Pop venue the Melkweg in Amsterdam has cancelled a concert by Jamaican reggae singer Sizzla because he sang anti-gay songs at a festival.

Sizzla (37) was due to appear at the Melkweg on March 16, but the invitation was withdrawn on Monday after a member of staff discovered footage of a festival in Jamaica where Sizzla’s songs included anti-gay text.

Sizzla, who says he bases his song text on the Bible, defends his use of anti-gay text by citing freedom of speech. However, in 2007 he did sign a document distancing himself from earlier anti-gay comments.

The Melkweg has not yet had a reaction from the singer, but the Jamaican festival has said he is no longer welcome.

Tickets for the Sizzla concert will be refunded.