Jodee Brown
Reggae/dancehall legend Buju Banton is back in the United States over five years after deportation from the country due to his drug conviction.
The Grammy-winning artiste, whose real name is Mark Myrie, landed in Florida on Thursday after getting back his U.S. visa. Buju broke the news alongside DJ Khaled at his Miami home, confirming he will be making music during his visit.
For Buju, it will be the first time he will enter the U.S. as a free man since 2009. It was that year when he was arrested on drug and gun charges. The acclaimed singer/deejay later stood trial for the charges and received a 10-year prison sentence in 2011. However, the sentence was reduced by two years when the gun charge was dropped. After serving time, during which he earned a Master’s degree in Music Business Management from New York University, he was released in December 2018 and subsequently deported to Jamaica.
During the Instagram Live session with Khaled, Buju said “It’s been a long time I haven’t seen you. It’s been a long time my feet have walked on this side. Nothing before the time and now is the time so let’s get the music going, let’s get the vibe going. Let’s pick up ourselves, and let’s remember who we are and let’s get lively.”
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It’s unknown if Buju will perform in the U.S. during his stay. It’s been reported that Buju would only return Stateside on a temporary work visa following his deportation.
Buju Banton returned to the stage with a special welcome concert at the National Stadium in March 2019. He has since recorded multiple studio albums, including “Upside Down 2020” and “Born for Greatness,” which received a Best Reggae Album Grammy nomination.
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