Buju Banton Biography – From Dancehall Star to Reggae Icon

Buju Banton, born Mark Myrie on July 15, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, is a legendary reggae and dancehall artist known for his powerful voice and influential music.

young buju banton — *Young Buju – Photo from Buju Official on Facebook*

Raised in the impoverished neighborhood of Salt Lane as the youngest of 15 children, Buju grew up in a hardworking family with deep roots connected to the Maroons, the African warriors who escaped slavery and fought for freedom. His mother gave him the nickname “Buju,” which means breadfruit, while “Banton” was later added as a tribute to one of his musical inspirations, Burro Banton.

Buju began “toasting” as a teenager, developing his skills with local sound systems before recording his first single, “The Ruler,” at age 14. His early work in the late 1980s and early 1990s was heavily dancehall-focused, featuring provocative and energetic lyrics.

By 1992, Buju had broken Bob Marley’s record for most number-one singles in a single year in Jamaica, thanks to hits like “Batty Rider” and “Bogle.” His debut album, “Mr. Mention”, released that same year, was a massive success and established him as a rising star.

He gained international attention with his 1993 album “Voice of Jamaica”, released under Mercury Records. This project featured powerful songs like “Operation Ardent,” a commentary on police brutality, and “Deportees (Things Change),” which addressed the struggles of Jamaican immigrants. The album also included “Willy (Don’t Be Silly),” a call for safe sex, proving Buju’s willingness to tackle serious topics through music.

The mid-1990s marked a turning point in Buju’s career as he embraced the Rastafarian faith, shifting his music towards spirituality and social consciousness. His 1995 album “‘Til Shiloh” showcased this transformation, blending roots reggae with dancehall and featuring classics like “Untold Stories,” “Not An Easy Road,” and “Til I’m Laid To Rest.” The album was a masterpiece that proved Buju’s versatility and depth as an artist.

Two years later, his album “Inna Heights” continued this roots-inspired approach, receiving critical acclaim for its conscious messages and authentic sound.

Buju Banton live performance — *Photo from Buju Official on Facebook*

Over the years, Buju continued to expand his musical style, incorporating elements of hip-hop, R&B, and folk, while remaining true to his reggae roots. His collaborations extended beyond reggae, working with American rap stars like Fat Joe and rock bands like Rancid. He also maintained a close relationship with the Marley family, further solidifying his place in reggae history.

Unhappy with how major labels treated his music, Buju launched his own label, Gargamel Music, giving him creative control and allowing him to nurture young talent. His work during this period included albums like “Unchained Spirit” (2000) and “Friends for Life” (2003), showcasing his desire to reach broader audiences without losing his authenticity.

In 2009, he released “Rasta Got Soul”, an album praised for its return to roots reggae. However, Buju’s career took a hit when he was arrested later that year in Florida on drug-related charges. During a turbulent two-year period, Buju faced multiple legal challenges, including a mistrial. Despite this, he released his tenth album, “Before the Dawn”, which won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. Unfortunately, only 2 weeks later, Buju was convicted.

buju banton — *Photo from Buju Official on Facebook*

Banton was released from prison ten years later, in 2018, and he immediately returned to music. His comeback concert in March 2019 at Jamaica’s National Stadium was a massive success, proving that his fanbase had remained loyal. In 2020, he released “Upside Down 2020”, his first album in a decade, featuring collaborations with John Legend, Pharrell Williams, Stephen Marley, and Stefflon Don. The album was well-received, marking Buju’s triumphant return to the music scene.

Over the years, Buju has continued to release singles and collaborate with artists from various genres. He’s also dedicated himself to charitable causes through his Buju Banton Foundation, which focuses on helping at-risk children in Jamaica and beyond.

Buju Banton’s journey from a young, ambitious artist to a respected reggae icon is a testament to his talent, resilience, and commitment to spreading positive messages through his music. Despite the challenges he has faced, his voice continues to inspire fans worldwide.