Buju Banton is unequivocally one of the world’s greatest dancehall/reggae artists. The man born in Salt Lane, Kingston as Mark Anthony Myrie, is also known to the world as living legend, Grammy winner, abolitionist and voice for oppressed people around the world. For over three decades, he dominated the reggae/dancehall sub-genre with iconic collaborations (Beres Hammond, Stephen Marley, Dave Kelly, Sly & Robbie, Bobby Digital, Steely & Cleevie, just to name a few), lyricism superior to his peers and a ministry committed to liberating the minds of oppressed people. The father of ten sons and eight daughters has taught the world true romance (“Who Say”), radical discernment (“Hills And Valleys”), perseverance (“Not An Easy Road”), and how to bogle (“Bogle”).

Buju was raised by two hardworking parents, the youngest sibling behind 16 daughters. His diligence, charm and charisma were passed down by his father, a factory worker. He inherited his entrepreneurial mind and passionate spirit from his mother, a market vendor with ancestry linked to the West African slave revolters, Maroons. Mama nicknamed her chubby baby after the Jamaican breadfruit Buju. Banton––representative of a fierce deejay––was later adopted by her son.

As a youth, Buju studied reggae greats such as Major Worries, Admiral Bailey, Shabba Ranks, Papa San and Lieutenant Stitchie. He often broke curfew to beg either older deejays for a couple minutes on the mic or security guards for entry into studios like Technique Records and Penthouse Recordings. The latter studio is where 16-year-old Buju recorded his first song, “The Ruler.” Recognized as a reggae prodigy, he was commissioned by DJ sets Rambo International, Sweet Love sound system (owned by Flourgon) to DJ for $100 a weekend. As young Banton’s hustle and connections grew, he linked up with a future great Capleton and began demanding up to $500 per dubplate.

The early nineties is when Buju exploded onto the scene, helping catapult dancehall into a global force. Buju’s first underground hit to cross over, “Stamina Daddy,” became the title track for his 1992 debut album (the LP was later repackaged and retitled Quick). Buju’s massive follow-up Mr. Mention, which wrought classics like “Batty Rider” and “Love Me Brownin’,” dropped the same year allowing the rookie sensation to break Bob Marley’s record for #1 hits.

The man also known as Gargamel spent the next two decades releasing sterling album after album––Voice of Jamaica (“A Little More Time,” “Deportees”) to the certified Gold’Til Shiloh (“Champion,” “It’s All Over,” “’Til I’m Laid To Rest”), before a succession of Grammy nominated projects preceded Before the Dawn, the 2011 Grammy winner for Best Reggae Album. A new chapter began for Buju in 2018, when after a seven-year hiatus, he appeared twice on megastar DJ Khaled’s album Father of Asahd.

On March 16, 2019, Buju began his “Long Walk To Freedom” tour and made worldwide history, filling Kingston’s National Stadium with over 30,000 of his most loyal fans from around the globe. The tour expanded the market for live reggae performances and paved the road for the new generation of artists. Banton then returned to the studio and gifted the world his twelfth and thirteenth albums Upside Down 2020 and Born For Greatness.

Having spent his previous two albums ministering fans across the globe through a Coronavirus pandemic and global imperialism, Buju dedicates his 14th studio album to his home. The commitment of his latest masterpiece is to re-introduce dancehall music to the new generation of reggae lovers.

Too Too Bad also ushers in a new era for Buju’s very own label, Gargamel Music. After decades of distribution partnerships with companies like Polygram, Mercury and Roc Nation, Buju is now completely independent. His philanthropic endeavors will only reap more blessings. His Buju Banton Foundation helps shelter over 120 Jamaican boys in foster care (ages 3-18). His 2019 “I Am A Jamaican” campaign raised funds for the 18-year-olds who age out of the system (Upon leaving foster care, each will receive stipends for housing and proper clothes to pursue employment.) The following year, Buju won a MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Award for Best Reggae Act. In 2025, his contribution to Bugle’s “Thank You Lord,” alongside Damien Marley, earned him a Caribbean Music Award for Reggae Collaboration of the Year.

Buju Banton is in the midst of a blessed revival. He is reinvested in the sovereignty of his music, brand and business. After becoming the first dancehall/reggae artist to sell out the UBS Arena in 2024, he is ready for global touring as well as a return to the continent of Africa. Wherever on God’s Earth the great Gargamel decides to carry his message, the mission will remain as sturdy as it stood in 1992:

“Reggae music is to uplift, educate and eradicate negativity from the minds of the people globally,” says Banton. “I will never let that change.”