Church ministers protest ahead of Nelly gig

Ministers from 20 churches in the US state of Arkansas have banded together to protest at rapper Nelly’s upcoming performance at the state’s university.

“When we started seeing some of the vile and filthy lyrics … we thought we should get involved,” said the Rev. Adrian Rodgers of the Fullness of Joy Church. ”Jonesboro is a wonderful city because of what does not come here.”

Rodgers said he was concerned about lyrics that include references to drugs, sex and violence and songs that Rodgers says are demeaning to women. He and the other pastors urged area residents not to buy tickets to the March 12 concert because they are worried that bringing such acts to Jonesboro would lead to problems.

“Tear the tickets up,” Rodgers said. “Do not go and do not allow your children to go.”

Tim Dean, director of Arkansas State University’s Convocation Centre, where the concert is to be held, said ticket sales have been brisk.

“It would appear that with ticket sales over 5,000, many others have expressed their right and find Nelly’s music entertaining and worth spending their time and money on,” Dean said.

The ministers said that even if they don’t stop Nelly from coming to town, they hope their protests will prevent other rappers from scheduling shows in Jonesboro.