Notoriously anti-gay reggae artist Sizzla, a.k.a. Sizzla Kalonji, who is nonetheless one of the most prolific and popular contemporary reggae musicians in the world, was set to perform at SoMa nightclub 1015 Folsom on September 23 as part of his "Back in the USA" tour, until 1015's owner Ira Sandler decided to put a stop to it. Sandler tells Hoodline that the booking "slipped through the cracks" during a period in July after he had just suffered a heart attack and double bypass surgery. "I’m a very hands-on owner, and I always vet artists who are potentially controversial," he says, adding that 1015 has "had a long love affair with the LGBTQ community" and after Hoodline called out Sizzla's homophobic lyrics, "there was no hesitation in my heart to do the right thing and cancel this show."

Sizzla, who is from Jamaica, has produced 71 solo albums in his 20-year career and is known for "murder music," which is a strain of reggae music that openly encourages the killing of homosexuals. Other artists like Buju Banton and Bounty Killer are also known for writing in this genre. In particular, Sizzla's tracks "Murder Dem" and "Nah Apologize" have caused controversy around the world and gotten Sizzla's shows canceled in the UK, Canada, and elsewhere. In 2010, Sizzla traveled to perform in Zimbabwe, where he was apparently awarded with a plot of farmland by notoriously anti-gay dictator Robert Mugabe.

Sizzla's appearance in the Bay Area was first brought to the attention of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, who quickly campaigned to get the event at 1015 canceled after tickets went on sale last week. On Facebook, Sister Roma writes, "Props to Ira Sandler and 1015 for canceling this hate-filled, homophobic monster's concert," adding, "Sad part is, he's probably gay..."

Earlier this month, Sizzla headlined the Reggae on the River festival in Humboldt County, and efforts to remove him from that lineup were unsuccessful.

According to BandsInTown, Sizzla has shows confirmed in Santa Cruz on September 26, and at Petaluma's Mystic Theatre on September 27.

Back in 2009, similarly homophobic Rastafarian Buju Banton came to the Bay Area, and an appearance at the Rockit Room in the Richmond was met with protest. Banton had been known for his anti-gay lyrics dating back to his 1992 song "Boom Bye Bye."

The Miami New Times reports that Sizzla told fans his US work visa had been reinstated in July, after it had been revoked by the government back in 2008.

Ironically, Sizzla told the paper of his ongoing tour to expect "More love, peace, more vibrations, and unity. Expect the fans to turn out in numbers in the hundred thousands."