Buju Just Wants To Be Loved

It seems the United States DEA is going after anyone anywhere these days, as evidenced by this trial. 2010 Reggae Grammy Award Winner Jamaican Citizen Buju Banton (Mark Myrie) shown above with his attorney David Markus; has been found guilty of three of four counts in his drug trial in Tampa Florida. 

Buju was found guilty of 

1. conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine, 
2. possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence
3. and using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offense.

Buju was found not guilty of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

The guilty verdicts were delivered by a 12-member panel of jurors, picked earlier this year. Buju had previously remarked that the jury seemed to be in his opinion, ready to hear the evidence and deliver justice.

We wonder now if that's really how he felt in the end.

Just last week on February 13, 2011, Buju picked up the 2010 Grammy for Best Reggae Album - Before the Dawn.  He was not allowed to attend the Grammy Awards Ceremonies. We are told his grammy was delivered by Fedex - the next day to his home in Tampa.

Observers say that Buju hugged Markus when the verdict was read; as many of his supporters left the courtroom crying.  No doubt they were crushed after the previous mistrial.

Bujus' bail has been revoked and he was taken into custody in the courtroom upon  the judges' acceptance; and the jury' delivery of the verdict. Buju's attorney David Markus read a brief statement on the steps of the courthouse from Buju;  after he spoke to him in lockup after the trial wrapped up :

"Our life and our destiny are sometimes pre-destined and no matter where this journey takes me, remember I fought the good fight," It was a great man that said my head is bloody but still unbowed I love you all thank you for your support", said Buju.

You may remember that Buju Banton was arrested at his Tamarac home in South Florida in December 2009, a day after his co-defendants Ian Thomas and James Mack were arrested in a government controlled warehouse in Tampa, Florida.  they were caught on video tape attempting to buy cocaine from Drug Enforcement Agents.

He was jailed for almost 11 months in the Pinellas County Jail. His first trial in September 2010 ended in a hung jury, forcing US Judge Tom Moody to order a retrial.

Buju Banton is now in detention awaiting sentencing.

Buju's attorney David Markus, has stated in interviews that he plans to appeal the guilty verdict; which was handed down in Tampa's Sam Gibbons Federal Courthouse. Post verdict discussion in the press seems to indicate that Buju's appeal will also see an unsympathetic court; If filed later this year by Bantons' Attorneys.

Behind closed doors, many in the Reggae entertainment community are saying that he should save his money; for his family to live on while he is incarcerated. no doubt times will be tough for the Myrie family.

We send our thoughts and hopes for resolution to Buju, his family and fans. be sure to check out our tribute Mixtape to Buju which will be dropping 02/24/2011 - here and on BadGalsRadio.com

To coin a phrase from Bujus' catalog no doubt this has not been an easy road.

Twitter Tags: #badgalsradio #buju-guilty #grammys #reggae #cocaine

Buju For Miami is a GO Jan 16, 2011

Clearly We Can See that He Is Ready to Get Back to WORK

The development came when one judge disagreed with the ruling of another and  will allows the Jamaican Reggae Star to perform at a January 16th Miami Concert.

MM: Buju and the Gay Mafia; Rumors and Drugs - who's got the juice ?

Five Key-lows ? WTF, 20 Years to Life for Buju ? the Gay Mafia is supposedly behind this. Hmmmmmmm,,,, Strength must have made this happen because this is amazing.

CaribTweet.com

Not an easy road, Buju held for cocaine possession in the United States

GRAMMY-NOMINATED deejay Buju Banton is being held in the Federal Detention Centre, Miami, Florida, in the United States following his arrest last Thursday on drug-related charges, a Miami Police Department spokesman confirmed yesterday.

DAMN - talk about  Dread..

It dread Fo-Sho if this is anykinda way true.

Buju was hanging by a thin thread since this falls' concert tour situation appeared to be anything but Irie. Now This, Wowww..


Buju Banton - Destiny

The Days of  cocaine and rastafarians supposedly ended with the death of Dennis Brown. but here again we see it playing out.  maybe Brotha Buju needs to spend some time reflecting on the way the set up goes down.  however it plays out - the press is enough to cancel the rest of his tour in the US; and drain off his fundage.

We send him prayers and meditations of peace to help heal his pain. we can't judge because we dont' know. it's just unfortunante for the man that he has to consistently be plagued by hard luck on every turn.  during our last quick conversation with Buju he seemed stressed and tired of the scrutiny. we can understand that totally.

Buju, We're  Praying for the Father to Hear You and Defend You at Every turn Rasta. Livicate and Idicate to The Highest Levels My Bredren. That is where you are accepted and seen for your heart and it's truest intentions. do not allow the negative atmosphere to draw you in or manipulate you.  this is your blessing of reflection.

Please, use it wisely Rastaman

 

 

Reggae artist faces drug charges in Miami

Controversial Jamaican reggae star in jail after arrest.

 By JACQUELINE CHARLES AND JAY WEAVER

jcharles@MiamiHerald.com

Buju Banton, the Jamaican reggae star whose anti-gay lyrics have drawn international criticism, is in a federal lockup in Miami, facing drug conspiracy charges.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents say Banton, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, has been in custody since Thursday and will soon be transferred to Tampa, where the U.S. Attorney is charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine.
Banton has homes both in Jamaica and Tamarac.

While legions of dancehall reggae enthusiasts view Banton as one of the most prolific voices of Jamaica's poor masses, critics say he's a gay basher whose lyrics incite violence by calling for attacking and torturing homosexuals. His song Boom Bye Bye, a dance-hall hit released in the 1990s, advocates shooting gays in the head and setting them on fire.

As late as September, Banton's local management told The Miami Herald that the criticism of the star was unwarranted because he had stopped singing the song years ago. The song remains a hit among reggae DJs.
Still, such lyrics have made Banton one of the more controversial reggae artists, with angry gay activists this fall forcing the cancellation of a string of concerts by the artists during a U.S. tour that included a Halloween night concert in Miami.

Recently the firestorm ratched up after the Grammys announced that Baton's album Rasta Got Soul, released earlier this year, was up for an award.

Gay Men of African Descent and the National Black Justice Coalition joined with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in a petition drive protesting the nomination.

African-American LGBT organizations join GLAAD in protest of Buju Banton

News release from GLAAD:
Gay Men of African Descent and the National Black Justice Coalition Sign GLAAD Petition Against Banton’s Support for Murdering Gay People

New York, NY, December 11, 2009 - Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) and the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) announced today that they stand with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) in its petition drive and advocacy work protesting the recent Grammy nomination of reggae singer Buju Banton’s album “Rasta Got Soul.” Banton has a long history of advocating the killing of gay people.

In a popular song released in 1988 entitled “Boom Boom Bye,” Banton repeats the anti-gay 'f-word' and says that "f-----s have to die" and he will "shoot them in the head" or "burn them." He continues to sing this song at his concerts today. In October 2009, Banton was quoted in news reports saying: "This is a fight, and as I said in one of my songs 'there is no end to the war between me and f----t' and it's clear."

Sharon Lettman, the Executive Director of NBJC says, “We must take a stand against any type of negative expression that encourages violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. With music being a major cultural influence, such messages that fuel hate and homophobia place our community in harm’s way.”
Tokes M. Osubu, GMAD’s Executive Director adds, “By nominating this album, the Recording Academy is sending the message that the violence against the LGBT community especially in Jamaica, which Buju Banton has so wantonly celebrated and encouraged in his music, is not worthy of condemnation, and that protecting our lives is of little importance.”

GLAAD urges community members and allies to protest Buju Baton’s Grammy Nomination and tell Recording Academy members to not support his nomination. The petition can be found at http://www.glaad.org/bujubantonpetition.

On Wednesday the Recording Academy released the following statement to GLAAD.
The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Awards have a long history of supporting freedom of speech and creative expression, and of supporting artists and the music they create. Artists of a variety of political or cultural perspectives have been nominated or featured on the telecast, despite protests and backlash. The Academy acknowledges that there are very strong and diverse opinions on many issues and in many instances, we have helped initiate dialogue on matters that require education and further discussion. It takes tolerance to teach tolerance, and it is through dialogue and debate that social discovery may occur. The GRAMMY Awards is a celebration and recognition of outstanding musical achievement by music makers, regardless of politics, and that will continue to be our mission.

GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios issued the following response:
"While we appreciate the Recording Academy issuing a response, we firmly disagree with their justification for nominating Buju Banton for a Grammy Award. Advocating the murder of gay people is not a ‘political or cultural perspective.’ We urge Recording Academy members NOT to support Buju Banton's nomination. Ignoring his continued promotion of brutality against gay people sends a message that violence against our community is OK.”

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