Reggae Star Sizzla Jailed in Jamaica for Profanity
Wed Feb 2, 2005 06:37 PM ET
KINGSTON, Jamaica (Reuters) - Jamaican reggae star Sizzla, already controversial because of his lyrics attacking gays, was sent to prison for two weeks on Wednesday after being convicted of using profane language.
Sizzla, whose real name is Miguel Collins, was told to serve 15 days in prison by a magistrate who said that he was determined to stop artists and entertainers from using profanity.
Sizzla was charged with using expletives on stage under the Town and Community Act, a British colonial-era public order law that prohibits indecent dress or expression.
Sizzla was arrested at the end of a reggae show in the eastern parish of St. Thomas on Jan. 2. Police said that he consistently used foul language during a performance on stage, despite being warned against it.
Sizzla has had several brushes with the law over his use of profanity and, like other Jamaican reggae artists Beenie Man, Buju Banton and Shabba Ranks, has become a controversial figure because of anti-gay lyrics.
In November, Sizzla had to cancel a concert in Britain after protests by gay rights groups who said his lyrics appeared to incite the killing of homosexuals.
Many Jamaican entertainers have been hauled before the courts for use of profanity in recent years. But they usually get away with a verbal warning, a suspended sentence or a sentence to do community service.