Buju Banton Applies ‘Pressure’ To 2020, Reveals Next Single, And Hints At Kanye West Collab
Buju Banton has a lot to be thankful for, in what has been an extraordinarily successful 2020 for a number of reasons – and fans will be delighted to learn that reggae star isn’t quite finished with this year yet.
In the contemporary reggae and dancehall landscape that has seen an unyielding, momentum-building reign of new, eager and vastly talented artists on the industry scene, this iconic vocalist, born Mark Anthony Myrie, has assuredly led the musical charge with his latest star-studded body of work, Upside Down 2020. Long considered a part of the cream of the legendary crop with a career that spans almost 3 decades and dozens of hits, the Blessed superstar has proven once again that he stands in a league of his own – and the album’s climb to No .1 on the sales-driven Billboard US Current Reggae Albums chart seals the deal to prove just that.
During an exclusive with DancehallMag recently, it is clear that Gargamel’s watchful eyes continue to firmly focus ahead on bringing the best of reggae music to the industry table.
“What’s next? A whole heap of things, enuh,” he exclaims, while coyly avoiding getting into specifics at first. Eventually, however, he reveals that he is preparing to release his third single from his latest 20-song set – the fan-favorite Cherry Pie, which is an upbeat, instrumental-laced track featuring legendary producer Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes.
Working with top producers seems to be a running trend for 47-year old Myrie, since social media was sent into a certified frenzy last month when controversial American megastar Kanye West made a surprise visit to Jamaica to visit the reggae singer. West, also notoriously known as the husband of TV reality star and business mogul Kim Kardashian, tweeted a photo of himself comfortably seated in Gargamel Studios alongside Buju and co-Founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, Kareem “Biggs” Burke – which led many to believe that the dynamic duo might be planning something special for their supporters.
While he doesn’t divulge too many details on the specific reason for Kanye’s trip, Buju acknowledges the long history and mutual respect between Jamaican and American entertainers and confirms that a collaboration of some form is in fact in the works between him and the award-winning hip-hop rapper and genius producer. “This is to reach new heights; for greatness. We both come to the table with ideas on how to move our people forward and it must take place because we are in a position to do so. What we discussed won’t be discussed here, but what I will say is that we have made commitments that you’ll see in the next year,” he chuckles.
Shifting gears to acknowledge the powerful works of some of the female reggae greats that have paved the way such as Marcia Griffiths, Queen Ifrica, Lady Mackeral and Sister Nancy, Buju hails 20-year old singer and songwriter Koffee as one of the latest acts who has been making her indelible mark on the Caribbean and global music scene.
“At her age, she reminds me of myself at that time, in terms of making a global impact with my music when I first started. It is important for us who are already a bit ahead in the game to prop her up and help her fi go forward. If she can get over the 5-year threshold, she’ll be good,” he predicts. Asked about the one quality that they share in common after having had the opportunity to work with Koffee on the “Pressure” remix – the captivating visuals for which were dropped this week – Buju sung his praises for the Grammy Award-winning songstress for her spectacular creativity and vision. He confidently says with a smile, “It’s one that’s budding, and once that is nurtured and guided… she’s heading for greatness.”
From appearances on “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” to “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” it’s that duty to staying true that has made the last few months of the “Upside Down” experience feel intentional and authentic, says Buju. “First and foremost, in order for me, Mark Anthony Myrie – and that’s my government Babylon name, because my real name is Buju – to reach the masses, I must be very honest: I have never been this honest with the people, in all my life. Even when the wicked forces come at me, I told them the truth and they still put me in their prison. I’ve never been this honest with my people,” he reasons.
“So no matter who you put me in front of, as your media moderator in front of any of those television shows, I am always going to be honest. I am not here to placate. I am the stone that the builder refused. I have no reason to sell my people out, and I never did and I never will. I am not for sale, so my truth will always be spoken.”
He states that it is important for him and artists to have these platforms, since, according to him, reggae music has been long denied the opportunity to connect, express itself and show its trueness to the world. “Even though we are labeled as third-world countries, we are a people of great minds. Musicians are not dumb; we are not stupid. Reggae music is here to give a real perspective – so that the people can say ‘I have seen that. I have felt that. I have witnessed it. I have gone through it.’”
The love for adventures seems to permeate every aspect of Buju’s lifestyle both in and outside of the music studio. A self-professed ‘adventure man’, he finds a modicum of joy during the COVID-19 pandemic in extreme activities such as bungee-jumping but also balances his spectrum of happiness through significant progress with his eponymous not-for-profit organization that works with at-risk youth – describing the experience of working with the young men as one of the memorable highlights of 2020. Together with Project Coordinator, Ms. Rosemary Duncan and a dedicated team, the Buju Banton Foundation focuses on providing skills, training and educational opportunities, with particular emphasis on at-risk males. “We have to look out for each other, not only in Jamaica, but in Trinidad, Barbados, Grenada, all the islands, Africa – we should adapt social programs to help the youths,” he says, while noting that these community investments can prevent future socio-economic crises in the not-so-distant future.
With 2020 set to go down in the history books as one of the most memorable years in our current lifetime, Buju Banton is jubilant with his artistic and altruistic achievements to date and is certainly excited for what’s to come. “We have a whole onslaught of stuff coming your way. We want you to stay tuned,” he hints.
As the world enters new phases of transformation and enlightenment, this servant of reggae music chooses to issue one important reminder to his devoted fans. “I want you to keep God close during these times. I want people to remember the one true living God. I could not tell you about anything else that makes sense, yes? No matter what is going on in the world, I want the people to reflect upon the one true living God.”