Interview: Leno Banton Talks New Music And Growing Up The Son Of Burro Banton
Jamaican artist Leno Banton is among a new generation of singers, like Blvk H3ro and Wayne J, who are fusing Reggae, Dancehall, and Hip-Hop. Reggae fans are quite familiar with the legend Buju Banton, but not so many are aware that Leno’s father, Burro Banton, was the deejay who inspired Buju’s career and celebrated name. Both father and son have worked on Better Days – a song they wrote to depict the struggles of the Jamaican society and which was produced by Bobby Konders and Juss Kool.
In this interview with DancehallMag, Leno talks about this rise to a professional musician and how he is perfectly fit for carrying out his father’s legacy while living up to the family’s name.
What was life during your early years, growing up in Kingston?
Yeah, I grew up more specifically in Duhaney Park. My earlier years in life were mostly family, school, and church-oriented. I have a lot of cousins, so they were my core friends growing up. When it comes to school I attended Vaz Prep, I basically started in Grade 2 because by their assessment I was too advanced for Grade 1.
In regards to church, I lived one house away from Boulevard United Church, and my grandparents were well-known figures there, so you know I could miss a Sunday lol. But yeah growing up was a joy, I have some great memories now.
You write, produce, and sing great music…Reggae, Dancehall, and Hip Hop. Would say you are a versatile artist?
Much respects! And yeah, definitely would see me as versatile. In this day and age, you can’t afford to be average if you really aim to be successful in anything you do. So I strive to be as unique and authentic as I possibly can.
Your work exudes a lot of confidence. You are not afraid to take part in the social commentary?
In being a musician I think it is necessary to speak on things that affect the broader society, whether in or outside of the music. You don’t have to speak on everything but as a public figure, you can at least shed some light on issues that bother you. For me, music has been my biggest teacher in life, so I think it’s necessary for me to give back to music in that aspect, so I can help to teach the current generation and the ones coming after.
With songs like Brown Sugar, Better days, Street Slam are you working on any new music project?
Well, I recently released a project called Loverman EP with Brown Sugar as one of the singles, so you can check that out. But yeah I’m currently working on some new concepts for the rest of 2021.
I want to out some short bodies of work that people can easily digest and get the concept of without thinking about it too hard. So the next project should be in July called To What Degree? so you can stay tuned for that.
Have you taken part in any international tours?
No, I haven’t. To be honest I’ve never even left Jamaica before. But I’m staying focused on putting in the work so when that opportunity presents itself I’ll be ready.
Who is your favorite Jamaican and why?
This might sound cliche but probably Bob Marley. Because he really helped to stamp Jamaica and Reggae music on the map. If it wasn’t for his works and what he represented who knows where we would be as a nation in the global space.
What artist do you wish to collaborate with in the future?
I’m not really picky when it comes to collaborating, because once the music speaks to me I’ll work, but if I had to choose I would say Koffee. She doesn’t miss yoo lol.
Do you consider yourself a stage performer or most of your better works have been done in the studios?
I can perform but I would say I still need a bit of work in that aspect of the craft, so I’d say I like studio time. There is more room for error that and those errors can be rectified before it comes out into the public.
How much has your father, Burro Banton, contributed to your career as a musician?
He has been nurturing my craft indirectly or directly since a tender age, because even when I was still in prep school he’d give me input, in even songwriting and taking me to the studio from time to time. In all honesty, there have been times where he didn’t want me to do music due to his experiences in the industry but I think he has gotten used to the idea that this is who I am and he can see that I’m on the path of doing some great things in the industry.
Your performance on BBC1xtra reached over a million views. How do you feel about that?
Yeah, that was a really dope and fun experience for me, but I wouldn’t say I use that as a measure of success. For me, I still don’t see myself as being successful as yet because I’m not a household name. I still haven’t sold a silver much less a gold record. I still haven’t seen the world. I still haven’t left that impact for people to say, “Yeah, this is Leno Banton”. Do you get me? So success is still somewhere down the road for me and I will keep on pushing forward until it greets me with open arms.