After selling out to a 30,000+ crowd at his first post release concert, Buju Banton has proven that he is the greatest artiste in the reggae genre since Bob Marley. With passionate vocals and spritely moves, Buju delved into his 30-year catalogue for a superb performance at his Long Walk To Freedom concert on March 16, 2019.
Fans from around the world crammed into Jamaica’s National Stadium to see the acclaimed reggae dancehall artiste in his first live performance after serving nearly 10 years in a US prison. Since his return to Jamaica in December, anticipation had been high for the artist known for hits like Champion, Batty Rider and Till I’m Laid to Rest. Here are some facts about the Gargamel.
Birth of the Gargamel
He was born Mark Anthony Myrie on July 15, 1973 at Salt Lane in downtown Kingston. Several sources claim that Buju is a direct descendant of the Maroons through his maternal lineage. He adopted the nickname ‘Gargamel’ as a teenager and later emerged as ‘Buju Banton’ when he started his professional career.
Musical debut
Buju entered the dancehall scene in the late 80s and released his first album Stamina Daddy in 1992, which featured the album’s namesake song as well as the catchy Gold Spoon. The second album Mr. Mention followed later that same year with the dancehall anthem Batty Rider, The Grudge, and Who Say with Beres Hammond. Shortly after converting to Rastafarianism, Buju broke into the international scene in 1995 with the album Till Shiloh, a hit-filled catalogue which featured Till I’m Laid to Rest, Champion, and Not An Easy Road. Till Shiloh is believed to be Buju’s most successful album with more than 500,000 copies sold.
17 children?
Several online reports claim that Buju has fathered 17 children, however to date only six can be officially confirmed. They are daughters Jodian, Shadai, and Abihail, and sons Jahleel, Jahazeil, and Mark.
Criminal conviction
In 2009, Buju was arrested in the United States on drug trafficking charges after he allegedly brokered a drug deal with a Drug Enforcement Agent. Although not being caught with physical drugs in his possession, Buju was convicted in 2011 and sentenced to 10 years for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine. A possession of firearm charge was later dropped. He was released from prison on December 8th 2018 and deported to Jamaica.
Musical accolades
In 2011 while in custody, Buju won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album for Before The Dawn but was not allowed to attend the ceremony. He had been previously nominated in 2010 for Rasta Got Soul and in 2004 for Friends For Life.