Buju Banton

Speaking his mind

For dancehall fans, Buju Banton needs no introduction. One of reggae’s most prolific artists, the popular deejay – real name Mark Myrie – is known for hits including Driver A, Too Bad and his controversial early hit, Boom Bye Bye, which came under fire from gay rights campaigners for its homophobic lyrics.

Undeterred by controversy, Buju has remained one of reggae’s most hard-working and outspoken artists, encompassing political, spiritual and love-based issues in his music. Most recently, the Jamaican star released his latest album, Rasta Got Soul. Recorded over a seven year period at Buju's own Gargamel Music studio, the album showcases the deejay’s characteristic vocals and consistently positive messages, grounded in the tenets of his Rastafari faith.

He talks to us about his music, his outspoken nature and his recent comments about Bob Marley, which sparked controversy.

Rasta Got Soul took a long time to complete didn’t it?
It took a considerable amount of time to put together, but it really feels like yesterday that I started it. It’s uplifting, edifying, spiritually motivating – it’s like food for the soul.

You’re often described as being eloquent and outspoken. Did you ever consider politics?
I’ve considered the political landscape of my country but really, politics isn’t something I would get into.

But perhaps someone like you would bring real positive change to Jamaica’s political landscape?
Yeah... And someone like me would be a great martyr also.

How do you describe the current state of dancehall?
It has a lot of potential but needs to grow. We just need to keep our heads up and stay focused on what we’re doing.

That was basically what you were saying when you recently remarked that you don’t believe that Bob Marley was the greatest musician in Jamaica, because you believe that there are greater Jamaican artists to come. Did it surprise you that some people took your remarks as an attack on Marley’s legacy?
No, I’m not surprised by what people do. People misinterpreting me is the story of my life. I don’t know what people are trying to do but I know what I’m trying to do. I was trying to be realistic by explaining that music doesn’t die in the grave. What I said wasn’t intended to be a personal attack on anybody. It was just misconstrued by those who want to diminish what I’m doing and what I’m about. But if you listen to the transcripts of what I said, or read what I said in full, you get a clear indication of what I meant. Being in the position that I am, I feel it’s important for me to say the things that others aren’t brave enough to say.

Are there any young reggae artists that you see as having the potential to be legendary?
The talent is definitely out there but it needs time to grow. If you stifle these artists you can’t expect them to grow. I think the media plays a big part in stagnating progress.

Really? What about the artists themselves? Perhaps some artists need to consider the things they say and how they represent themselves if they’re striving for mainstream stardom?
Artists need to be vocal – that’s why they’re artists. If you’re not vocal that means you have no opinion, and if you have no opinion that means you’re not thinking, and if you’re not thinking, why are you doing music?

But then isn’t there the danger of people misinterpreting the outspoken things that some artists say?
People will always misinterpret things, but the truth is the truth and the truth must be said.

What makes you so outspoken?
Talking to people like you who want to hear the truth.

Thank you. Tell us something that’s not so well-known about you. Did I read somewhere that you’re a bit untidy?
(Laughs) A little bit. I don’t always feel like spreading my bed in the morning!

Rasta Got Soul is out now on Gargamel Music.