Buju Banton's first performance set for T&T in 2019

As the countdown for Buju Banton’s release from prison later this year continues, reports are emerging that the Jamaican reggae artiste, whose given name is Mark Myrie, will have his first performance in Trinidad and Tobago in April 2019.

The announcement was made late Sunday onboard the Love and Harmony Cruise by a member of Buju’s marketing team.

While there were no details, Jodian Ebanks said the dates, travel schedules and other factors, have come together making the show a reality.

However, shortly after the announcement was made, several disappointed Buju fans in Jamaica and the Diaspora took to social media asking why Jamaica was not the site for the entertainer’s first show following his release from prison.

The questions prompted a response from a member of Buju’s management team - Josef Budafuco, who stated that while the artiste will be performing in the twin island republic in April 2019, talks are underway with promoters in Jamaican and the wider region for a concert.

As a result, Budafuco said there’s a possibility Trinidad and Tobago may not be Buju’s first performance after his release.

Buju is expected to be released from a US jail on December 8 where he has been serving a drug trafficking sentence since June 2011.