Ras, Rasta, Rastaman

Buju's Fate

Over the last ten years, the name Buju Banton (a.k.a. Gargamel) has become synonymous with modern reggae. Having metamorphosed from a brash teenage phenomenon into a self assured deejay and singer, Buju's fusion of traditional roots rock, contemporary R&B and dancehall DJ'ing have earned him a prophet like status in his Jamaican homeland.

Undoubtedly, Buju is one of the most popular musicians in Jamaican history, having hit the charts there suddenly in 1992, with a string of hits including "Bogle", "Love Me Browning" and "Love Black Woman", all three of which were massive hits in Jamaica and less so abroad. Soon afterwards, Banton released one of the more controversial songs in his musical catalogue - "Boom Boom Bye Bye".

Over the past few months Buju has not been in the news because of his popular music. Late last year he was arrested on Federal Drug charges and has been in prison in Miami ever since. According to a DEA spokesman he was arrested on a charge of conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute, more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. If convicted Buju faces as many as 20 years in prison.

The Controversy

Many have claimed that these alligations are due to the ongoing attempts by Gay Rights Advocate Groups to contrain Banton for his 1992 single "Boom Bye Bye." While Banton and his manager have reiterated that he no longer performs the song, Gay Advocate Groups have claimed that he has not done enough to stop the playing of or selling of the song.
Through the grapevine many are claiming that Banton was set up and the alligatons against him are false. All over Jamaica and even Eurpoe, America and Canada "Free Buju" signs and logos can be found on bumper stickers, t-shirts, and through social networks.
This situation is sticky, I personally believe that there are a lot of unanswered questions, as to Buju's initial involvement with cocaine and how he ended up in such a situation. If convicted, his contribution to the music industry will surely be missed. What is your take on the Buju issue?

The Evolution of Reggae Music

Reggae music is the first genre of music that developed in Jamaica West Indies during the 1960's. Reggae music was used as a tool to voice opinions against the injustices both political and social, as well as a medium of expression for the talent musicians that populated Kingston Jamaica.

Reggae music has evolved in many ways yet still maintaining it's original motif of addressing social inequalities and providing a bit of Jamaican "riddim" rhythm to the music scene. Reggae developed out of the ska and rocksteady genre. Mainly it was a successor to the rocksteady beats. From John Holt, Toots and the Maytals, The Pioneers, to roots reggae artists such as Peter Tosh, Barrington Levy, Burning Spear, Gregory Issacs and many more reggae has evolved from its 1960's stage to include dub, rockers, lovers rock, raggamuffin and dancehall which have all gained popularity on an international level.

In this blog I will trace the evolution of reggae music in an exciting fun ways that will serve as a recap of great memories for some and for others (even me, a younger generation Jamaican) we will learn something new about the history of this powerful genre while enjoying the sound of the beats.

Make sure you stay tuned :)