by K’Shema Francis—-   Following the decision by the federal Bureau of Prisons to grant early release to about 6,000 inmates given harsh sentences in drug cases, talks of Buju Banton being among the 6000 has spiraled out of control. The excitement grew among fans and Buju Banton supporters as more announcement follow indicating that about a third of the inmates are undocumented immigrants who will be deported. However, Rosemarie Duncan, coordinator of the three-member Buju Banton Defense Support Committee, tells Music News Buju Unfortunately is not among the 6000; nonetheless, they remain very hopeful that he will soon return to Jamaica. According to the federal Bureau of Prisons, the prisoners eligible for release have served an average of nine years, were due to be released in about 18 months and were already in half-way houses. As … Read entire article »

  By Dan Sallivan— TAMPA — Four years after she helped convict reggae star Buju Banton on gun and drug charges, a former juror was found guilty Tuesday of contempt for researching the case outside of court. Former juror foreman Terri Wright’s punishment: more research. U.S. District Judge James S. Moody Jr. also sentenced her to five months of probation and 40 hours of community service. But the most creative punishment was the judge ordering her to research and write a report about the cost of Banton’s high-profile, six-day trial. Wright, 47, showed no reaction as the judge found her guilty after a two-hour bench trial. The judge’s decision came after attorneys spent the morning arguing about her activities during and after Banton’s trial. They took testimony from Chris Sweeney, a former reporter with Miami New Times, … Read entire article »

 Buju Banton— SUPPORTERS of incarcerated reggae artist Buju Banton were on a high when a photograph of him performing behind bars went viral on social media. In the photograph, Buju Banton — dressed in prison-issued garments — is seen performing with a small band in prison. What appears to be a Jamaican flag can also be seen in the background. After the picture was posted, fans of the entertainer expressed their love for the embattled artist. “Minor setback for a major come back. They can lock down Buju but Mark Anthony Myrie is at peace!!” Michelle Larrelle posted on her Facebook wall. Banton, whose given name is Mark Myrie, is currently serving is currently serving a mandatory 10-year sentence in a Georgia correctional facility on cocaine charges. The singer was arrested in 2009 and convicted in … Read entire article »