Buju Banton Biography: Songs, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Height, Albums, Parents, Sister

Biography

Buju Banton, born Mark Anthony Myrie in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1973, is a dancehall and reggae icon known for his rough vocals and sharp social commentary. He is a renowned Jamaican dancehall, ragga, and reggae singer.

His nickname “Buju” means breadfruit in the Maroon language, while “Banton” is a Jamaican term for a master storyteller inspired by the deejay Burro Banton. Descended from the Maroons, fierce fighters against British colonizers, Buju began his musical journey at age 12 and released his first single, “The Ruler,” at 14.

He rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like “Bogle” and “Batty Rider,” and his 1995 album ‘Til Shiloh marked a shift towards spirituality and Rastafarianism. Despite facing legal troubles and a controversial song that sparked protests, Buju Banton‘s influence in reggae and dancehall remains strong, earning him a Grammy in 2011 for his album ‘Before the Dawn.’

Buju Banton
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Mark Anthony Myrie
Stage Name:	Buju Banton
Born:	15 July 1973 (age 51 years old)
Place of Birth:	Kingston, Jamaica
Nationality:	Jamaican
Education:	Denham Town High School
Height:	173 cm
Parents:	Benjamin Myrie, Merlene
Siblings:	Adena Myrie
Spouse:	Lorna Strachan (m. 1993-?)
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Jahazeil Myrie, Jodian Myrie, Shadai Myrie, Jahleel Myrie, Mark Myrie
Occupation:	Singer • Songwriter
Net Worth:	$2 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Buju Banton, born Mark Anthony Myrie on July 15, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, grew up in the modest neighborhood of Salt Lane, which significantly shaped his music and cultural identity. Banton is of African-American descent and was raised in a predominantly Christian environment, which is evident in the themes of spirituality and social justice that run through his music.

As the youngest of fifteen children, Banton was part of a large family. His parents, Benjamin Myrie and Merlene were deeply connected to their community, and he shared his childhood with his sister, Adena Myrie. The diverse experiences of growing up in such a big family contributed to the depth and authenticity of his music.

Buju Banton attended Denham Town High School in Kingston, but his true musical education began much earlier. Influenced by his mother, who loved music and Jamaica’s vibrant sound system culture, he started deejaying at local sound systems by age 12.

Career

Mark Anthony Myrie, widely known as Buju Banton, is a legendary figure in reggae music. Born on July 15, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, Banton has played a crucial role in shaping the genre for over 30 years. He began his musical journey in the late 1980s, rising to prominence as a leader in the dancehall scene during its early days in Jamaica.

His “rude bwoy” persona defined Banton‘s early career, featuring his distinct raspy voice and streetwise lyrics. Albums like Mr. Mention (1992) and Voice of Jamaica (1993) solidified his status as a dancehall star. However, his 1995 album ‘Til Shiloh marked a major turning point in his career.

‘Til Shiloh was a groundbreaking album, blending digital production with roots reggae-inspired instrumentation. It bridged the gap between dancehall’s party-driven themes and reggae’s political consciousness. This album represented a moment of maturity for Banton, who embraced a renewed ancestral pride.

The album featured powerful social commentary, blurring the lines between dancehall and reggae. Tracks like “Murderer,” which responded to the murders of his friends and fellow artists, expressed Buju Banton‘s anger towards both the gunmen and the system’s mishandling of gun violence in Jamaica.

Banton‘s career has not been without controversy. His 1992 song “Boom Bye Bye” faced significant backlash for its homophobic lyrics, leading to widespread criticism and a period of cancellation for his genre in the 90s. Despite this, Banton continued to produce music and released several albums over the years.

In 2019, Buju Banton was released from prison after serving eight years on drug-related charges. Since his release, he has been actively reestablishing himself in the music industry. He completed his first tour in over a decade and made strategic moves like signing a deal with Jay-Z‘s Roc Nation label.

Today, Buju Banton remains a powerful force in the music industry. His latest single, “This is Jamaica,” has seen impressive organic streaming success in just a few weeks. As an international reggae superstar, Banton continues to be a highly influential and respected artist.

Social Media

• Twitter: GargamelMusic.eth (@bujubanton)
• Instagram: Buju Banton (@bujubanton)
• YouTube: Buju Banton
• Facebook: Buju Official

Discography

Singles

• Wanna Be Loved
• Driver
• Untold Stories
• Not An Easy Road
• Destiny
• Hills and Valleys
• Close One Yesterday
• Murderer
• Champion
• Batty Rider

Albums

• Stamina Daddy (1992)
• Mr. Mention (1992)
• Voice of Jamaica (1993)
• ‘Til Shiloh (1995)
• Inna Heights (1997)
• Unpinned (2000)
• Friends for Life (2003)
• Too Bad (2006)
• Rasta Got Soul (2009)
• Before the Dawn (2010)
• Upside Down 2020 (2020)

Personal Life

Buju Banton was married once, tying the knot with Lorna Strachan in 1993, but the couple eventually divorced. Despite their separation, they share two children.

Buju Banton is a father to several children, though the exact number isn’t publicly known. He has at least five children, including three sons and two daughters: Jahazeil Myrie, Jodian Myrie, Shadai Myrie, Jahleel Myrie, and Mark Myrie. His eldest son, Mark Myrie Jr., has followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a music career.

Buju Banton has kept much of his personal life private, focusing on his music rather than his romantic life.

Standing at 5’8″ (173 cm), Buju Banton may not be the tallest, but his talent and influence in the music industry make him a towering figure.

Net Worth

Buju Banton, the Jamaican reggae icon, has a net worth of $2 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful music career, which includes the sale of his albums and singles, as well as earnings from live performances and tours.