Mark Anthony Myrie better known as Buju Banton grew up in a ghetto society names Salt Lane, Jamaica. Over the years he has become a major influence in reggae and dancehall music. He has succeeded in many areas where others have failed and he has earned his place in history. His name Buju which was used as a nickname for chubby children which Is quite the opposite of his physical status as he is very slim. He however kept Buju as it was given to him by his mother. Banton on the other hand is the name given to a respectable storyteller. It was taken by Myrie as a tribute to his long time favorite DJ Burro Banton. He admired the rough and rugged style of Burro Banton and it helps him develop his own unique ruff style. His mother worked as a vendor and father at a tile factory. He was the last of 15 children and his bloodline is direct from the Maroon’s who were freedom fighters during the time of British enslavement.

In his early age Buju Banton would look at his top artists at local dancehall shows and would imitate them. When he was twelve is started to DJ for the first time under the name Gargamel with Rambo Mango and Sweet Love sound systems. In 1987 his first singles which was produced by Robert French was released titled “The Ruler”. He then continued to rise working with some of the top producers at the time such as Bobby Digital and Winston Riley. At the age of fifteen he release the most controversial song titled “Boom Bye Bye” which was a song dedicated to the murder of homosexuals by burning or shooting. He wrote the song to the people of Jamaica as they faced a boy rape crime. He continued to shine his light and gave us hit after hit, making him a veteran in the business. He has been touring all over the world and has collaborated with many international artists all genres of music but at the same time are known to sticking to the roots.

In 2006 we saw his first album since a decade which was called “Too Bad” and produced by some of the top producers in Jamaica. He showed that his crown was still there and that he hasn’t lost that ruff rugged vocal style which the fans go crazy for. One of the hits of the album was produced by the mighty producers Sly & Robbie on the famous Taxi Riddim titled “Driver A”. He also performed live at the 2007 Cricket World Cup alongside Beres Hammnond and Third World. He has also done colorations with soca artists such as Machel Montano from Trinidad & Tobago which was a major hit.

 

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