Buju Banton, born Mark Anthony Myrie on July 15, 1973, is a Jamaican dancehall and reggae musician. He is widely regarded as one of the most significant and influential artists in Jamaican music history. Banton's career spans decades and includes collaborations with numerous international artists across various genres, such as Hip Hop, Latin, and punk rock. Notably, he has also worked with the sons of reggae legend Bob Marley.
Banton's journey in music began with the release of several dancehall singles as early as 1987. However, his rise to prominence came in 1992 with the release of two groundbreaking albums, "Stamina Daddy" and "Mr. Mention." The latter became the best-selling album in Jamaican history at the time. That same year, Banton broke the record for the most #1 singles in Jamaica, a record previously held by Bob Marley. Following this success, he signed with the major label Mercury Records and released "Voice of Jamaica" in 1993.
By the mid-1990s, Banton's music began to reflect his growing Rastafari faith. This spiritual shift is evident in his seminal albums "'Til Shiloh" and "Inna Heights," which are considered pivotal works in his discography.
In January 2020, Buju Banton was featured on the "Bad Boys for Life" soundtrack, produced by DJ Khaled. His song "Murda She Wrote" pays homage to the 1992 dancehall classic "Murder She Wrote" by Jamaican reggae duo Chaka Demus & Pliers. On February 29, 2020, Buju produced the "Steppaz Riddim" under his own Gargamel Music label. Released under Roc Nation, the riddim featured 11 tracks with contributions from artists like Vershon, Delly Ranx, Agent Sasco, Bling Dawg, and General B.
Banton's 13th studio album, "Upside Down 2020," marked his first album release in a decade and dropped on June 26, 2020. The album features guest appearances from renowned artists such as John Legend, Pharrell, Stefflon Don, and Stephen Marley, showcasing Banton's continued relevance and versatility in the music industry.
Buju Banton's enduring impact on reggae and dancehall music, along with his ability to cross musical boundaries and collaborate with a diverse array of artists, cements his legacy as a true icon in Jamaican music.