Buju Banton Is Alive

ORIGIN
Buju Banton is a Jamaican dancehall/reggae deejay. His discography includes Voice of Jamaica (1993), ‘Til Shiloh (1995), Unchained Spirit (2000), and Friends for Life (2003). He won Grammy Awards for the albums Rasta Got Soul (2009) and Before the Dawn (2010). As for collaboration, he’s worked with Stephen Marley, Busta Rhymes, and Trey Songz among others. Banton drew negative criticism for the song “Boom Bye Bye”, which supported violence against gays. In 2011, he was convicted on drug charges and sentenced to 10 years behind bars. Banton was born Mark Anthony Myrie on July 15, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica. One of 15 children, he was raised by parents Benjamin and Merlene in the neighborhood of Salt Lane.

CAREER
Myrie began his music career in the late 1980s. He initially performed under the stage name Gargamel. The name “Banton” pays tribute to fellow deejay Burro Banton. As for “Buju”, that nickname was given to him by his mother. Buju Banton’s first single “The Ruler” was released in 1987. It was produced by Robert French. His debut studio album, Stamina Daddy, followed in October 1992. It was released on the VP Records label. His debut featured production from Mafia & Fluxy, Winston Riley, and Steely & Clevie. The album was repackaged and released as Quick (1998). Banton’s second album, Mr. Mention, was released in 1993 by Penthouse Records. It included songs like “Batty Rider”, “Love Me Brownin”, “Love Black Woman” and “Bonafide Love” with Wayne Wonder. His third album, Voice of Jamaica (1993), earned him a spot on the Billboard 200 charts. The album was released by Mercury Records. It featured guest vocals from Busta Rhymes, Tony Rebel, Wayne Wonder, and Beres Hammond.

Banton’s next full-length project, ‘Til Shiloh, arrived in July 1995. It marked a turning point in his career due to his newfound Rastafari faith. The album charted at #2 on the Top Reggae charts and #148 on the Billboard 200. It was supported by the singles “Champion” and “Untold Stories.” Irish musician Sinead O’Connor released a cover to “Untold Stories” on her album Throw Down Your Arms (2005). Banton’s follow-up albums include Inna Heights (1997), Unchained Spirit (2000), Friends for Life (2003), Too Bad (2006), and Rasta Got Soul (2009). The latter won the 2009 Grammy Award for best reggae album. Banton created some buzz with his 2007 single “Driver A”, which peaked at #75 on the Top R&B chart. His latest album, Before the Dawn, was released in 2010 by VP Records. It earned him his second Grammy Award for best reggae album.

PERSONAL
Buju Banton is 6ft 2in tall and he’s of Jamaican (Maroons) ancestry. He has long dreads and he’s of Rastafari faith. His net worth is estimated at $2 million. The deejay reportedly owns homes in Jamaica and Florida, United States. Banton has been romantically linked to Lorna Strachan and Nina Atala. He has 15 children, including Markus, Jahazeil, Shadai, Jahleel, and Jodian Myrie.

Banton was arrested in December 2009 in Miami, Florida, United States. He was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession of cocaine. The deejay was held in the Pinellas County Jail until his trial. His September 2009 trial, which lasted 6 days, ended in a mistrial. He was released the following month on bond. Despite jury misconduct, Banton was found guilty on February 22, 2011. He was sentenced to 10 years in a U.S. prison for cocaine trafficking. Banton waived his right to an appeal. He was deported back to Jamaica in December 2018.

Buju Banton Bio, Net Worth, Height