Buju Banton has made a significant financial contribution to the Accompong Town Maroons, donating US$200,000 (over J$31 million) to support infrastructure and economic development in the north-western St. Elizabeth community.
The donation was presented on last Tuesday during the Washington, D.C. leg of Buju’s Overcomer tour at the Capital One Arena, where members of the Accompong Town Maroon Culture group joined him onstage.
The legendary Dancehall/Reggae artist, whose real name is Mark Myrie, made the presentation to the group, reaffirming his commitment to the Maroon community.
Accompong Maroon Chief Richard Currie paid tribute to Buju Banton, who serves as the Cultural Ambassador for Accompong, in a heartfelt Instagram post. Currie shared photos and videos of the presentation, expressing deep gratitude for Buju’s continued support.
“On behalf of the Maroons of the Sovereign State of Accompong, I take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Buju Banton for donating USD$200,000.00 towards infrastructure development and the economic mobility of our Nation,” Currie wrote.
Although Currie was unable to attend the event, the cheque was received by Avion Barnes, the Abeng blower for the Accompong Maroon Cultural group. Currie noted that his “spirit and energy was present” at the event, describing it as a “very special and one for the history books.”
“Buju Banton, you have been chosen by the ancestors for this great walk. Your indomitable legacy as a freedom fighter using word, sound, and power will place you in history among the Greats that walked before us. Honor for always supporting our community and leading the way for others with a platform to join the movement and take the great leap of faith by simply trusting our Ancestors,” Currie added.
“Rightfully titled ‘The OverComer’ tour – Washington, D.C., Buju Banton’s performance was a continuation of his return to the worldwide stage,” he continued.
Buju Banton has been a steadfast supporter of Chief Currie since 2021, when Currie, an alum of Munro College, sought to lead the Accompong Maroons. That February, the “Til Shiloh” artist publicly endorsed Currie, who was challenging then-leader Colonel Ferron Williams.
In October of the same year, Buju donated two horses and a tractor to the Accompong Maroons to support their sustainable development and self-reliance initiatives—a gesture Currie also acknowledged in his tribute to the Reggae/Dancehall icon.
“Buju Banton, a born indigenous Jamaican Maroon, has always proclaimed his identity and culture through his music and performances worldwide. Since 2021, Buju has done a tremendous amount of philanthropic work in the Accompong Maroon community, helping numerous individuals and the indigenous community as a whole,” Currie noted.
He further stated that Buju Banton was appointed as a Cultural Ambassador due to his active work with the Accompong Maroon Council and the Office of the Chief.
“A true testament to the power of perseverance, determination of his faith, and triumphant career, Buju Banton has now shown the world the power of his Maroon bloodline,” Currie added.
“Now that Ambassador Myrie, known to the world as Buju Banton, has returned to the United States to share his legendary music and performances with his fans after 15 years, he can represent his people on the world stage as a cultural Ambassador where he can advocate for indigenous rights, especially for the Accompong Maroons. Honor Ambassador Myrie ✊🏾. God is the Greatest,” Currie concluded.
