Editing Buju Banton

{{Short description|Jamaican dancehall, ragga, and reggae singer (born 1973)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Use Jamaican English|date=March 2012}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name            = Buju Banton
| image           = Buju Banton at Ilosaarirock, Joensuu, July 2006.jpg
| caption         = Banton in 2006
| birth_name      = Mark Anthony Myrie
| alias           = Gargamel
| birth_date      = {{birth date and age|1973|7|15|df=yes}}
| birth_place     = [[Kingston, Jamaica|Kingston]], Jamaica
| origin          =
| genre           = {{hlist|[[Dancehall]]|[[roots reggae]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/buju-banton-mn0000939187|title = Buju Banton Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More|website = [[AllMusic]]}}</ref>}}
| occupations     = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter}}
| years_active    = {{flatlist|
* 1987–2011
* 2018–present
}}
| label           = {{hlist|Techniques|[[Penthouse Records|Penthouse]]|[[Mercury Records|Mercury]]|[[PolyGram]]|Loose Cannon|[[Island Records|Island]]|[[VP Records|VP]]|Gargamel Music|[[Roc Nation]]}}
| associated_acts = {{hlist|[[Wayne Wonder]]|[[Beres Hammond]]}}
| website         = 
}}
'''Mark Anthony Myrie''' (born 15 July 1973),<ref name="Larkin">Larkin, Colin (1998) "The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae", Virgin Books, {{ISBN|0-7535-0242-9}}</ref> known professionally as '''Buju Banton''', is a Jamaican [[dancehall]], [[ragga]], and [[reggae]] singer. He is one of the most significant and well-regarded artists in [[Music of Jamaica|Jamaican music]].<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news|last1=MacLeod |first1=Erin |title='Man is a king': controversial star Buju Banton comes home to Jamaica |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/dec/07/buju-banton-return-jamaica-long-walk-to-freedom-tour |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=26 February 2019 |date=7 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="CNN">{{cite web |last1=Karmini |first1=Faith |title=Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton released from US prison |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/09/entertainment/buju-banton-released-from-prison/index.html |website=Cnn.com|access-date=26 February 2019 |date=9 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="MNT">{{cite news|last1=Iannelli |first1=Jerry |title=Reggae star Buju Banton released from prison after Florida drug case |url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/reggae-star-buju-banton-released-from-prison-10945723 |newspaper=[[Miami New Times]] |access-date=26 February 2019 |date=7 December 2018}}</ref> Banton has collaborated with many international artists, including those in the [[Hip hop music|hip hop]], [[Latin music|Latin]] and [[punk rock]] genres, as well as the sons of [[Bob Marley]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bujubanton.com/biography/|title=Biography|date=7 May 2018|website=Bujubanton.com|language=en-US|access-date=17 December 2018|archive-date=26 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826063804/https://bujubanton.com/biography/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Banton released a number of dancehall singles as early as 1987 but came to prominence in 1992 with two albums, ''[[Stamina Daddy]]'' and ''[[Mr. Mention]]'', the latter becoming the best-selling album in Jamaican history upon its release.<ref name=billboard>{{cite web |last1=Meschino |first1=Patricia |title=Buju Banton to Return With The Long Walk to Freedom Concert In 2019 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8490821/buju-banton-long-walk-to-freedom-concert-2019 |website=Billboard.com |access-date=26 February 2019 |date=18 December 2018}}</ref> That year he also broke the record for No. 1 singles in [[Jamaica]], previously held by [[Bob Marley and the Wailers]].<ref name="SFGate">{{cite web |last1=Arnold |first1=Erik K. |title=Reggae star as lightning rod |url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Reggae-star-as-lightning-rod-Anti-gay-lyrics-of-2468707.php |website=SFGate.com |publisher=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=26 February 2019 |date=6 October 2006}}</ref> He signed with the major label [[Mercury Records]] and released ''[[Voice of Jamaica]]'' in 1993. By the mid-1990s, Banton's music became more influenced by his [[Rastafari]] faith, as heard on the seminal albums ''[['Til Shiloh]]'' and ''[[Inna Heights]]''.

In 2009, he was arrested for cocaine trafficking charges in the United States, his first trial resulting in a hung jury. His 2010 album ''[[Before the Dawn (Buju Banton album)|Before the Dawn]]'' won a [[Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album]] at the [[53rd Annual Grammy Awards]]. In 2011, he was convicted on the aforementioned criminal charge and was imprisoned in the U.S. until December 2018, whereupon he was released, and deported<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://caribbeantoday.com/caribbean-news/local-news/item/21148-buju-banton-to-be-deported-back-to-jamaica-in-2019.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523034522/http://caribbeantoday.com/caribbean-news/local-news/item/21148-buju-banton-to-be-deported-back-to-jamaica-in-2019.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 May 2015|title=Buju Banton To Be Deported Back To Jamaica In 2019|website=Caribbeantoday.com}}</ref> to Jamaica.

==Biography==
===Background===
Buju Banton was born in [[Kingston, Jamaica|Kingston]], Jamaica, in an area known as Barbican Road, Kingston 8. Buju is a nickname given to him by his mother as a child. ''Banton'' is a Jamaican word that refers to someone who is a respected storyteller, and it was adopted by Myrie in tribute to the [[Deejay (Jamaican)|deejay]] [[Burro Banton]], whom he admired as a child.<ref name="Thompson">Thompson, Dave (2002) "Reggae & Caribbean Music", Backbeat Books, {{ISBN|0-87930-655-6}}</ref> Buju emulated Burro's rough vocals and forceful delivery, developing his own distinctive style. Buju's mother was a [[higgler]], or street vendor, while his father worked as a labourer at a tile factory. He was the youngest of fifteen children born into a family that was directly descended from the [[maroon (people)|Maroons]] of Jamaica. In August 2024, Banton said he had traced his origin to the [[Igbo people in Jamaica|Igbo people]] according to his bloodline. Igbo is an ethnic group predominantly found in [[Igbo people|Nigeria]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Itodo |first=Sunny Green |date=2024-08-18 |title='I am an Igbo man' - Jamaican reggae legend, Buju Banton reveals |url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/08/18/i-am-an-igbo-man-jamaican-reggae-legend-buju-banton-reveals/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}</ref> Singer Sean Kingston allege that Banton is his uncle, but that story is yet to be proven true.

Banton has homes in Jamaica and [[Tamarac, Florida]] (United States).<ref>"[http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/960784/buju-banton-pleads-not-guilty-to-drug-charge Buju Banton Pleads Not Guilty To Drug Charge]", billboard.com, 8 January 2010. Retrieved 31 August 2013</ref><ref>Walker, Karyl (2010) "[http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-stands-alone_7967273 'Buju' stands alone] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219021757/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-stands-alone_7967273 |date=19 December 2013 }}", ''[[Jamaica Observer]]'', 16 September 2010. Retrieved 31 August 2013</ref> He also has 17 children.<ref>[https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/entertainment/20181211/buju-banton-father-and-comedian Buju Banton, Father & Comedian]</ref>

===Early career===
As a youngster, Banton would often watch his favourite artists perform at outdoor shows and local dancehalls in [[Denham Town]]. At the age of 12, he picked up the microphone for himself and began [[Deejay (Jamaican)|toasting]] under the moniker of Gargamel, working with the Sweet Love and Rambo Mango [[Sound system (Jamaican)|sound systems]].<ref name="Thompson" /> In 1986, he was introduced to producer [[Robert Ffrench]] by fellow deejay Clement Irie, and his first single, "The Ruler" was released not long afterward in 1987.<ref name="Thompson" /> This led to recording sessions with producers such as Patrick Roberts, [[Bunny Lee]], [[Winston Riley]], and Digital B.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

===1990s===
In 1991, Banton joined [[Donovan Germain]]'s [[Penthouse Records]] label and began a fruitful partnership with producer [[Dave Kelly (producer)|Dave Kelly]] who later launched his own "[[Madhouse Records (Jamaican record label)|Madhouse Records]]" label.<ref name="Thompson" /> Banton is one of the most popular musicians in [[History of Jamaica|Jamaican history]], having major chart success in 1992, with "Bogle" and "Love me [[Jamaican Patois|Browning]]", both massive hits in Jamaica. Controversy erupted over "Love Me Browning" which spoke of Banton's penchant for lighter-skinned black women: "Mi love my car mi love my bike mi love mi money and ting, but most of all mi love mi browning." Some accused Banton of denigrating the beauty of darker-skinned black women. In response, he released "Love Black Woman", which spoke of his love for dark-skinned beauties: "Mi nuh Stop cry, fi all black women, respect all the girls dem with dark complexion".<ref name="Barrow">Barrow, Steve & Dalton, Peter (2004) "The Rough Guide to Reggae, 3rd edn.", Rough Guides, {{ISBN|1-84353-329-4}}</ref> 1992 was an explosive year for Banton as he broke [[Bob Marley]]'s record for the greatest number of #1 singles in a year. Banton's gruff voice dominated the Jamaican airwaves for the duration of the year. His debut album, ''[[Mr. Mention]]'', includes many of his greatest hits from that year including "Bonafide Love" featuring Wayne Wonder, the singer who first brought Banton out as a guest star on the annual Jamaican stage show Sting.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

1992 also saw the unsanctioned re-release of "Boom Bye Bye", a controversial song recorded several years earlier in 1988 when the artist was 15 years old, which resulted in a backlash that threatened to destroy his career.<ref name="Thompson" /> Several years later, the song would later become the subject of outrage in the United States and Europe, leading to Banton being dropped from the line-up of the [[World of Music, Arts and Dance|WOMAD]] festival as well as numerous other scheduled performances.<ref name="Thompson" /> Banton subsequently issued a public apology.<ref name="Thompson" />

Now on the major [[Mercury Records|Mercury]]/[[PolyGram]] label, Banton released the hard-hitting ''[[Voice of Jamaica]]'' in 1993. The album included a number of conscious tracks. These tracks included "Deportees", a song which criticises those Jamaicans who went abroad but never sent money home; "Tribal War" a collaboration with [[Tony Rebel]], [[Brian and Tony Gold|Brian & Tony Gold]], and Terry Ganzie, a sharp condemnation of political violence that interpolates [[Little Roy]]'s classic reggae song of the same name; and "Willy, Don't Be Silly", which promotes [[safe sex]] and the use of contraceptives, particularly the condom, profits from which were donated to a charity supporting children with [[HIV/AIDS|AIDS]].<ref name="Thompson" /> Banton was invited to meet Jamaican Prime Minister [[P. J. Patterson]], and won several awards that year at the Caribbean Music Awards and the Canadian Music Awards.<ref name="Thompson" />

Some of Banton's lyrics dealt with violent themes, which he explained as reflecting the images that young Jamaicans were presented with by the news media. The reality of Kingston's violence was brought home in 1993 by the murders in separate incidents of three of his friends and fellow recording artists, the deejays [[Pan Head]] and Dirtsman and singer Mickey Simpson.<ref name="Thompson" /> His response was the single "Murderer", which condemned gun violence, going against the flow of the prevailing lyrical content in dancehall. The song inspired several clubs to stop playing songs with the excessively violent subject matter. Late in 1994, Banton was also affected by the death of his friend [[Garnett Silk]]. Banton's transformation continued, as he embraced the [[Rastafari movement]] and began growing dreadlocks. His performances and musical releases took on a  more spiritual tone. Banton toured Europe and Japan, playing sold-out shows.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

''[['Til Shiloh]]'' (1995) was a very influential album, incorporating live instrumentation as well as digital rhythms, and incorporating the sounds of roots reggae along with the harder-edged dancehall sounds that first made Banton famous. The artist was embracing his Rastafari faith and his new album reflected these beliefs. ''Til Shiloh'' successfully blended conscious lyrics with a hard-hitting dancehall vibe. The album included earlier singles such as "Murderer" along with "Wanna Be Loved" and "[[Untold Stories (Buju Banton song)|Untold Stories]]". In 1996, Banton contributed "Wanna Be Loved (Desea ser Amado)" along with [[Los Pericos]] to the [[Red Hot Organization]]'s album ''[[Silencio=Muerte: Red Hot + Latin]]'' for the [[Red Hot Benefit Series]]. This series raises money to increase AIDS awareness.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

That same year, Banton took control of his business by establishing his own Gargamel Music label, releasing the popular single "Love Sponge" on vinyl in Jamaica and overseas. In years to come, Gargamel would expand into an outlet for Banton's own productions.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

''[[Inna Heights]]'' (1997) substantially increased Banton's international audience as he explored his singing ability and recorded a number of [[roots reggae|roots]]-tinged tracks, including the hugely popular "Destiny" and "Hills and Valleys". The album also included collaborations with artists such as [[Beres Hammond]] and the legendary [[Toots Hibbert]]. The album was well received by fans at the time and critics praised Banton's soaring vocals. The album has aged well and remains a highly regarded work over 20 years after its release. In 1998, Banton met the [[Punk rock|punk]] band [[Rancid (band)|Rancid]] and recorded three tracks with them: "No More Misty Days", "Hooligans" and "Life Won't Wait". The latter became the title track of Rancid's 1998 album ''[[Life Won't Wait]]''.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

===2000s===
[[File:Buju Banton (Apollo theater, 2007).jpg|thumb|right|150px|Buju Banton performing in 2007]]
Banton signed with [[Anti- (record label)|Anti- Records]], a subsidiary of [[Brett Gurewitz]]'s [[Epitaph Records]], and released ''[[Unchained Spirit]]'' in 2000.<ref name="Moskowitz">Moskowitz, David V. (2006) ''Caribbean Popular Music: an Encyclopedia of Reggae, Mento, Ska, Rock Steady, and Dancehall'', Greenwood Press, {{ISBN|0-313-33158-8}}, p.20</ref> The album showcased diverse musical styles, and featured guest appearances by [[Luciano (singer)|Luciano]], [[Morgan Heritage]], [[Stephen Marley (musician)|Stephen Marley]], and [[Rancid (band)|Rancid]]. It carried little of the roots feel heard on ''Til Shiloh'' and virtually none of the hardcore dancehall sound which had brought him to public acclaim early in his career.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

Several singles followed in the start of the new decade, which was perceived as more mellow and introspective, as opposed to the dancehall approach of his early career. In March 2003, Banton released ''[[Friends for Life (Buju Banton album)|Friends for Life]]'', which featured more sharply political songs, including "Mr. Nine", an anti-gun song that was a hit in Jamaica's dancehalls as well as internationally.<ref>Spaulding, Gary. [http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091213/lead/lead2.html Buju's colourful career] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225135619/http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091213/lead/lead2.html |date=25 February 2011 }}. ''Jamaica Gleaner''.  13 December 2009. Retrieved 28 February 2011.</ref> The album focused on political messages regarding the [[African diaspora]], featuring excerpts from a speech made by [[Marcus Garvey]]. "Paid Not Played", also featured on the album, displayed a gradual return to the themes more popular in dancehall. The album also featured some [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] influence with the inclusion of rapper [[Fat Joe]].{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

2006 saw the release of the ''[[Too Bad (album)|Too Bad]]'', an album that was more dancehall-oriented in style. One of the slower tracks from the album, "Driver A", went on to become a major hit, while at the same time reviving [[Sly and Robbie]]'s "Taxi" [[riddim]]. Banton performed at the [[2007 Cricket World Cup]] Opening Ceremony with [[Third World (band)|Third World]] and [[Beres Hammond]]. The album ''Rasta Got Soul'' was released in 2009. Produced by Banton, with contributions from longtime collaborators [[Donovan Germain]], Stephen Marsden and [[Wyclef Jean]], ''Rasta Got Soul'' was a 100% roots reggae album recorded over a seven-year period before its release. It went on to earn Banton his fourth Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album in 2010.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

[[File:Buju Banton mug shot.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Mug shot of Banton taken shortly after his arrest]]
In December 2009, [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] agents remanded Banton to custody in Miami, where the U.S. Attorney charged him with conspiracy to distribute and possession of more than five kilograms of [[cocaine]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/reggae-star-buju-banton-arrested-for-5-kilo-cocaine-buy-say-feds/ |title=Reggae Star Buju Banton Arrested for 5-Kilo Cocaine Buy, Say Feds |author=Katz, Neil |date=14 December 2009 |work=CBSNews.com |access-date=9 July 2011}}</ref> Banton was then moved to the [[Pinellas County Sheriff's Office|Pinellas County Jail]] where he remained until trial.
A six-day trial in [[Tampa, Florida]] was declared a [[mistrial]] on 27 September 2010, after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision.<ref name=Hutcheson>{{cite web |url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/article1124448.ece |title=Mistrial declared in drug conspiracy case against reggae star Buju Banton |author=Hutcheson, Nicole |date=28 September 2010 |work=St. Petersburg Times |publisher=TampaBay.com |access-date=9 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001193544/http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/article1124448.ece |archive-date=1 October 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> During the trial, audio recordings were presented of Banton and a drug-dealer-turned-[[informant|government-informant]] discussing drugs, drug prices and smuggling. Banton was also seen on a video recording meeting the informant in a police-controlled warehouse tasting cocaine from a kilogram bag.<ref name=Hutcheson /> The informant was reportedly paid $50,000 for his work on the case.<ref name=Hutcheson />
The singer was released that November on bond.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jamaicanewsbulletin.com/arts-a-living-mainmenu-78/62-entertainment/2664-buju-banton-released-from-jail.html/ |title=Buju Banton Released From Jail |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924145150/http://www.jamaicanewsbulletin.com/arts-a-living-mainmenu-78/62-entertainment/2664-buju-banton-released-from-jail.html/ |archive-date=24 September 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

He was allowed to perform one concert between trials, which was held on 16 January 2011 to a sold-out crowd in Miami.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/crossfade/2011/01/last_night_buju_banton_and_fri.php |title=Buju Banton and Friends Concert at Bayfront Park Amphitheather, January 16 |author=Park, Esther |date=17 January 2011 |work=Miami New Times |access-date=9 July 2011}}</ref> A few weeks after the performance, he was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bujubanton.com/biography/|title=Biography - Buju Banton|date=7 May 2018|work=Buju Banton|access-date=9 July 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=26 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826063804/https://bujubanton.com/biography/|url-status=dead}}</ref> but was not allowed to attend the ceremony.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

===2010s===
On 13 February 2011, one day before the scheduled start of his second court trial in [[Tampa, Florida]], Banton's ''Before the Dawn'' album was announced as the winner of Best Reggae Album at the [[53rd Annual Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-to-be-re-indicted-before-grand-jury |title=Buju to be re-indicted before grand jury – News |publisher=JamaicaObserver.com |date=29 September 2010 |access-date=19 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628183549/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-to-be-re-indicted-before-grand-jury |archive-date=28 June 2011}}</ref>

On 22 February 2011, Banton was found guilty of [[Conspiracy (criminal)|conspiracy]] to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense and using communication wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offense. He was found not guilty on the charge of attempted possession of five kilograms or more of cocaine.<ref name=guilty>Luton, Daraine. [http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110223/lead/lead1.html Destiny – Buju Banton found guilty – Sentencing date to be determined]. ''Jamaica Gleaner''. Retrieved 23 February 2011.</ref> Four months later, he was sentenced to ten years and one month in a federal prison for the cocaine trafficking conviction.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/23/2280320/reggae-star-buju-banton-faces.html |title=Reggae star Buju Banton gets 10 years in drug case |last=Stacy |first=Mitch |date=23 June 2011 |work=Miami Herald |access-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> His sentencing on a related firearms conviction (despite the fact that Banton was never found with a gun) was scheduled for 30 October 2012, and then postponed on his lawyer's request for an investigation of possible juror misconduct.<ref>{{cite web |last=Henry|first=Paul|title=Buju sentencing postponed|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Buju-sentencing-postponed|work=JamaicaObserver.com|access-date=11 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102073548/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Buju-sentencing-postponed|archive-date=2 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the fact that a juror was found guilty of misconduct,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/buju-banton-juror-guilty-of-misconduct|title=Buju Banton juror guilty of misconduct|last=FOX|work=FOX13news|access-date=9 July 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> Banton waived his right to an appeal. On 14 May 2015, federal prosecutors agreed to drop the firearms charge.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Prosecutors-drop-firearms-charge-against-Buju-Banton |title=Prosecutors Drop Firearms Charges Against Buju Banton |date=14 May 2015 |work=Jamaica Observer |access-date=15 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517231924/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Prosecutors-drop-firearms-charge-against-Buju-Banton |archive-date=17 May 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Banton was released on 7 December 2018 from [[McRae Correctional Institution]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.tampabay.com/breaking-news/reggae-star-buju-banton-convicted-in-tampa-freed-from-prison-20181207/|title=Convicted in Tampa, Reggae star Buju Banton freed from prison|newspaper=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref>

Upon his release from prison in the United States in December 2018, Banton started The Long Walk to Freedom tour and performed his first concert at [[Independence Park (Jamaica)|National Stadium]] in Kingston, Jamaica in March 2019; the concert attracted over 30,000 people.<ref name="billboard" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://jamaicans.com/buju-banton-enters-into-partnership-with-jay-zs-firm-roc-nation/|title=Buju Banton Enters into Partnership with Jay-Z's Firm Roc Nation|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=12 December 2019|website=Jamaicans.com|language=en-US|access-date=13 December 2019}}</ref> During his tour, he continued putting out new music and new singles including "Bagga Mouth", "False Pretense", and "Country for Sale".<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/buju-banton-roc-nation-steppa-video-915302/|title=Buju Banton Unveils 'Steppa' Video Alongside New Roc Nation Partnership|last=Leight|first=Elias|date=22 November 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=13 December 2019}}</ref>

In May 2019, Banton released "Country for Sale"; the song topped the iTunes Reggae Chart within minutes after the announcement of its release. The song was recorded at the Gargamel Music Studio, Donovan Germain's own recording studio in the Corporate Area. On 12 November of the same year, he released his first official music video entitled “Trust”. The video marked the first anniversary of Banton's release from prison and was produced in collaboration with [[Dave Kelly (producer)|Dave Kelly]] and directed by Kieran Khan. The track peaked at number one on the ''Billboard'' Reggae Digital Song Sales chart.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancehallmag.com/2019/12/06/music/buju-banton-drops-official-video-for-trust.html|title=Buju Banton Drops Official Video For "Trust"|date=6 December 2019|website=DancehallMag|language=en-US|access-date=13 December 2019}}</ref>

Banton announced his partnership with [[Jay-Z]]'s [[Roc Nation]] in November of that year, becoming the second Jamaican reggae artist be represented by the agency, which coincided with the release of his music video "Steppa". He also announced that [[Island Records]] will be the distributor of the collaboration's new music.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.53569/title.reggae-legend-buju-banton-partners-with-jay-zs-roc-nation|title=Reggae Legend Buju Banton Partners With JAY-Z's Roc Nation|date=23 November 2019|website=HipHopDX|access-date=13 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2019/11/buju-banton-partners-with-roc-nation-releases-steppa-video|title=Buju Banton Partners With Roc Nation, Releases 'Steppa' Video|date=22 November 2019|website=Vibe|language=en|access-date=13 December 2019}}</ref>

===2020s===
In January 2020, Banton was featured on the [[Bad Boys for Life (soundtrack)|''Bad Boys for Life'' soundtrack]], which was produced by [[DJ Khaled]]. His song titled "Murda She Wrote" was a nod to the 1992 dancehall classic "[[Murder She Wrote (song)|Murder She Wrote]]" by Jamaican reggae duo [[Chaka Demus & Pliers]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancehallmag.com/2020/01/17/music/buju-banton-releases-murda-she-wrote-featured-on-bad-boys-for-life-soundtrack.html|title=Buju Banton Releases 'Murda She Wrote' Featured On 'Bad Boys For Life' Soundtrack|date=17 January 2020|website=DancehallMag|language=en-US|access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref>

On 29 February 2020, Banton produced the "Steppaz Riddim" under this own Gargamel Music label. The [[riddim]], released under [[Roc Nation]], featured 11 tracks and included contributions from Vershon, [[Delly Ranx]], [[Assassin (deejay)|Agent Sasco]], Bling Dawg and General B.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancehallmag.com/2020/02/29/music/buju-bantons-releases-new-steppaz-riddim.html|title=Buju Banton Releases New 'Steppaz' Riddim|date=29 February 2020|website=DancehallMag|language=en-US|access-date=1 March 2020}}</ref> Banton released his 13th studio album and his first in a decade, ''[[Upside Down 2020]]'' on 26 June 2020. The album includes guest appearances from [[John Legend]], [[Pharrell Williams|Pharrell]], [[Stefflon Don]] and [[Stephen Marley (musician)|Stephen Marley]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |title=Buju Banton Readies New Album 'Upside Down 2020', First LP in 10 Years |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/buju-banton-new-album-upside-down-2020-1014233/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=17 June 2020 |date=12 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-26|title=Buju Banton's New Album 'Upside Down 2020' Is Out Now|url=https://www.dancehallmag.com/2020/06/26/music/buju-bantons-new-album-upside-down-2020-is-out-now.html|access-date=2020-06-26|website=DancehallMag|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=1 May 2020|title=Buju Banton Teases His New Album 'Upside Down 2020'|url=https://www.dancehallmag.com/2020/05/01/news/buju-banton-teases-his-new-album-upside-down-2020.html|access-date=2 May 2020|website=DancehallMag|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=1 May 2020|title=UPSIDE DOWN 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k69P9Ol7Duo&feature=emb_title |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/k69P9Ol7Duo| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|access-date=2 May 2020|website=[[YouTube]]|language=en-US}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Banton appeared on the track "Believe What I Say" by [[Kanye West]], off his 2021 album ''[[Donda (album)|Donda]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-30|title=Buju Banton Is On Kanye West's Album After All|url=https://www.dancehallmag.com/2021/08/29/music/buju-banton-is-on-kanye-wests-album-after-all.html|access-date=2021-09-05|website=DancehallMag|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2021, Banton began a project releasing [[NFT]]'s. "Banton has teamed up with CrimsonTide Ltd. to create a collection of original [[NFT]] art pieces that will come in digital and autographed canvas pieces".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dancehallmag.com/2021/11/25/news/buju-banton-enters-nft-space-with-pure-love.html|title=Buju Banton Enters NFT Space With "Pure Love"|date=2021-11-25|website=DancehallMag|access-date=2022-11-28|language=en-US}}</ref> Banton became one of the first Jamaican artists to release an NFT. He also appeared on [[DJ Khaled]]'s album ''[[Khaled Khaled]]''. He appeared on the track "WHERE YOU COME FROM" along with [[Capleton]] and [[Bounty Killer]].{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

In 2022, Banton was featured on [[DJ Khaled]]'s album ''[[God Did]]''. He appeared on the track "These Streets Know My Name" along with [[Skillibeng]], [[Capleton]], [[Bounty Killer]], and [[Sizzla]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://genius.com/Dj-khaled-these-streets-know-my-name-lyrics | title=DJ Khaled (Ft. Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, Capleton, Sizzla & Skillibeng) – THESE STREETS KNOW MY NAME }}</ref>

Recently, Buju Banton has expressed criticism towards reggaetón, a genre that blends Latin rhythms with Jamaican dancehall and hip-hop influences, particularly for what he sees as a lack of recognition for the genre's Jamaican roots and the absence of collaborations between reggaetón artists and Jamaican musicians. However, in the past, he collaborated with Puerto Rican reggaetón artist Tego Calderón on the song 'Bad Man.'<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mallick |first=Dani |date=2024-08-10 |title=Buju Banton Blasts Reggaetón Over Alleged Theft: "These Guys Have Been Biting This Sh*t" |url=https://dancehallmag.com/2024/08/10/news/buju-banton-blasts-reggaeton-over-alleged-theft-these-guys-have-been-biting-this-sht.html |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=DancehallMag |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Anti-gay lyrics==
{{See also|LGBT rights in Jamaica}}
His song "Boom Bye Bye", which was originally recorded when he was 15 years old and later re-released in 1992 at the age of 19 contains lyrics depicting the murder of [[gay men]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Nelson |first=Leah |url=http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2010/winter/harmonies-of-hate |title=Jamaica's Anti-Gay 'Murder Music' Carries Violent Message &#124; Southern Poverty Law Center |publisher=Splcenter.org |access-date=19 February 2013}}</ref> After the re-release in 1992, Banton issued a public apology after receiving public backlash internationally.<ref name="Thompson"/> In 2009, gay-rights groups appealed to venues around the United States not to host Buju Banton.<ref>GLN MURDER MUSIC NEWS [http://www.gayliberation.net/murdermusic/2009/0830bujubantontour.html "Buju Banton's 2009 U.S.A. tour: Canceled Shows & Current Bookings"]</ref>

In 2007, Banton was allegedly among a number of reggae artists who signed a pledge, called the Reggae Compassionate Act, created by the [[Stop Murder Music]] campaign, to refrain from performing homophobic songs or making homophobic statements.<ref>Topping, Alexandra. [http://music.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2132464,00.html#article_continue "Victory for gay rights campaign as reggae star agrees to ditch homophobic lyrics"], ''The Guardian'', 23 July 2007.</ref> The Act stated that the signers "do not encourage nor minister to HATE but rather uphold a philosophy of LOVE, RESPECT, and UNDERSTANDING towards all human beings as the cornerstone of reggae music" and promised that the artists involved no longer believed in sexism, homophobia, or violence and that they would not perform music that went against these beliefs on stage.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.soulrebels.org/dancehall/w_compassionate_001.htm|title=The Reggae Compassionate Act|website=Soulrebels.org|access-date=16 September 2019|archive-date=22 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622140502/http://www.soulrebels.org/dancehall/w_compassionate_001.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Banton later denied that he had made any such commitment, although he did refrain from performing "Boom Bye Bye" and other offensive songs at the 2007 Reggae Carifest concert.<ref>[http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-9251.html "Immigration minister criticised for letting homophobic artist into Canada"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102014318/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-9251.html/ |date=2 January 2011 }}, [[Pink News]], 9 October 2008.</ref>

On 20 March 2019, Banton and his team officially removed "Boom Bye Bye" from his catalog. Banton's team pulled the song from streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify, and Banton announced his intention to never perform the song again.<ref>[https://urbanislandz.com/2019/03/20/buju-banton-permanently-ban-boom-bye-bye/ "Buju Banton Permanently Ban 'Boom Bye Bye' From His Catalog"], UrbanIslandz.com, 20 March 2019.</ref> Banton issued a statement in which he clarified the importance of tolerance and love, saying, "In recent days there has been a great deal of press coverage about the song 'Boom Bye Bye' from my past which I long ago stopped performing and removed from any platform that I control or have influence over. I recognize that the song has caused much pain to listeners, as well as to my fans, my family and myself. After all the adversity we've been through I am determined to put this song in the past and continue moving forward as an artist and as a man. I affirm once and for all that everyone has the right to live as they so choose. In the words of the great Dennis Brown, 'Love and hate can never be friends.' I welcome everyone to my shows in a spirit of peace and love. Please come join me in that same spirit."<ref>[https://genius.com/a/buju-banton-has-permanently-removed-the-infamously-homophobic-boom-bye-bye-from-his-catalog "Buju Banton Has Permanently Removed The Infamously Homophobic 'Boom Bye Bye' From His Catalog"], [[Genius (website)|Genius]], 22 March 2019.</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Buju Banton discography}}
* ''Stamina Daddy'' (1992) – later repackaged as ''Quick''
* ''[[Mr. Mention]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Voice of Jamaica]]'' (1993)
* ''[['Til Shiloh]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Inna Heights]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Unchained Spirit]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Friends for Life (Buju Banton album)|Friends for Life]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Too Bad (album)|Too Bad]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Rasta Got Soul]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Before the Dawn (Buju Banton album)|Before the Dawn]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Upside Down 2020]]'' (2020)
* ''[[Born for Greatness (album)|Born for Greatness]]'' (2023)

==Awards and nominations==
{{awards table}}
!{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|align=center|[[41st Annual Grammy Awards|1998]]
|''[[Inna Heights]]''
|rowspan="6"| [[Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album]]
|{{nom}}
|rowspan="6"| <ref name="grammy">{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/buju-banton/1292|title=GRAMMY Award Results for Buju Banton|date=September 13, 2020|website=GRAMMY.com}}</ref>
|-
|align=center|[[46th Annual Grammy Awards|2003]]
|''[[Friends for Life (Buju Banton album)|Friends For Life]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|align=center|[[49th Annual Grammy Awards|2006]]
|''[[Too Bad (album)|Too Bad]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|align=center|[[52nd Annual Grammy Awards|2009]]
|''[[Rasta Got Soul]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|align=center|[[53rd Annual Grammy Awards|2010]]
|''[[Before the Dawn (Buju Banton album)|Before The Dawn]]''
|{{won}}
|-
|align=center|[[63rd Annual Grammy Awards|2020]]
|''[[Upside Down 2020 (Buju Banton album)|Upside Down 2020]]''
|{{nom}}
{{end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{AllMusic|id=buju-banton-mn0000939187|title=Buju Banton}}
*{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=Buju Banton}}
*{{Discogs artist}}

{{Buju Banton}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Banton, Buju}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Anti- (record label) artists]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Island Records artists]]
[[Category:Jamaican dancehall musicians]]
[[Category:Jamaican drug traffickers]]
[[Category:Jamaican male songwriters]]
[[Category:Jamaican people imprisoned abroad]]
[[Category:Jamaican prisoners and detainees]]
[[Category:Jamaican Rastafarians]]
[[Category:Jamaican reggae singers]]
[[Category:LGBTQ-related controversies in music]]
[[Category:Mercury Records artists]]
[[Category:Musicians from Kingston, Jamaica]]
[[Category:People convicted of drug offenses]]
[[Category:People from Tamarac, Florida]]
[[Category:Tommy Boy Records artists]]
[[Category:VP Records artists]]
[[Category:20th-century Jamaican male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Jamaican male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Jamaican criminals]]