Fresh off the release of his new single “Country For Sale”, Reggae artist Buju Banton is reportedly gearing up to release a new studio album, his first in nine years.
“Country For Sale”, Banton’s first single since being released from US prison after serving seven years for drug trafficking charges, shot to the top of the iTunes Reggae charts, replacing another reggae hit, Toast by Koffee. Buju’s team has promised that the single is just a taste of what fans can expect from a new Buju album being readied for later this year.
“It was my decision to release this song at this time”, said Buju’s longtime producer and mentor Donovan Germain. “He actually recorded about four and I chose this one because I believe it showcases Buju in the best way possible. We are trying to get the album ready for this year. He has recorded quite a bit of music and so we are looking at August/September for the album. This song is something that should keep us out there until that is ready, however, we might just drop a deejay tune to satisfy that section of his fan base,” Germain shared.
“Country For Sale” has also stirred quite the controversy on social media for its commentary on West Indian politicians allowing the exploitation of their islands by first-world economy countries like China. “The song itself is very relevant to what is happening in Jamaica and the rest of the world at this time. People listening must realize it is not a JLP or PNP thing it is something that affects the country. I even got a call from a friend in Portugal saying the song is relevant for the situation they are facing there too. Buju wrote this song since he came home and after just looking around and observing what is happening,” said Germain.
He also disclosed that there have been quite a number of requests for collaborations with Buju from local and international artists. “We are currently looking into that as collaborations is really an important thing in the business these days. Given his long-standing relationship with Wayne Wonder and Beres Hammond, there is a distinct possibility that those two could be the first artists to share a track with Buju.”
Buju Banton is currently touring the Caribbean on his ‘Long Walk To Freedom’ Tour, which will culminate in the British Virgin Islands on July 15. Banton is also slated to headline Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, on July 20 as well as the Love and Harmony cruise in 2020.
