Buju Banton Net Worth

Buju Banton, born Mark Anthony Myrie in July 1973 in Kingston, Jamaica, is one of the most influential figures in reggae and dancehall music with a net worth of $2 million. He is the youngest of fifteen children and grew up in a modest household, where music quickly became his passion. His nickname “Buju” was given to him as a child, a Jamaican term for “breadfruit,” while “Banton” signified his skill as a powerful lyricist.

Buju Banton Net Worth	$2 Million
Date of Birth	July 1973
Place of Birth	Kingston, Jamaica
Nationality	Jamaican

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Rise in Music

Buju Banton began his musical journey in the mid-1980s and released his debut single The Ruler in 1987. By the early 1990s, he was dominating the dancehall scene with a string of successful singles. In 1992, he released his breakthrough albums, with Mr. Mention becoming the best-selling album in Jamaican history at the time. This early success earned him international recognition and a deal with Mercury Records.

As his career progressed, Buju transitioned from hardcore dancehall to a more conscious and spiritual sound, particularly after converting to the Rastafari faith. Albums like Til Shiloh (1995) and Inna Heights (1997) showcased this evolution and cemented his status as a global reggae icon.

Grammy Award

Buju Banton’s contribution to reggae music earned him the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2011 for his project Before the Dawn. Throughout his career, he has released 12 studio albums, several of which topped or ranked highly on reggae charts worldwide. His timeless tracks continue to influence younger generations of reggae and dancehall artists.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Despite his musical achievements, Buju Banton’s career faced challenges. His 1992 song Boom Bye Bye sparked significant controversy for its anti-gay lyrics. Later, in 2009, he was arrested in the United States on drug conspiracy and firearms charges. He was convicted and sentenced to prison, serving nearly a decade before being released in 2018. His legal troubles temporarily paused his career but did not diminish his fan base, especially in Jamaica and among reggae lovers globally.

Return to Music

After his release, Buju returned to the stage with the Long Walk to Freedom tour in 2019, which drew massive crowds and reaffirmed his place in reggae history. His influence remains profound, with many artists citing him as a key inspiration.