condemning homosexuality.

But the Jamaican dancehall king also stressed in an interview with The Royal Gazette that he did not preach violence against any group.

And he said: "I believe in living the life of the Bible.'' Shabba, who was due to perform hours later at BAA gymnasium, was responding to recent reports that he advocated violence against gays.

The reports, which followed comments he made on the UK Channel Four's programme "The Word'', have caused controversy both locally and in the US.

And the biggest Jamaican star to hit the music scene since the death of the legendary Bob Marley has had several invitations, including one to appear on "The Tonight Show'', withdrawn.

But it was clear yesterday that the negative publicity had not dampened the spirit of the "ragamuffin'' reggae star nor his fans.

Thousands of $45 tickets to last night's concert were purchased since going on sale last month.

Such was the demand that concert promoter Mr. Choy Aming reduced tickets for those 10 years-old and younger to $25.

And Shabba said his audience would get their money's worth.

"I'll be just jammin','' he said. "It's going to be breathtaking. I will give them what they are waiting for.'' Shabba, who was born Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon on January 17, 1966, in Sturgetown -- a poor, rugged neighbourhood in St. Ann's Parish, Jamaica, said his songs carried a message for all.

While he has been criticised for the lyrics in some of his songs, Shabba said if people listened carefully to all of the lyrics they would know that he promoted education, love, and "protective'' sex.

"My message for 1993 is protective sex,'' he stressed. "It's best for prevention rather than abortion.'' The God-fearing entertainer also said he was against drugs because they robbed one of pride.

However, he admitted, he enjoyed "herb''.

"It is not a drug like those man-made chemicals and concoctions that damage the mind.'' Asked if he had a particular message for the young people of Bermuda, Shabba said: "The biggest thing that anyone should invest in and care for with all their might is education.

"Don't play a fool, go to school. You can drink the water and still thirst and I know life hurts, but education is first.'' Shabba, who was due to leave the Island today for Nassau, Bahamas, said he would return to Bermuda as long as he was welcome.

He is due to embark on a gruelling tour of Africa, Europe and Japan this summer.

UP FRONT -- Jamaican reggae star Shabba Ranks, who performed at BAA Field last night, speaks his mind during a press conference yesterday afternoon. (See story this page).