Reggae and dancehall icon Buju Banton is ready to ignite the summer with a return to his roots. During an interview at the BET Awards, the Grammy-winning Jamaican artist announced that his next album will be a full-blown dancehall project, slated for release in late August or early September 2025.
Speaking with Breakfast Club host Lauren LaRosa, Buju shared the exciting news with his usual magnetic energy.
“Mi want see di gyal dem bubble and wine-up themselves again,” he said with a grin. “Dancehall is fi dance, and we bringing back di energy.”
The album promises a high-octane throwback to the kind of music that once made dancehall the life of every party — and Buju is just the man to bring it. While he’s revered globally for spiritually rich reggae anthems like “Til I’m Laid to Rest,” “Destiny,” and “Wanna Be Loved,” Buju’s dancehall catalog is equally iconic. From “Champion” and “Batty Rider” to “Love Me Browning” and “Driver A,” he’s no stranger to crafting hits that turn up the vibes.
This new project, he explained, is especially for the ladies — a celebration of movement, rhythm, and vibes.
The announcement comes on the heels of a busy and successful year for Buju. He opened 2025 with the “Intimate” concert, a joint performance alongside reggae legend Beres Hammond. That show set the tone for what became a powerful run of live appearances, including a sold-out show at the UBS Arena in New York and a headline-grabbing set at Best of the Best in Miami’s Bayfront Park.
Ever the showman, Buju even gave fans an insider look at the BET Awards by going live during the ceremony, sharing spontaneous moments from the red carpet and inside the venue.
As anticipation builds for the new release, Buju Banton is determined to recreate his authentic dancehall sound.
