Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton has revealed his Igbo heritage, tracing his roots to the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. On the Drink Champs podcast, he discussed his cultural lineage, stating that his tribe, the Maroons, originated from the Igbo people. Banton expressed concern over the threat to Indigenous Maroon lands in Jamaica, citing government allowance of Chinese and foreign entities, leading to Maroon displacement.
He said, “Our Indigenous way of life and our land are being threatened by the current government of Jamaica… to bring Chinese and other nationalities into the Cockpit region… to usurp us the Maroons.” Banton proudly claimed his Igbo identity, stating, “Maroons are some of the Indigenous warriors on my Island… My generation originated from Nigeria. I am an Igbo man according to my bloodline.”
Banton’s revelation highlights his connection to his African roots and his concern for the preservation of his community’s cultural heritage. As a renowned artist, his voice brings attention to the struggles of the Maroon community and their fight to protect their ancestral lands.
