controversial Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton to Bermuda for a concert.

It was Banton's anti-homosexual recording "Boom Bye Bye'' which award-winning reggae artist Shabba Ranks publicly endorsed, sparking international controversy earlier this year.

The song openly advocated killing homosexuals.

Ranks was banned from several television shows, but allowed into Bermuda for a spring concert performance amid much protest.

Acting Immigration Minister the Hon. Mike Winfield said yesterday that a work permit application had not yet been sought for the dancehall artist.

But if one was, he said, "I have asked that the Ministry be notified immediately. I do not want to prejudice the application, but it will get close scrutiny.'' TOC Productions, together with another local entertainment company, are proposing to bring the singer to the Island for an August 20 and 21 "reggae sunsplash''.

But TOC spokesman Mr. Shawn Perott admitted he was wary of being unable to secure a venue for the concert if he hired Banton. He was hoping to use the National Stadium.

In order to perform here, Banton must have Immigration permission. He has played in Bermuda before, at Dockyard last November before all the controversy erupted.

Mr. Perott said "it's no big deal'' if Banton was denied a work permit, because there were several other "big names'' in the line-up of performers.

All the artists except Banton were booked for the concert, he said.