Singer Buju Banton, Facing 15 Years in Prison

Today, popular reggae singer, Mark Myrie, better known as Buju Banton, was convicted of conspiring to set up a cocaine deal back in 2009. He was found guilty of three of the four charges, and according to his attorney, David Markus, Buju is facing at least 15 years in prison. His attorney shared, “Obviously we are all upset and disappointed and emotional. The only person who seems to be OK is Buju. He told us he was happy that he fought, knowing he was innocent.”

37 year-old, Buju Banton, was born in Kingston, Jamaica  in a poor neighborhood called Salt Lane. Buju was known to be politically outspoken and influenced by Marcus Garvey and the Rastafari movement. He received Grammy nods for Rasta Got Soul, Too Bad (2007), Friends for Life (2004) and Inna Heights (1999).

A federal jury deliberated for 11 hours over two days on the fate of Banton. When learning of the verdict, Buju hugged his attorneys, then turned around and blew kisses to his supporters in the courtroom and told them: “Thank you.” Buju’s attorney plans to appeal the conviction. Source

(I hate to sound all fake deep and self-righteous, but I honestly hate seeing something like this happen. Obviously, when you allegedly participate in this game, the consequences remain–wait, did that rhyme?–but it’s still disheartening to see any man or woman of color locked up.)