The Dancehall/Reggae community seemed to come to a complete halt at the Buju Banton verdict. The highly regarded Reggae artist was found guilty on three of the four charges brought against him (guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. He was acquitted of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.). Buju’s legal team plans to appeal the case.
The Gargamel just received his first Grammy for Before the Dawn and recently put on one of his best shows in the U.S. a few weeks ago, highlights only to be diminished by this verdict.
I have generally kept quiet in terms of my personal opinion on the case only stating facts, but I couldn’t post this without making a few observations of what music lovers can learn from this case.
I find Buju’s case interesting in more ways than one. It represents a lot for the music community, not just Jamaica. The U.S. Government is definitely not going easy on entertainers, and personally I don’t think they should (How many average people have been convicted of what Buju is going through right now? I don’t think the system went easy on them). I think cases like this show young kids the facade of being an entertainer. The industry seems like an untouchable bubble that eventually bursts.
I was highly disappointed back when I heard of the arrest initially. I thought to myself, “How could a talented, conscious artist like Buju put himself in such a predicament?” I battled back and forth on the story and his defense, but still found it hard to wrap my head around the idea that he was innocent.
Do I believe he was stupid to even put himself in that position? Yes. Do I believe he’s guilty of the charges? Not sure. Do I believe he made a mistake and should be forgiven? Yes.
1.) We’re all make mistakes, but actions have consequences.
People make mistakes. Clearly Buju’s judgement was clouded (only he knows by what) to allegedly pretend to be the big time drug dealer he was not; a decision that ultimately cost him his freedom. Even if he does win the appeal, he more than like will not return, nor perform in the U.S. Not to mention we haven’t seen the ripple effect of what this means for other Dancehall and Reggae artists.
2.) The music business is about entertainment, don’t believe everything you see or hear.
Buju gave the illusion of a drug dealer in order to impress. Many entertainers are not who they appear to be when they are in character. Portraying the reality of others, their music doesn’t necessarily reflect who they are exactly, but rather what they are intrigued by, surrounded by and hear about. You can’t believe everything you hear.
3.) Take responsibility.
Buju’s demeanor throughout the case has been steadfast. He’s not claiming to innocent of his mistakes, but rather to clear his name based on his intent. I think he understands how severe his situation is and he’s not running from the truth because he has taken responsibility in doing so.
I really can’t wait until Buju is able to freely talk about what happened and how this situation has changed him, but for now all we have are the facts presented in court and opinions of fans. This would make a great book, movie, documentary etc, but ‘til then it will truly be an Untold Story.
What are your thoughts, do you agree or disagree?
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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