THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!                And They Are Demanding Buju Banton!

NEWS FLASH!!

Friday, August 20, 2004!!

The efforts of Buju's fans are not in vain!  As per Tracii McGregor, Buju is no longer restricted from traveling to Canada and England!

By Lady Cham - Printed Thursday, August 19, 2004

In December of 2003, police raided the studio of Mark Myrie a.k.a. Buju Banton in Jamaica, where it is alleged that marijuana plants were found. He was arrested and charged and on March 29^th 2004 he was found guilty of the charge. On April 5, Banton was fined $9,000 or 60 days imprisonment. It was only when he tried to return to the United States later that month he learned that he was forbidden entry after an 18-hour detention in Miami.  Buju Banton is now appealing the case.  In the meantime, vice president of the New York-based Source Magazine, Tracii McGregor who also handles all of his Gargamel Music, Inc. business stateside and internationally. Gargamel Music is Buju's new record label that is being officially launched globally with this forthcoming album.  Tracii is working with Buju to ensure that the ban is lifted and has collected thousands of signatures since June, 2004. 

On Thursday, August 19, 2004 both Tracii McGregor and  Joe Mignon who is working to help promote Buju's new project, spoke to West Indian Times about the awareness that the petition has garnered for Buju.

Citing legal reasons both Tracii McGregor and Joe Mignon were unable to speak to West Indian Times regarding the appeal’s process and the restrictions placed on Buju’s visa but they did speak about the love shown to Buju by his fans and how Buju feels about the whole situation.  “Buju is blown away by the love shown by his fans all over the world; petitions are being signed at www.ipetitions.com keyword: Buju Banton and also at www.gargamelmusic.com” from New York, London, Miami, Jamaica, Chicago, and all over the world stated Tracii.  Passionate about lifting the ban that means Buju cannot travel to the USA or England, both Tracii and Joe are calling on   those who profit from reggae to step forward and write letters to the Jamaican politicians, the Prime Minister and even the Jamaica Tourist Board about the injustice being done to Reggae artists.  “Those who benefit from Reggae music including producers, record labels, managers, writers, radio disc jockeys, promoters etc. should all speak up at this time and let it be known that without Reggae music there is no money,” stated Joe Mignon to West Indian Times. 

Many are puzzled as to why Buju Banton was restricted from traveling to the US and UK if the conviction was in Jamaica.  The answer is that both the US and UK have Immigration laws which state that if you are convicted of a crime in your home country then you will be banned from entering into the US/UK.   If the petition is successful and the conviction is overturned and stricken off the record then Buju should be able to travel to the US and UK once more.  This is why it is important for everyone who knows of Buju and the positive message he is spreading to sign the petition, show their support and create awareness which in turn will put pressure on the Jamaican government during the appeals process.   

When asked about recent media reports alleging that British gay group Outrage are also targeting Buju as well as Beenie Man and other Reggae artists for using lyrics which incite hatred and violence towards gays and lesbians, Tracii stated:  “That is ridiculous, they are referring to one song which is 12 years old!  They are trying to put Buju into a category he is not in!”    

Last August Buju penned a deal with Puma for promotional purposes and he has endorsed the clothing line since then.  Puma recently held a party for the Jamaican team in Athens which featured a number of Jamaican dancehall artistes including Buju Banton, Assassin, Chakademus and Pliers and Barrington Levy.  Prior to the show Puma International Marketing Director Paul Gautier reportedly said in a statement "Puma's policy does not tolerate hate statements of any sort, including homophobic hatred or views that endorse homophobic violence, and Buju Banton will be told that if he chooses to break this policy he will not be allowed to perform at the Athens show and will no longer be supported by the Puma brand. Additionally, if Buju Banton defies this agreement and performs a song using anti-gay lyrics ­ either at the Athens concert or at any future concert anywhere in the world ­ Puma will not associate with him in the future. This also holds true for all performers with which Puma works."

In the meantime Buju who is very spiritual is touring and concentrating on his forthcoming album ‘Rasta Got Soul’ which will reflect the inspiration he garners from the Almighty.  Buju recently released the first single, ‘Magic City’ from the album and in a recent interview he stated that the single ‘Magic City’ relates to a magical place, a magical time where magical events do take place and magical outcomes are inevitable.

We pray that something magical happens for Buju Banton and that he will soon be able to travel the world freely to spread positive messages through Reggae music.

Sign The Petition: www.ipetitions.com keyword: Buju Banton and  www.gargamelmusic.com