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.
Sensemelia Persecution
Buju Banton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Try stiflin' dis plant
Fram gettin' promotion
Cho!
I buju may nuh be familiar
Wit how di country run
But why di fightin' sensemelia
Mekin' way fah coke to come
A son of a gun
Yu fi hand mi di fiah
Let mi blaze di chillum1
Tell dem now dat di smokin'
Of ganja remain
When di eden ask yu why
Let buju banton explain
Found down inna ethiopia
Nuh come yah pon no plane
I salute all di scholars
Di herb man juss di same
Fah we all tek a draw
Whether big or small
Meditation is good
Fah one and all
While di topic in all
A dem a conference hall
Is to persecute di weed
Fram exist and so fah all
I may nuh be familiar
Wit how di country run
But why di fightin' sensemelia
Mekin' way fah coke to come
Mashin' up dawtawhole heap
A son of a gun
Ah yu fi hand mi di fiah
Watch dis
Trust daniel, believe his words
Him ah one of our own
Told us about di stars
Lef him alone
If yu see mi wit di wizzla
Dat mi vibes and a smoke
Great as he in zion
Because di tender earth to bud
Cannot visit di crop
Di first night yu mek love
Di rat bat manure
Alone blow yu above
Basic introduction
To di wisdom weed of love
Nuh hide it fram di green
Nor di red and black
Nuh swallow hot fiah
Like nuh damn idiot
I may nuh be familiar
Wit how di country run
But why di fightin' sensemelia
Mekin' wy fah coke to come
Mashin' up dawta whole heap
A son of a gun
Ah yu fi di hand mi di fiah
Stien3
Gimme di vibes
Look in my eyes
Mek di whole place mobilize
After five
I nuh even realize
Listen di sound of music
Penetratin', soothin' di mind
Wit di weed
Complimentin' di time
Nuh wanna see no bill
Let di damn phone ring
Observin' di plant
Lookin' so tranquill
Earth sigh reach before
And i ain't scared nomre
Juss di weed of full livin
Clean and pure
2 pounds is nuh enuff
And definitely waan more
Gimme di telephone
Chalice mek him tell yu weh it cure
The song "Sensemelia Persecution" by Buju Banton is a commentary on the persecution of the herb that has been used for centuries as a medicine and for spiritual purposes. The lyrics criticize the government and authorities for fighting against marijuana, while allowing cocaine to enter the country. The singer argues that the herb is a natural substance that remains a part of Ethiopian culture and should not be suppressed. The persecution of marijuana is viewed as unjust and ignorant, while the herb is presented as a source of healing and meditation.
The lyrics also refer to the connection between marijuana and spirituality. The herb is described as a means for attaining higher states of consciousness and connecting with the divine. The reference to Daniel, who is said to have communicated with God in the Old Testament, suggests that the use of marijuana is supported by religion. The song encourages the use of marijuana as a tool for spiritual development and as a means of relaxation and enjoyment.
Overall, "Sensemelia Persecution" advocates for the legalization of marijuana and presents it as a natural, harmless substance that should be embraced rather than persecuted.
Line by Line Meaning
What is causin all dis commotion
Why is there so much conflict and chaos surrounding marijuana?
Try stiflin' dis plant
People are trying to stop the growth of marijuana plants.
Fram gettin' promotion
Marijuana is not being promoted or accepted in society.
I buju may nuh be familiar
I, Buju Banton, may not be well-versed in politics and the inner workings of Jamaica.
Wit how di country run
With how the country is being governed.
But why di fightin' sensemelia
But why is there such opposition to marijuana?
Mekin' way fah coke to come
Marijuana is being suppressed in favor of cocaine.
Mashin' up dawta whole heap
The war on marijuana is causing destruction and chaos in society.
A son of a gun
This situation is problematic and frustrating.
Yu fi hand mi di fiah
Pass me the herb so I can smoke it.
Let mi blaze di chillum1
Let me smoke my chillum pipe.
Tell dem now dat di smokin'
Marijuana smoking is still prevalent.
Of ganja remain
The use of marijuana persists.
When di eden ask yu why
If someone asks why marijuana is being used.
Let buju banton explain
Let Buju Banton give an explanation.
Found down inna ethiopia
Marijuana has its roots in Ethiopia.
Nuh come yah pon no plane
It did not originate from outside sources.
I salute all di scholars
I commend those who have studied marijuana.
Di herb man juss di same
People who use marijuana are just like anyone else.
Fah we all tek a draw
Because we all smoke marijuana.
Whether big or small
Regardless of who you are.
Meditation is good
Marijuana can be beneficial for meditation and relaxation.
Fah one and all
For everyone to enjoy.
While di topic in all
The current issue at hand.
A dem a conference hall
Politicians and officials are discussing marijuana in conference halls.
Is to persecute di weed
They are trying to suppress marijuana use and punish those who use it.
Fram exist and so fah all
To eliminate it completely.
Trust daniel, believe his words
Listen to Daniel, as he speaks the truth.
Him ah one of our own
He is part of our community.
Told us about di stars
He has knowledge about the universe.
Lef him alone
Let him be and don't interfere with him.
If yu see mi wit di wizzla
If you see me with my pipe.
Dat mi vibes and a smoke
That's just my vibe and I'm smoking marijuana.
Great as he in zion
Marijuana is important and valued in Rastafarian culture.
Because di tender earth to bud
Because the earth is capable of making it grow.
Cannot visit di crop
Authorities cannot control marijuana crops.
Di first night yu mek love
The first time you make love.
Di rat bat manure
Using rat bat manure to grow marijuana.
Alone blow yu above
It can enhance your sexual experience.
Basic introduction
A simple introduction.
To di wisdom weed of love
To the knowledge and effects of marijuana for love and pleasure.
Nuh hide it fram di green
Don't try to conceal marijuana amongst green plants.
Nor di red and black
Or amongst the colors of the Rastafarian flag.
Nuh swallow hot fiah
Don't burn yourself on the smoking pipe.
Like nuh damn idiot
Don't be foolish.
Stien
To stir or mix together.
Gimme di vibes
Provide me with the positive energy.
Look in my eyes
Make eye contact with me.
Mek di whole place mobilize
Get everyone involved and excited.
After five
After 5pm or work hours.
I nuh even realize
I was not even aware.
Listen di sound of music
Listen to the rhythm and beats of music.
Penetratin', soothin' di mind
It can penetrate and calm the mind.
Wit di weed
With the help of marijuana.
Complimentin' di time
Enhancing the moment.
Nuh wanna see no bill
Don't want to see bills or regulations regarding marijuana.
Let di damn phone ring
Don't want to be interrupted by phone calls.
Observin' di plant
Looking at the marijuana plant.
Lookin' so tranquill
Appearing calm and serene.
Earth sigh reach before
Experienced it before many times.
And i ain't scared nomre
I am no longer afraid of marijuana.
Juss di weed of full livin
Marijuana can contribute to a fulfilling life.
Clean and pure
Natural and unaltered.
2 pounds is nuh enuff
Two pounds of marijuana is not enough.
And definitely waan more
And I definitely want more.
Gimme di telephone
Give me the phone.
Chalice mek him tell yu weh it cure
Let the herbalist tell you what marijuana cures.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DONOVAN GERMAIN, MARK ANTHONY MYRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Yuran Ricardo
on Fake Smile
with your cynical green
you leave no action
If there’s a choking problem she a reach with everyone
why acting dumb. second verse:
with your cynical green
you leave no action
If you have a choking problems she a reach with everyone
why acting dumb
Kern Rodney
on Fake Smile
If there's ah joke in progress share it with everyone, why acting dumb?