Source: http://www.imagesnewsletter.com/?p=15423 Buju Banton New Album To Drop On September 28th Gargamel Music, Inc. is prepping the release of his ninth studio album, Before The Dawn, which is set to drop in North American on Tuesday, September 28, 2010. The 10 powerful tracks that comprise this very special project are some of the more prophetic songs written by Banton since his extraordinary entry into the music business over twenty years ago. Recorded mostly at his Gargamel Music studio in Kingston, Jamaica, Before The Dawn literally pierces the soul with traditional roots, easy rock and especially heartfelt reggae. The album’s unofficial anthem “Innocent” strikes a highly personal chord that will resonate deeply with longtime Buju Banton fans. TRACK LISTING 1. Buju Banton Rasta Can’t Go 2. Buju Banton In The Air 3. Buju Banton Do Good 4. Buju Banton Battered And Bruised 5. Buju Banton Bondage 6. Buju Banton Struggle Together 7. Buju Banton Life 8. Buju Banton No Smoking At All 9. Buju Banton Try Life 10. Buju Banton Innocent

Source: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100829/lead/lead2.html Buju's trial stalls - again THE TRIAL of reggae superstar Buju Banton has again been pushed back, leaving the Jamaican to spend more time in an American jail before getting a chance to clear his name. This has left the legal team of the reggae icon frustrated. "The trial was pushed back to September 20 despite our objection," David Oscar Markus of Buju's legal team told The Sunday Gleaner. "We are ready to go and Buju is looking forward to his day in court," Markus added. United States District Judge James Moody Jr last Thursday granted a one-week delay in the start of the trial based on a request by attorneys representing one of Buju's co-defendants, James Mack. Mack's lawyers had written to the judge seeking more time to prepare his defence. "The court grants this continuance to allow defendant Mack additional time to prepare for trial. The court finds the ends of justice served by the continuance to allow the defendant more time to prepare outweighs the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial," the judge said in his ruling handed down last Thursday. This is the fifth change in the scheduled start of a trial for Buju, who has been languishing in custody in Florida since last December when he was arrested on charges of conspiracy to possess cocaine, and aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Buju - whose correct name is Mark Myrie - Mack, and Ian Thomas were held following a sting operation by US law- enforcement officials. Latest album Initially, their trial was set to begin on March 3, but due to conflicting reports, the defence moved to start the trial on April 12. The court granted the motion and set the trial to begin on April 19. This was later shifted to June 21, and then to September 13. The new trial date is just over one week before the scheduled release of Buju's latest album titled Before The Dawn. The album will contain 10 tracks that comprise some of the more prophetic songs written by Buju since his entry into the music business more than 20 years ago. The album's unofficial anthem is Innocent.

Source: http://www.jamyahso.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=852:before-the-dawn-buju-banton-set-to-release-new-album&catid=31:entertainment-features 'Before the Dawn'- Buju Banton set to release new album Mark Anthony Myrie, more popularly known as Buju Banton is set to release his ninth album entitled "Before the Dawn". The album is set to be released on September 28th in North America. A press release from Gargamel Music provides some background information on the album to be released says it was "recorded mostly at his Gargamel Music studio in Kingston, Jamaica.” It is rumoured that sources inside artists record label Gargamel Music, have said that the album may be released on Banton's rescheduled trial date September 13. According to Banton's Website "Before The Dawn literally pierces the soul with traditional roots, easy rock and especially heartfelt reggae. The album’s unofficial anthem “Innocent” strikes a highly personal chord that will resonate deeply with longtime Buju Banton fans". Banton is best known for his controversial song "Boom Bye Bye" and countless other hits such as "Bogle" and "Love me Browning". Since then the four-time Grammy nominee is accused along with two others of allegedly attempting to buy more than five kilograms of cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer in Sarasota in 2009.

Source: http://tuffchin.com/?p=363 New Campaign To Free Buju – Fans Write To US Attorney General Fans and supporters of incarcerated deejay Buju Banton have started a writing campaign addressed to US Attorney General, Eric H. Holder Jr, in an effort to assist the jailed star. On thisisbujubanton.wordpress.com, an official blogspot set up by the Gargamel Music family comprising close friends of the deejay, a letter writing campaign was started on July 12. The website is the only official blogspot where persons can donate to the star, as well as write to him while he is incarcerated. According to the website, the letter writing campaign is being organised as a consolidated effort to bring attention to what they call the “flimsy Federal charges being wielded against the international reggae music icon.” The site added, “the goal is to ensure the government is keenly aware that the public is monitoring this case closely.” Fans and supporters worldwide according to the blogspot, are encouraged to either print a copy of the letter provided on the blogspot or do a version for themselves. The address for the Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr is listed on the blogspot for persons to write to. On the blogspot persons have written in, expressing their support. One fan commented, “This will bring the attorney general’s full attention to this injustice against Mr Mark Myrie whose trial should have started months ago, but has been postponed twice by a judge without stating a reason. You accuse him of a crime and now you don’t give him a chance to defend himself. It’s total injustice. I (along with lots of other reasonable people) think that this is blatant entrapment, just as his lawyer has stated. We will not be quiet, we are coming all out, our voice (one voice) shall be heard. Buju shall get justice and be a free man.” Another fan added, “it’s difficult to accept this. Buju is a responsible guy to start with; he’s 100 per cent not guilty. And this is injustice, corruption, manipulation, formulation, inequality!” As previously reported in THE STAR a request for Banton to be tried separately from his two co-accused has been rejected by a court in the United States in July. Banton had applied to the US District Court in the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, to have his trial separated from Ian Thomas and James ‘Spencer Clarke’ Mack on the basis that this could be the reason the trial was being delayed. Banton and his two co-accused were arrested late last year and charged with conspiracy with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The three have been in custody since then awaiting trial.

Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/caribbeantalk/2010/07/14/buju-banton-denied-separate-trial/ Buju Banton denied separate trial Buju Banton’s request to be tried separately from his two co-defendants was denied by a Tampa Court. Buju, born Mark Myrie, felt his trial was being delayed because he is being tried together with Ian Thomas and James “Spencer Clarke” Mack. The court agreed with the prosecution, which argued that court rules state that defendants who are indicted together should be tried together. The trial date has now been moved to September. The start date will be determined at a status conference on Aug. 4. Buju and his co-conspirators were arrested and charged with intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine, possession of firearm and drug trafficking in Dec. 2009.

Source: http://guardian.co.tt/features/entertainment/2010/07/15/happy-birthday-buju-feat-lead Happy Birthday Buju A living legend. A dancehall-reggae icon. Incarcerated but still thrilling worldwide audiences with hits that range from GAL, Optimistic Soul and Let Dem Know—all songs unleashed since he was locked away. Today, Mark Anthony Myrie—the one and only, Buju Banton, celebrates his 37th birthday. As a Caribbean entertainer whose name stands firmly among some of the region’s finest performers, Buju must be given credit for his accomplishments over the years, this despite being arrested for the December 2009 charge of conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute, more than five kilos of cocaine—a charge he has denied but one that has since left him incarcerated in the US. The Legend Eight months prior to his incarceration, Buju Banton performed in T&T at the I Am Legend 3 concert, held at Queen’s Park Savannah on April 3, 2009. His performance was truly a memorable one, as it was on that occasion that many of the nation’s youths heard the voice and advice of their role model as he pleaded with them to stop the crime and violence. As one of the more popular musicians in Jamaican history, the reggae/dancehall crooner has entertained world-wide audiences, even getting beneath the skin of a select few. With nine albums under his belt between the years 1992 and 2009, Buju’s repertoire spans borders as he has touched on topics of relative interest to millions around the world and proven, over the years that he is a master story-teller as his sobriquet, Banton, represents. Celebrating Buju On his Birthday, we highlight the mystical beauty of this Caribbean soul, despite allegations of misdemeanor. In the early 90s Buju gave the world hits that ranged from Love Me Brownin’ to Love Black Woman—dedications to both dark and light skinned women. It was in that year, 1992, that Buju broke Bob Marley’s record for the greatest number of number one singles in one year. His early career also saw a dedicated level of attention given to HIV/Aids, by the young musician. The track, Willy, Don’t Be Silly—which promoted safe sex and the use of contraceptives, particularly the condom-earned profits which were donated to a charity supporting children with Aids. In 1995, Buju’s fourth album, Til Shiloh catapulted him to yet another level of world-wide acceptance, as both supporters and critics heard a uniquely enjoyable blend of dancehall and conscious lyrics belted out in tracks like, Murderer and Untold Stories—the latter of which heard many favourable comparisons made between Buju and the late, great Bob Marley. Buju has proven time and time again that he is truly a masterful singer and songwriter. He even collaborated with T&T Soca King, Machel Montano, on the remix of Wining Season, a 2008 crowd pleaser. He has been nominated for Grammy awards on four occasions, the fourth of course, while he was held behind bars. During the years, the entertainer has been scolded and shunned by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, for what they cite as hateful and murderous lyrics against people of their sexual orientation. His 2010 Grammy nomination was met with much displeasure by the group, which protested against the nomination via petitions. However much to their dismay, the Grammy committee ignored their call and kept the artiste among the list of nominees for Best Reggae album. In an online interview with the Guardian, Tracii McGregor, President of Gargamel Music Inc said, “We are still patiently awaiting the new trial date in September and expect one soon. “Unfortunately, Buju remains in lock up at Pinellas County Jail. However, he is hanging tough. He gets tons of letters from supporters around the world and regular visits from family and close friends. “We are confident that when Buju finally has his day in court he will be exonerated. In the meantime, fans can look forward to a brand new Buju Banton album—Before The Dawn, which will be released on September 28 on Gargamel Music, Inc.” McGregor said supporters of the artiste can visit, http://thisisbujubanton.wordpress.com for a timeline of the case and all things Buju Banton. Today, we say happy birthday to the artiste who has brought us much great music in the past decade and half, and continuing.

Source: http://nugaysoul.blogspot.com/2010/06/buju-banton-sits-down-with-lgbt.html Buju Banton Sits Down with LGBT Activists In what may be a groundbreaking and possibly historical event, controversial reggae star Buju Banton met with representatives from the LGBT community this afternoon. Banton has been a frequent target of gay rights protesters for his 1992 song "Boom Bye Bye," which activists say glorifies murder and violence directed at gays. Before the dialogue, Banton's show at the Rock It Room scheduled for tonight (October 12) appeared in jeopardy of cancellation due to protest. Yet after the face-to-face exchange, the LGBT activists not only agreed to let the show continue as planned, but expressed optimism about the possibility of further dialogue and action, toward a human rights agenda inclusive of both LBGT concerns and the reggae community. In addition to Banton and his manager Tracii McGregor, present at the meeting, which took place at the Courtyard Hotel in Larskpur, were San Francisco supervisors Bevan Dufty and Eric Mar, LGBT Center executive director Rebecca Rolfe, queer blogger Michael Petrelis and lesbian activist Andrea Shorter. The LGBT acvists, led by Petrelis and Shorter, voiced their concerns over homophobic lyrics and anti-gay violence in Jamaica directly to Banton, and suggested various things he could do to promote human rights, such as a town hall meeting in Jamaica. Banton, in turn, blamed colonialism and the Jamaican government for homophobic laws, denying he is a hate speech or murder music artist, as his critics have insisted. "Let's face the reality," Banton said. "Whatever is said in a positive light can't get out." On the topic of the controversial tune, he added, "I don't perform the song anymore. The reality is, I've gone past that." Buju Banton

Source: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100531/ent/ent2.html Buju's trial put off again Entertainer Buju Banton, who has been in a Florida jail awaiting trial on drug charges since last December, will have to wait a bit longer to know his fate. The trial was again rescheduled on Friday, this time to September. According to the Tampa Tribune newspaper, district judge James Moody moved the trial without giving a reason. The new development reportedly angered Banton's attorney David Markus who argued that the latest date change is costly for the defence which will have to re-arrange travel plans for witnesses. Markus also said the date change violates the Speedy Trial Act which requires a defendant's trial to start within 70 days of them being arrested. Objections overruled Moody overruled Markus' objections. This is the third time the trial has been rescheduled. It was originally set for April 19 but two weeks before the start, Moody set it back to June 21. The Tribune reported that a new date will be set in August. Moody's surprise switch is another setback for Banton and his legal team which is led by Markus, a high-profile Miami lawyer. In March, Markus lobbied for Banton to be removed to a facility where conditions are more suitable to his Rastafarian diet. That request was denied. Banton has been incarcerated since his arrest by Federal agents in Miami on December 10. He and two other men were charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine, and face lengthy prison sentences. The entertainer and his attorney have challenged the agents' story, saying he was set up. Banton (Mark Myrie) is best known for songs like Browning, Deportee and Driver. His 1995 album, Til Shiloh, is regarded as one of the great reggae albums. He has had several clashes with gay rights groups in the United States and Europe, largely over his 1993 song Boom Bye Bye. Last year, his Rasta Got Soul tour of the US was marred by protests from gay activists. Several shows in major cities had to be cancelled.

Source: http://www.watermarkonline.com/index.php/News/tampa-bay-lgbt-news/4290-Buju-Banton-denied-quicker-trial.html Buju Banton denied quicker trial Jamaican singer and rapper Buju Banton is going to have to wait a bit longer before heading to court. The performer was denied a quicker trial on federal drug trafficking charges on June 3. Banton was arrested in Sarasota late last year when he attempted to buy drugs from an undercover Sarasota police officer. U.S. District Judge James S. Moody set Banton’s trial for September, denying a motion for a speedy trial filed by David Markus, who is Banton’s attorney. This marks the second time the case has been postponed. The trial was initially set for April, and then changed to June. No reasons for the delay were given. Banton made headlines locally when he was booked—and then dropped—by several music venues in Tampa and St. Petersburg. The controversial performer has several songs calling for the murder of gay men. He eventually performed at the Cuban Club in Ybor City. That venue said it was unaware of Banton’s stance on murdering gay men before he was booked and that it could not undo his contract. The club also said he was not permitted to perform his song, “Boom, Bye, Bye,” which details the killing of a gay man, during his stop. Marcus argued that his client should be tried sooner than September. “[He] wants his day in court. He’s understandably frustrated,” Markus said. “All we want is to present his case to a jury.” Banton, who was nominated for a Grammy this year, has been in jail since December.

Source: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100425/ent/ent4.html Radio broadcaster believes Buju will be freed While the odds favour a lengthy prison sentence for Buju Banton on cocaine charges in the United States, Jamaican radio personality Lister Hewan-Lowe believes the reggae star will walk away from his trial a free man. "I don't care how much cocaine he tasted, the Buju Banton thing is a clear case of entrapment," said Hewan-Lowe. "Once he has a lawyer with skills, he should win that case easily." Hewan-Lowe is one of the longest-serving Jamaicans on US college radio. He has been on WUSB 90.1 for 38 years and hosts the weekly current affairs show, Burn Baby Burn. He told The Sunday Gleaner that most Jamaicans who tune into his programme agree that Banton was set up. "A lot of people think it has something to do with the whole gay thing. From what I've heard, it was blatant entrapment," Hewan-Lowe said. Banton was arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents in Sarasota, Florida, last December and has been incarcerated in that state since. The DEA said they arrested him purchasing five kilograms of cocaine and said they have taped evidence of him tasting the contraband. He is charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine. Banton, whose trial starts in June, has a long-running feud with the gay movement in the US. They say his 1992 song, Boom Bye Bye, is a call to arms against homosexuals. His Rasta Got Soul tour in the US last year was dogged by protests from gay groups. Banton is being represented by Miami lawyer David Oscar Markus, a rising star in the American justice system. The 36 year-old Markus is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has appeared in several high-profile cases. National respect His success rate has earned him recognition from respected publications such as the National Law Review, which named him among the Top-40 Litigators Under 40 in the United States. Since 2007, Markus has been cited as one of the US's leading criminal defence lawyers. Among his clients were the Rodriquez-Orejuela brothers, Gilberto and Miguel, founders of the infamous Cali Cartel which operated a multibillion-dollar cocaine trade in Colombia during the 1970s and 1980s. Markus has also claimed Banton was set up. His plea last month for his client to be transferred to another facility on humane conditions was turned down.