All Hail the King of the Dancehall! Five Songs by Reggae Singer Buju Banton That We Have on Repeat
Buju Banton is a well-known Jamaican artists who helped put reggae and dancehall on the map. Here's a breakdown of five of his best songs.
By S.Y.Oct. 31 2023, Published 7:30 p.m. ET
Dancehall legend Buju Banton is reggae royalty and he has been for decades now. He was one of the most critical pioneers in making Jamaican music mainstream.
With a discography just as memorable as it is iconic, the reggae superstar's journey to being a superstar was marked by his flawless delivery and strong storytelling skills.
He has consistently delivered lovable songs, each of which uniquely honors his Caribbean background, for decades now.
If you were late to hop on the Buju Banton bandwagon, below are some of our favorite songs of his for you to check out — especially if you're looking to add some island flavor to your playlist.
"Who Say"
"Who Say" is a powerful anthem with riveting lyrics. In fact, it's been named one of Buju's most politically charged songs.
In "Who Say," the musician carries on the legacy of several other prominent artists (like Bob Marley) who have used the power of reggae as a driving force for reform.
"Wanna Be Loved"
When you think of a reggae love song dripped in all the feels, "Wanna Be Loved" should come to mind.
In this record, Buju showcases his versatility. "Wanna Be Loved" sees Buju get in touch with his romantic, soulful side. According to us, the replay value of this song is off the charts!
"Blessed"
Life has its ups and downs, but "Blessed" reminds us to give thanks.
With an especially catchy hook, it's hard not to bob your head to "Blessed." This track also doubles as the perfect song to add to your workout playlist for the gym.
"Untold Stories"
One standout attribute about Buju is his ability to tell compelling stories through his lyrics. "Untold Stories" is the perfect track for music lovers who love a good acoustic ballad!
Fans get a front-row seat to Buju's raw vocals on the track, which proves that his ability to craft compelling songs is unmatched. The music video for "Untold Stories," although over two decades old, is incredibly memorable and speaks to his legacy.
"Small Axe"
In a conversation with the Recording Academy, Buju stated that his 1997 song, "Small Axe," helped him delve into the world of reggae.
Although he started out as a dancehall artist, this song provided the perfect landing pad for his transition.
The Jamaican musician said: "It provided an opportunity to tap into the richness of our musical culture and to work with a great man like King Stitt. Maybe it was the divine instruction I had to follow as a servant, and I did."
"Buried Alive"
In 2011, Buju was convicted of illegal possession of a firearm and cocaine possession with intent to distribute by a U.S. judge.
After his release in 2018, he put his experience behind bars in a song. Thus, "Buried Alive" was born. The song describes the musician's gratitude for being given a second chance at life despite his struggles.
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