Biography
Who is Buju Banton?
Early life and real name
Mark Anthony Myrie was born on July 15, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, growing up in an area known as Barbican Road. He was the youngest of fifteen children born into a family with roots descending from the Maroons of Jamaica. His mother worked as a street vendor, while his father was employed as a labourer at a tile factory.
His mother gave him the childhood nickname Buju, which is a Jamaican word for a respected storyteller. He adopted the name Banton as a tribute to the deejay Burro Banton. As a youngster, he watched artists perform in Denham Town and began toasting under the moniker Gargamel at the age of twelve.
Rise to fame
Buju Banton released early dancehall singles in the late 1980s after being introduced to producer Robert Ffrench. He achieved big success in 1992 with hit singles like Bogle and Love Me Browning, which sparked debates regarding skin complexion preferences. That same year, his album Mr. Mention became the best-selling album in Jamaican history upon its release.
During this explosive period, Buju broke the record for the most number one singles in a single year in Jamaica, a record previously held by Bob Marley and the Wailers. He subsequently signed with Mercury Records and released the album Voice of Jamaica in 1993, which featured conscious tracks addressing social issues.
Musical evolution
By the mid-1990s, Buju's music reflected his embrace of the Rastafari faith, leading to a more spiritual tone and the growth of dreadlocks. His 1995 album 'Til Shiloh blended conscious lyrics with hard-hitting dancehall rhythms and incorporated live instrumentation. He followed this with Inna Heights in 1997, featuring roots-tinged tracks like Destiny and Hills and Valleys.
Throughout his career, he collaborated with various international artists across genres, including the punk band Rancid. He also established his own label, Gargamel Music, to release his productions and maintain control over his business affairs.
Legal issues and awards
In 2009, Buju Banton was arrested in the United States on cocaine trafficking charges. His 2010 album Before the Dawn won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. He was subsequently convicted in 2011 and imprisoned in the United States until December 2018, after which he was released and deported to Jamaica.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Buju has released numerous studio albums and toured internationally, playing sold-out shows across Europe and Japan while maintaining homes in both Jamaica and Florida.
Birthday and age
Buju Banton was born on July 15, 1973, which makes Buju 53 years old today. That birthday falls under the Cancer sign. Buju shares the date with 60 other famous people.
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