Reggae Legend Buju Banton Reveals His Igbo Heritage, Urges Protection of Indigenous Land
In a recent episode of the popular ‘Drink Champs’ podcast, legendary Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton shared a surprising revelation – he has Igbo heritage. The renowned musician revealed that his tribe, the Maroons, originated from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. Speaking on the podcast, Banton spoke passionately about the threats faced by his people and their ancestral land.
Banton lamented that the current Jamaican government is bringing Chinese and other foreigners into the Cockpit region, an Indigenous sacred land, to displace the Maroons. He emphasized that their Indigenous way of life and land are being threatened by this government’s actions. The reggae icon urged protection of his people’s land, stating, “Maroons are some of the Indigenous warriors on my Island. We fought the British relentlessly. We are called Blackmaroons. My generation originated from Nigeria. I am an Igbo man according to my bloodline.”
The singer’s comments have sparked awareness about the struggles faced by Indigenous communities and their fight for land rights. Social media platforms have been filled with hashtags and discussions about the issue, as supporters rally behind Banton and the Maroons.
Twitter user @IgboHistoFacts shared a tweet highlighting Banton’s Igbo heritage, accompanied by a photo of the reggae star, which has garnered thousands of reactions and shares.
As the world watches with interest, Buju Banton’s revelation has sparked conversations about cultural identity, Indigenous rights, and the importance of preserving ancestral heritage.