This week’s overall development as Newsmaker of the Week is the jubilation surrounding Grammy Award-winning reggae and dancehall artiste Buju Banton returning to the United States after being deported from that country on December 7, 2018.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, returned to Jamaica after serving time in a US prison for a cocaine-related conviction.
“God is amazing,” declared a smiling Banton to his fans as he laughed with producer DJ Khaled in a joyful moment for the two on Thursday.
The music industry, for the most part, was surprised when DJ Khaled appeared in an Instagram live video from Miami, Florida, United States.
Sitting beside him was Banton, who smiled and expressed his gratitude for being back in the US.
In fact, the Jamaican said Khaled was the first person he had to visit on his return to US soil as a free man.
Khaled, a long-time friend and musical collaborator, officially welcomed Banton back to Miami, saying, “I haven’t seen my brother (Banton) here in Miami in about 15 years… I am so blessed.”
Khaled reflected on their shared journey, highlighting the impact Banton had on his own musical evolution.
“You’ve been my brother from day one… I love you and I appreciate what you’ve done in my career from day one… This is history,” stated Khaled.
Banton could not help but smile throughout the recording, expressing his gratitude to his fans and supporters across the US.
“I wanna send much love to all my fans out there in the other states… The Gargamel is back,” Banton stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to his craft and his audiences.
“It’s been a long time I haven’t seen you (my fans), it’s been a long time my feet have (not) walked on this side. Nothing before the time and now is the time, so let’s get the music going, let’s get the vibes going, let’s pick up ourselves, and let’s remember who we are and let’s get lively,” said Banton.
Since his release from confinement in the US, Banton has signed with Island Records/Roc Nation and released two albums, ‘Upside Down 2020’ and ‘Born For Greatness’.
However, his return to the US is seemingly bittersweet, as he recently lost his son, Miles Myrie, who passed away at age 20.
On his own Instagram page, Banton posted several photographs, one of which has of him reading a book in what appeared to be a private jet.
“Long was the road. Many were the travels, but the journey of… 1,000 miles begin with a single step. Miami, si mi yah,” wrote the entertainer.
Among the persons who celebrated Banton’s return to the US was Opposition Leader Mark Golding, Bounty Killer, Gramps Morgan, Lutan Fyah, Rohan Marley, Chi Ching Ching, and Razor B.
On Facebook, Jamaicans also shared their viewpoints on Banton’s latest success of being granted a US visa to once more travel to the country from which he was deported.
“Yes… welcome back Buju!!! This warms my heart!!! DJ Khaled……we love you too!!!” a woman posted.
“Welcome back to the US, Buju. Can’t wait to see you in concert on this soil,” said a woman.
A male Facebook user who claimed he has been twice denied a US visa, was, however, sceptical.
“I’ve never been convicted in all my life and I can’t get a US visa, and here comes Buju. I don’t care who want say me bad mind, but puss and dog nuh have the same luck,” the man claimed.
In response, a woman said: “Of course, you very bad mind, sir, ’cause yuh nuh in Buju league nuh day.”
Meanwhile, another woman warned Banton to be careful while in the US.
“Please Buju, don’t take anything from anybody, and keep your circle small, my artiste. Happy you are in the US once more,” she stated.
Added another: “Buju, mek sure yuh don’t go on any idle ride with anyone, and let no one take you anywhere to set you up. We love you, Buju.”
Loop News has written several articles about Banton’s rise to success, including a February 25, 2019 article dubbed ‘Buju Banton’s Journey: The dancehall years’.
The author said:
“Born in Salt Lane, downtown Kingston in July 1973, Buju Banton has risen to become one of Jamaica’s leading lights in entertainment. Nicknamed Buju by his mother, he honed his craft as a child, performing live with sound systems under the name ‘Gargamel’ when he was aged only 12. He began his recording career in 1987, adopting the name Banton in tribute of one of his favourite deejays at the time, Burru Banton.
“But it wasn’t until he became a precocious 18-year-old that Buju established himself as arguably the most significant dancehall artiste in the country with a slew of hits in the early 1990s.
“In quick succession, songs such as ‘Good Looking Gal’, ‘Murderer’, ‘Black Woman’, ‘Batty Rider’, ‘Deportee’ and ‘Stamina Daddy’ all topped the charts and paved the way for his bestselling album, ‘Mr Mention’, which topped album sales for the dancehall genre in 1992.”
From 1992 onwards, there was no looking back for Banton, as he chalked out several hit tunes that have cemented their places in Jamaica’s musical history. Among them are ‘Destiny’, ‘Not an Easy Road’, ‘Driver A’, ‘Til I’m Laid To Rest’, ‘Untold Stories’, and the 2020 hit, ‘Buried Alive’, from the album ‘Upside Down 2020’.