As a youngster, Buju would often watch his favourite artists perform at outdoor shows and local dancehalls. At the tender age of 13 he picked up the microphone for himself and began toasting under the monicker of "Gargamel". His first single, "The Ruler" was released not long afterwards in 1987 under the production of Robert French at Penthouse Studios.
In 1991, Buju joined Donovan Germain's Penthouse Label and began a fruitful partnership with producer Dave Kelly. Buju is one of the most popular musicians in Jamaican history, having burst onto the charts there suddenly in 1992, with "Bogle" and "Love Me Browning/Love Black Woman", both massive hits in Jamaica. Controversy erupted over Love Me Browning which spoke of Banton's preference for light-skinned women: "Mi love mi car mi love mi house mi love mi money and ting, but most of all mi love mi browning." Some accused Banton of promoting a colonialist attitude and denigrating the beauty of black women. In response, he released "Black Woman" which spoke of his love for dark-skinned beauties: "Stop cry, fi all black woman, respect all the gyals with dark complexion." 1992 was an explosive year for Buju as he broke the great Bob Marley's record for the greatest number of number one singles in a year. Beginning with "Man fi Dead", Buju's gruff voice dominated the Jamaican airwaves for the duration of the year. Banton's debut album, Mr. Mention, includes his greatest hits from that year.
1992 was also the year in which the controversy over Buju's homophobic "Boom Bye Bye" exploded. The media in Great Britain picked up on Buju's less than admirable promotion of violence against homosexuals. Myrie, who had recently signed with Mercury records, refused to back down from his stance against homosexuals, claiming his religious beliefs prevented him from accepting homosexuality. Banton downplayed the violent content of his song, claiming that it was metaphorical. Gay Rights groups campaigned against Buju as well as Shabba Ranks who, when asked about the controversy on the British show The Word, stated, "God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve." Shabba later apologized, but Buju refused to back down which drew the ire of various homosexual advocacy groups who continue to campaign against him.
Banton released the hard-hitting Voice of Jamaica in 1993. The album included a number of conscious tracks. These tracks included "Deportees" a song which criticized those Jamaicans who went abroad but never sent money home, a remix of Little Roy's "Tribal War", a sharp condemnation of political violence, and "Willy, Don't Be Silly" which promoted condom use. The conscious spin of this disc did little to stop the attacks of gay rights groups who felt that his continued performance of "Boom Bye Bye" was a slap in their faces. Some dancehall fans felt that Banton could have exploded onto the American scene if his homophobic song hadn't held him back. Nevertheless, Buju was adopted by many new fans who appreciated his gravelly vocals and cared little about his homophobia.
Til Shiloh (1995) was a very influential album, using a studio band instead of synthesized music, and marking a slight shift away from dancehall towards roots reggae for Banton. Buju turned Rasta and his new album reflected his new beliefs. Til Shiloh is one of the greatest dancehall albums of all time and successfully blended conscious lyrics with a hard-hitting dancehall vibe. The album included a single called "Murderer" which condemned the violence in Jamaican dancehall music, inspired by the murders of dancehall musicians Panhead and Dirtsman. The song inspired several clubs to stop playing songs with excessively violent subject matter. This conscious album had a large impact on dancehall music and showed the hunger the dancehall massive had for conscious lyrics. Dancehall music did not move away from slack and violent lyrics, but the album did pave the way for a greater spirituality within the music.
Inna Heights (1997) substantially increased Banton's international audience as Buju explored his singing ability and recorded a number of roots-tinged tracks. Banton covered The Silvertones' "Destiny" and recorded songs with such artists as Beres Hammond and the legendary Toots Hibbert. The album was well-received but had distribution problems. Also, some fans were disappointed, having hoped for another ground-breaking album like "Til Shiloh." Still, Buju's experimentation and soaring vocals impressed many fans and this album remains a highly regarded work.
In 1998, Buju met the punk band Rancid and recorded two tracks with them: "Misty Days" and "Life Won't Wait." The latter became the title track of Rancid's 1999 album, Life Won't Wait. Subsequently, Buju signed with Rancid's eclectic Anti, a subsidiary of Epitaph and released Unchained Spirit in 2000.
In March 2003 he released Friends for Life, which featured more sharply political songs, including "Mr. Nine", an anti-gun song that further verified his status as one of reggae's most anti-confrontational artists.
Banton's 2006 album Too Bad got him nominated for a second Grammy but despite the album's brilliance and artistic excellence "Too Bad" did not garner the award. "Too Bad" brings us back to the Buju of the nineties with his rough phenomenal voice backed by hypnotic beats and conscious lyrics that seem to stay on repeat in your head. "Too Bad" is a complete listen from start to finish and is an extra success because the Gargamel executive produced the album on his own label.
On April 21, 2009, Buju released the often delayed album Rasta Got Soul. This is Banton's ninth album and features the hit single Magic City. This release sees Buju returning to roots and culture reggae. The album received a Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category.
As of December 2009, Buju allegedly attempted to buy cocaine from an undercover officer in Miami and faces up to life in prison if convicted. The trial of Banton began on September 20, 2010 in Tampa, Florida.
African Pride
Buju Banton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jah is the ruler and protector of I & I life
All man a bawl (Eh!)
(Ethiopia) Africans with African pride
(Somalia) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For our nation to move forward
(Zambia) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
What make we can't all unite
Put each man difference aside
Why can't we just come together
Cease from tribal wars and fight
Who knows better must do better
A source of collective insight
May not be exposed to education
But surely knows wrong from right
(Nigeria) Africans with African pride
(Ghana) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
(Zimbabwe) Africans with African pride
(Zaire) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
Self help with inner motivation
Teach I to be self sufficient
don't want to depend on no one
For attainment of my bread
Oh these words
Oh my calling
Children crying white squall tears
Hunger rampant harvest plenty (ooohwe, whoa)
(Senegal) Africans with African pride
(South Africa) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For any nation to move forward
(Ethiopia) Africans with African pride
(Somalia) Fighting to attain our rights
(oh oh oh oh oh oh oh)
(oh oh oh oh oh oh)
(Unde-lay, Unde-lay, Unde-lay, uh lay lay woi)
(Unde-lay, Unde-lay, Unde-lay, uh lay lay woi)
(Woi)
(Freedom) free Africa
A free free Africa
(Freedom) free Africa
A free indi-Africa
(Freedom) free Africa
Di whole entire Africa
(Freedom) free Africa (Whoa, woy-yo)
(Botswana) Africans with African pride
(Cameroon) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
(Angola) Africans with African pride
(Namibia) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
What make we can't all unite
Put each man difference aside
Why can't we just come together
Cease dis tribal war and fight
Who knows better must do better
A source of collective insight
May not be exposed to education
But surely knows wrong from right
(Algeria) Africans with African pride
(Mali) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
(Benin) Africans with African pride
(Burundi) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
The lyrics of "African Pride" by Buju Banton is an appeal to African nations to unite and fight for their rights. The song emphasizes the need for Africans to stop shedding blood and come together to attain progress. Buju Banton portrays a picture of nations such as Ethiopia, Somalia, Mozambique, and Zambia, who fight for their rights despite the challenges that they face. He explains that education is not the only source of insight, and anyone who knows wrong from right can lead the way.
Buju Banton laments the tribal wars and calls for everyone to come together, put their differences aside, and strive for collective progress. The song also stresses the need for Africans to practice self-sufficiency instead of depending on others for their livelihood. The call for freedom and equality resonates throughout the song, with Buju Banton making an impassioned plea for the entire African continent to be free.
The lyrics of "African Pride" are a reminder of the struggles that African nations have faced and an appeal to their spirit of resilience and pride. It highlights the need for unity and self-sufficiency and is a call to action for all Africans to come together and fight for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Thou we struggle
Although we are facing challenges and difficulties
Jah is the ruler and protector of I & I life
God is the leader and guardian of our lives
All man a bawl (Eh!)
Everyone is crying out in pain and distress
(Ethiopia) Africans with African pride
People from Ethiopia have a sense of pride in their African heritage
(Somalia) Fighting to attain our rights
The people of Somalia are struggling to gain their human rights
Want no more shedding of blood
Do not want to see any more violence or killing
For our nation to move forward
In order for our country to progress
(Mozambique) Africans with African pride
People from Mozambique are proud of their African identity
(Zambia) Fighting to attain our rights
The people of Zambia are fighting for their rights
(Nigeria) Africans with African pride
Nigerians have a sense of pride in their African heritage
(Ghana) Fighting to attain our rights
The people of Ghana are fighting for their rights
Put each man difference aside
Set aside our individual differences
Why can't we just come together
Why can't we unite and work together?
Cease from tribal wars and fight
Stop fighting based on tribal differences
Who knows better must do better
Those who are knowledgeable should use their knowledge to make a positive change
A source of collective insight
A group of people who share knowledge can offer valuable guidance
May not be exposed to education
Some people may not have access to formal education
But surely knows wrong from right
But they still know what is morally right and wrong
(Senegal) Africans with African pride
People from Senegal are proud of their African identity
(South Africa) Fighting to attain our rights
The people of South Africa are fighting for their rights
(Ethiopia) Africans with African pride
People from Ethiopia have a sense of pride in their African heritage
(Somalia) Fighting to attain our rights
The people of Somalia are struggling to gain their human rights
(Unde-lay, Unde-lay, Unde-lay, uh lay lay woi)
Lyrics signaling the rhythm of the song
(Freedom) free Africa
A call for African countries to be free and independent
(Botswana) Africans with African pride
People from Botswana have a sense of pride in their African heritage
(Cameroon) Fighting to attain our rights
The people of Cameroon are working to gain their human rights
(Angola) Africans with African pride
People from Angola have a sense of pride in their African heritage
(Namibia) Fighting to attain our rights
The people of Namibia are fighting for their rights
Want no more shedding of blood
Do not want to see any more violence or killing
For dis nation to move forward
In order for the country to progress
Want no more shedding of blood
Do not want to see any more violence or killing
Want no more shedding of blood
Do not want to see any more violence or killing
Want no more shedding of blood
Do not want to see any more violence or killing
For dis nation to move forward
In order for the country to progress
For dis nation to move forward
In order for the country to progress
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: STEVEN MARSDEN, LOWELL DUNBAR, DONALD DENNIS, MARK MYRIE, DONOVAN GERMAIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Zion Smith Thousand
LETRAS
Thou we struggle
Jah is the ruler and protector of I & I life
All man a bawl (Eh!)
Africans with African pride
(Somalia) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For our nation to move forward
(Mozambique) Africans with African pride
(Zambia) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
What make we can't all unite
Put each man difference aside
Why can't we just come together
Cease from tribal wars and fight
Who knows better must do better
A source of collective insight
May not be exposed to education
But surely knows wrong from right
Africans with African pride
(Ghana) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
(Zimbabwe) Africans with African pride
(Zaire) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
Self help with inner motivation
Teach I to be self sufficient
don't want to depend on no one
For attainment of my bread
Oh these words
Oh my calling
Children crying white squall tears
Hunger rampant harvest plenty (ooohwe, whoa)
Africans with African pride
(South Africa) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For any nation to move forward
(Ethiopia) Africans with African pride
(Somalia) Fighting to attain our rights
(oh oh oh oh oh oh oh)
(oh oh oh oh oh oh)
free Africa
A free free Africa
(Freedom) free Africa
A free indi-Africa
(Freedom) free Africa
Di whole entire Africa
(Freedom) free Africa (Whoa, woy-yo)
Africans with African pride
(Cameroon) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
(Angola) Africans with African pride
(Namibia) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
What make we can't all unite
Put each man difference aside
Why can't we just come together
Cease dis tribal war and fight
Who knows better must do better
A source of collective insight
May not be exposed to education
But surely knows wrong from right
Africans with African pride
(Mali) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
(Benin) Africans with African pride
(Burundi) Fighting to attain our rights
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
Want no more shedding of blood
For dis nation to move forward
DD Morris
This made me shed some tears. I live in the Caribbean and I occasionally heard this song growing up but as I get older, I begin to realize what we lost due to slavery our true language/tongue, lineage, identity, culture, originality, and so much more, It just hurts sometimes.
Nicole Hunte
Tears always flow down my cheeks when I listen to this song... very deep lyrics.... the beat is awesome
K Mac M
Yes true indeed
Ras Jada
I feel the same way too
Amariah Hardware
That's the spirit that's in us that they broke by separating us when we come together we are much greater than they ever will be because we are Yah chosen people that's why the spirit inside us react this way
Doreen Patterson
STOP!
We can look back at what we have lost or we can look at where we are now and the future! So where are we and what we have done?We have formed a new culture of the Caribbean.
Caribbean culture is unique! It punches way above its weight in terms of food, music, sport, the Arts etc right across the planet!! We should be very proud of our achievements.
PL Boogie
United we stand. African pride!
Nigerianflavor22
I have noticed two things. When I call myself Nigerian, Africans say you are not really Afrcian. When I call myself American, Americans will say you different. For all the bicultural people out there be proud of all your cultures! Being bicultural is a blessing! Don't let anyone tell you what or who you are and don't let anyone tell you what you are or are not proud of. DEFINE YOURSELF! God has just been so good to me.God is so good! With God, no one can break me.
Jimmy Mac
This dude is so versatile, everything he does is golden
jmoney1135
GOD BLESS AFRICA!!!!!!