995. The follow up album in 1997 called Black Woman & Child earned him international fame and nominations for the MOBO award in 1998 and a place in numerous top magazines for albums in the top 100 category. 

During these years, Sizzla was working with producer Phillip Burrell and touring with reggae artist Luciano and others. From 1995, Sizzla has managed to release more than 60 albums and hundreds of singles. Even though fans complain that certain songs were of mediocre quality, he has managed to produce good quality albums over and over again to surprise listeners.

Sizzla lyrics stirred controversy in many ways, especially after the year 2000. For one, many Gay rights organisations and European listeners were offended by some of his homophobic lyrics. Then, there was a falling out with fellow Rastafarian artist like Luciano as his songs had explicit descriptions of strong sexual issues and he was reportedly portraying an extravagant lifestyle. Sizzla was also having problems in the Bobo Ashanti camp, as the elders distanced themselves from his lifestyle and music repeatedly.

Sizzla earned a homophobia reputation worldwide because of the anti-gay contents in many songs, which frequently share the views of the radical Bobo Ashanti group. Sizzla’s refusal to give in to the demands of many organisations which supports gay rights led to the cancellations of numerous international shows. The demands involve issuing a formal apology for the anti-gay lyrics and signing an agreement to stop producing more songs with anti-gay lyrics. Sizzla lost millions of dollars because hundreds of concerts were cancelled in the US and Europe.

In 2004, Sizzla was banned from the United Kingdom so he could not perform in several concerts. During that time, an extensive investigation was done to check the lyrics of songs from many reggae artists including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, and Elephant Man due to complaints from a LGBT rights group in Britain called OutRage!. Although it was suspected, there was no confirmation that Sizzla’s songs were examined. 

The allegations from Outrage! was that some of the songs from Sizzla contained lyrics which promote violence against members of the LGBT group.

In 2004, Sizzla released a song called Nah Apologize and this created a bit of controversy among some gay leaders. In 2007, the Stop Murder Music Canada organisation protested strongly against Sizzla’s music and this led to the cancellations of concerts in Montreal and Toronto. 

While touring in 2008, he was prevented from finishing half of the tour as the Germans cancelled his visa and send him back to the US. Even so, Sizzla still stand his ground as he would use his freedom of speech and creative expressions to speak out against inequality whenever he sees it. After many protests from the public in 2009 & 2010, most of his concerts were cancelled in Germany.

Sizzla’s controversial songs are still hurting his performances in 2012, as public protests has led to the cancellations of concerts in places like Madrid Spain, Belgium, Ghent and Stockholm Sweden. After the show cancellations, a statement was issued by Kalonji Muzik to say that he accepts the laws of in the countries where he performs and is not trying to incite or invoke violence against any individual or group. In spite of some cancellations, Sizzla’ tour continued successful with sold out venues in more than sixteen other European cities. He continued to perform several anti-homosexual songs in 2012, including the Murder Dem track, at the St Mary Mi Come From show which is held annually in Annotto Bay.

Due to the controversies surrounding his music, any club that is hiring Sizzla must at least come to an agreement for him to cease from making comments or performing songs with lyrics which promotes hatred against LGBT people. Although such comments and songs are acceptable in certain countries such as Jamaica and some Caribbean and African countries, they are barred in Canada, U.S., the U.K. and certain places in Europe.

Despite the controversies surrounding his music, Sizzla has managed to maintain a strong presence in the reggae industry. In fact, his throaty and gruff singing style has become a trademark for the new generation of radical Rastafarian singers and DJs. Overall, Sizzla’s music is positive and his lyrics advocate compassion and faith for the poor black youths as well as respect for all women. Today, Sizzla is recognised as one of the most popular artists for conscious reggae music.