Renowned Jamaican artist Buju Banton has made a significant return to the United States after nearly 15 years. International music producer DJ Khaled recently took to Instagram live to warmly welcome back his "brother" in Miami, Florida, marking a momentous occasion since Banton's arrest in the state over a decade ago.
In a heartfelt introduction, DJ Khaled expressed his excitement, highlighting the legendary nature of the reunion. He shared, "This is legendary! I haven’t seen my brother, and I don’t think you have seen my brother, and it’s been about 15 years since you have seen him in Miami or what we call the United States. And I just want to say yow Buju Banton welcome back to your second home."
Buju Banton, visibly moved by the warm reception, expressed gratitude, saying, "God is amazing, my brother. I wanna say nuff love to all the people out there. This is Buju Banton, I want to say nuff love to you all, all my fans out there in all the states in the United States of America, Gargamel is back."
Reflecting on his absence, Banton continued, "It’s been a long time I haven’t seen you, it’s been a long time my feet have walked on this side. Nothing before the time and now is the time so let’s get the music going, let’s get the vibe going, let’s pick up ourselves, and let’s remember who we are and let’s get lively."
Buju Banton, born Mark Myrie, faced legal troubles in 2009 when arrested in Florida on charges related to cocaine distribution. After serving a 10-year sentence, he was released in December 2018 from the McRae Correctional Facility in Georgia and deported to Jamaica. His return was celebrated with a massive turnout at the National Stadium during his Long Walk to Freedom concert in March 2019.
Legal considerations surround his return, with experts suggesting that as he was deported, he might only be permitted a temporary work visa, not a visitor's or non-immigrant one. Whether Buju Banton will soon perform in Miami remains uncertain at this time.