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One of reggae music’s most prolific artist, Buju Banton, was yesterday convicted on three counts of drug and gun charges in a Florida Federal court.
The news send shock wave throughout the reggae community, as some are still in disbelief. Urban Islandz ask fans on social media Facebook and Twitter. What does Buju Banton conviction mean for reggae music?
“Reggae already going through one of the toughest period and to loose an artist like Gargamel is a major blow.” (Twitter)
“Buju is irreplaceable in reggae, so to have him off the scene now will only negatively affect the genre.” (Twitter)
“Gargamel just win a Grammy and that shows you the caliber of his contribution to the music, so to loose him now is a big blow.” (Facebook)
“Mi strongly believe its the gay community that setup Buju, cuz mi cyaan si no real evidence against di man for the conviction. Reggae music going be in problems without Buju.” (Facebook)
“Its unbelievable because everyone thought it would be a not guilty verdict, plus fighting buju is like fighting reggae music.” (Twitter)
These were some of the hundreds of response from Reggae fans around the world.
Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine, of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence and using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence.
The artist was, however, found not guilty on charges of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Buju Banton is now in lockup awaiting sentencing.
