For many years, the name Buju Banton (a.k.a. Gargamel) has
become synonymous with modern reggae. Having metamorphosed
from a brash teenage phenomenon into a self assured deejay
and singer, Buju's fusion of traditional roots rock, contemporary
R&B and dancehall DJ'ing have earned him a prophet like
status in his Jamaican homeland.
Undoubtedly, Buju is one of the most popular musicians in
Jamaican history, having hit the charts there suddenly in
1992, with a string of hits including "Bogle", "Love
Me Browning" and "Love Black Woman", all three
of which were massive hits in Jamaica and less so abroad.
Soon afterwards, Banton released one of the more controversial
songs in his musical catalogue - "Boom Boom Bye Bye".
In his "Unchained
Spirit" album, it is said that Buju demostrates unfettered
devotion to his craft by extending his trademark toasting
skills into the realms of rock steady, ska, gospel, African
highlife and American soul. Among the bevy of guests featured
on Unchained Spirit is fellow raga sensation Luciano, Sunsplash
luminary Morgan Heritage and punk rock compadres Rancid.
Recent Buju albums include BEFORE THE DAWN, RASTA GOT SOUL and TOO BAD. MORE about 'TOO BAD'
