Spragga Benz, Buju Banton Use Prince Harry’s ‘Gun Gesture’ To Defend Antonio Watson
Dancehall artists Spragga Benz and Buju Banton have called out what they say are double standards in the criticism of Jamaican teen sprinter Antonio Watson after he gestured ‘gun fingers’ to celebrate a win during Champs at the National Stadium last Saturday.
According to the veteran Dancehall entertainers, Prince Harry was praised for his “jamaican-ness” instead of rebuked, when he was pictured doing the same gesture some ten years ago.
The ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys’ Athletics Championships Class One 200m winner, who gestured ‘gun fingers’ at his colleague upon crossing the finish line and subsequently imitated removing and arming another from his waist, was met with harsh criticism from sections of the Jamaican public and media for what was considered to be an “offensive” display given the crime situation on the island.
Though, the 18-year-old Petersfield High School national sprinter later penned a letter of apology for his behavior, and promised that moving forward he will “aspire to demonstrate positive behaviours and attitudes that will inspire countless young Jamaicans to strive for excellence and make our country a true beacon of what is good in this world,” he has continued to be topic of discussion.
Today, Dancehall artists Spragga Benz and Buju Banton have come to the young sprinter’s defense. This follows on the heels of sprint legend Usain Bolt and Dancehall singer Ce’cile calling the incident a ‘teachable moment’.
Benz and Banton took to Instagram, both sharing the old photo of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex playfully pointing ‘gun fingers’ at his cousin’s then-fiancé, Mike Tindall’s head, during a charity polo match in 2011.
Spragga’s post emphasized how the Jamaican media made light of the Prince’s jests back then but has now chastised young Watson for doing the same thing. On the photo he shared was written: “Remember when the Jamaican media highlighted his (Prince Harry’s) “Jamaican-ness” for this gesture? The same media condemning the Petersfield athlete. So it’s not the action that’s the problem, its who!”
Spragga followed up with the caption, “His Royal Badness 😂…wonder if a dancehall music him a listen😂,” to also address the recent claims that Dancehall music has a negative influence on society and has contributed to the country’s crime rate. His bold charge pulled endorsements from many, including fellow Dancehall celebs, Agent Sasco, Tanya Stephens and Foota Hype who responded, “Dem praise the slave masters and crucify the fellow slave when will it stop.”
Over on Banton’s Instagram page, he also shared the same photo of Prince Harry and wrote, “Hypocrites”.
Buju followed up in the comments with, “Weep you haters of truth. No lies can prosper,” to also call out those who have condemned the high school sprinter for what was his innocuous celebrated victory.
Gargamel continued, “And the shills are loose wow how truth hurts. A picture really speaks???”
The very outspoken Destiny singer, who is a frequent mouthpiece for what he considers are injustices in society, pointed out how quick a nation is to turn against their own but support others for their fame and celebrity. “U bunch of pagan i stand up with my own Not your prince Sorry,” he added.
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In their career-related quests, Buju recently appeared on music producer DJ Khaled’s album, Khaled Khaled on the single, Where We Come From that also features Capleton, Bounty Killer, and Barrington Levy.
Meanwhile, Spragga is again venturing into the movie business after he revealed back in March that he and Ky-mani Marley are working on a Top Shottas TV series. Both artists appeared in the original film in 2002. The Machine Gun Kelly deejay also announced last month that he and popular Dancehall selector Tony Matterhorn are working on a new movie called Second Chance.