Sizzla Kalonji

http://www.myspace.com/sizzlakalonji


When the name Sizzla Kalonji is mentioned in Reggae circles, it provokes an extreme response in all those present. Indeed, all who are not present but are familiar with Sizzla's prolific work nonetheless would be equally subject to that said extreme response if they should be present. That is the mark of a truly innovative individual whose name will undoubtedly stand the test of time due to the fact that the responses evoked by Sizzla's name and his music are of no consequence. The sole fact that the responses are extreme is the only issue at hand because that in itself signifies Sizzla's power to affect the reggae loving masses positively or negatively in a very potent way. Even those who are turned off by his message will have to admit that Sizzla is truly a gifted artist at the very least.  On the other hand, those who are positively inspired by his music will claim that he is the "King of Reggae."

 

Controversy

Kalonji was again the subject of controversy recently due to his refusal to bow to the demands of gay rights organizations worldwide, that he issue a formal apology for his anti-gay lyrics, as well as a pledge to cease from producing further anti-gay lyrics. This refusal has cost Kalonji literally millions of dollars in earnings due to hundreds of show cancellations in Europe and the U.S. Kalonji was also officially banned from England late last year. This was unbeknownst to him as when he arrived in England for a tour, he was refused entry at the airport by British Customs officials acting on orders from higher governmental powers.
Again this is another case of Kalonji holding firm to his principles especially in light of the fact that every other big name artiste who was subject to gay orchestrated economic retaliation issued formal apologies and signed agreements that stipulated that they would not sing any more anti-gay songs.
Sizzla has distinguished himself as a man of principle. As he says, "Mi nuh work fi career, vanity or money. The people mi work for." Kalonji's actions are a testament to his words. He lives by his words, even though he may be persecuted as a result. Conviction among artists in reggae is a quality that has been sorely missed, and it has become a throwback to the so-called "golden age" of reggae that occurred in the mid to late 70's.