I cannot avoid writing about Buju Banton, one of Jamaica's reggae stars who was found guilty of drugs and gun charges in Florida on February 22, 2011. For almost two years, Jamaica waited for this trial to end, especially following the first mistrial. Many were hopeful that he would be found not guilty, but it was not so. When the news came, you could almost hear the audible gasp of Jamaicans as they receive the news with much sorrow. It's not that Buju is perfect but I think the feeling is for the loss of a music that was quite good, excellent in instances. Like Michael Jackson, we will forever wonder how one so talented could have found himself in this predicament and it is for this that we mourn. It is also a step back for reggae music and for the reputation of Jamaican rastas as well as Jamaicans. But I also hope it's a wake up call for all those 'DJs' and singers who feel that they must tout badness to sell songs. It doesn't work. All they need to do is write and produce good music that will bring riches for years to come. I don't even want them to write inspirational music, because that too I think is a cop out, they need to write good music - lyrically stimulating, intellectually compiled and perfectly scored. That's all one can ask.
Good luck Buju!
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