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.
destiny
Buju Banton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
why raise the time of the most high
his sons of men
The rich man's wealth is in the city. yeah
Destruction of the poor is his poverty. Lord
Destruction of your soul is vanity. yeah, ay, yeah
Do you hear.
I and I, I wanna rule my destiny.
Destiny, mama look from when you call me
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
I wanna rule my destiny
yeah, yeah oh help I please
Jah Jah mek mi rule my destiny.
I've been blessed I've been touch
I love Jah so much
They keep fighting me I'm not giving up
May the realms of Zion fill my spiritual cup
Wisdom overstanding must never be too much
Give I protection Day and night
From even the pestilence that war get a daylight
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
I wanna rule my destiny
yeah, yeah oh help I please
Jah Jah mek mi rule my destiny.
Cast away their cords from us, Lord.
You have them in the region in the valley of decision
Restraining the heathen with a rod of iron
You know not the destiny of a next man
Why hold him set him free for too long
I, I wanna rule my destiny
Oh yeah, I & I really wanna rule my destiny
Hear me call call call
Destiny, mama look from when you call me
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
I wanna rule my destiny
oh yeah, help I please
really wanna rule my destiny.
My destination is homeward bound
Though forces try to hold I down
Breaking chains has become the norm
I know I must get through no matter what a gwaan
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
I wanna rule my destiny
Lord, & I tell you once more
The rich man's wealth is in the city. oh
Destruction of the poor is our poverty. yeah
Destruction of your soul is vanity. wooooy
Do you hear, Do you hear
Destiny, Destiny
The song Destiny by Buju Banton speaks to the idea of having control over one's own fate and the struggles one faces in achieving that control. The first few lines set the tone for the song, highlighting the choice between good and evil and the importance of not wasting one's time on earth, a time that belongs to the most high. The lyrics then shift to the disparities between the rich and the poor, with the wealthy hoarding their wealth in the city while the poor suffer in poverty. Buju Banton suggests that the destruction of one's soul is an even greater tragedy than poverty, indicating the importance of personal growth and self-realization.
The chorus "Destiny, mama look from when you calling" refers to the belief that one's destiny is predetermined and calling out to mama, or mother earth, for guidance and protection on the journey. The phrase "I and I" is also used throughout the song, which is common in Rastafarian culture, representing the unity of self and the divine.
The verses continue to touch on themes of faith, persistence, and overcoming struggles. Buju Banton talks about being blessed and touched by Jah (God), but still facing challenges from those who try to hold him down. He calls for wisdom and understanding and protection from both physical and spiritual harm. The final section of the song speaks to the idea of breaking free from societal constraints and taking control of one's own destiny, regardless of the opinions and expectations of others.
Overall, the song Destiny serves as a message of hope and empowerment for those facing difficult circumstances or struggling to find their place in the world. It speaks to the importance of personal growth, faith, and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and taking control of one's fate.
Line by Line Meaning
There was good & evil. we chose good
We were presented with a choice between good and evil, and we chose the right path of action
why raise the time of the most high
Why waste the valuable time given by the higher power?
his sons of men
The human race which is composed of the children of the Almighty
The rich man's wealth is in the city. yeah
The wealthy individual's wealth is in the metropolitan area
Destruction of the poor is his poverty. Lord
The misery of the impoverished people is the outcome of the wealthy individual's greed
Destruction of your soul is vanity. yeah, ay, yeah
Chasing unnecessary and superficial things can lead to the destruction of one's soul
Do you hear.
Are you listening and understanding?
I and I, I wanna rule my destiny. yeah
I want to take full control of my fate and make my own decisions
Destiny, mama look from when you call me
Oh, destiny, please consider when you summoned me
I've been blessed I've been touch
I have experienced blessings and the touch of the higher power
I love Jah so much
I have a great fondness and admiration for the higher power
They keep fighting me I'm not giving up
Even though people keep opposing me, I will not back down
May the realms of Zion fill my spiritual cup
May my spiritual being be filled with the positive essence of Zion
Wisdom overstanding must never be too much
It's important to have a balance of understanding and wisdom
Give I protection Day and night
I pray for protection and safety at all times
From even the pestilence that war get a daylight
From all the diseases and plagues that arise from war and violence
Cast away their cords from us, Lord.
Please remove all the negative influences around us
You have them in the region in the valley of decision
There are those who are confused about the right path, and they reside in the valley of decision
Restraining the heathen with a rod of iron
The power to control those who don't believe or worship the higher power
You know not the destiny of a next man
Nobody knows what the future holds for others
Why hold him set him free for too long
Why keep someone captive when it's time for them to be free?
My destination is homeward bound
My final destination is to return to my true home with the higher power
Though forces try to hold I down
Even though there are challenges and obstacles to overcome
Breaking chains has become the norm
Overcoming the chains and obstacles has become a usual occurrence for me
I know I must get through no matter what a gwaan
I am determined to make it through regardless of what happens
Destiny, Destiny
Calling out to destiny once again
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN C. FRIZZELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@genusleo346
There was good and evil
We chose good
Why raise the time of the Most High
His sons of men
The rich man's wealth is in the city yeah
Destruction of the poor is his poverty
Lord
Destruction of your soul is vanity
Yeah, ay, yeah
Do you hear
I and I, I wanna rule my destiny yeah
I and I, I wanna rule my destiny
Destiny, mama look from when you call me
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
I wanna rule my destiny
Yeah, yeah oh help I please
Jah-Jah mek mi rule my destiny
I've been blessed I've been touch
I love Jah so much
They keep fighting me I'm not giving up
May the realms of Zion fill my spiritual cup
Wisdom overstanding must never be too much
Give I protection day and night
From even the pestilence that walketh get a daylight
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
I wanna rule my destiny
Yeah, yeah oh help I please
Jah-Jah mek mi rule my destiny.
Cast away their cords from us, Lord
You have them in the region in the valley of decision
Restraining the heathen with a rod of iron
You know not the destiny of a next man
Why hold him set him free for too long
I, I wanna rule my destiny
Oh yeah, I and I really wanna rule my destiny
Hear me call, call, call
Destiny, mama look from when you call me
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
I wanna rule my destiny
Oh yeah, help I please
Really wanna rule my destiny
Where could I found
My destination is homeward bound
Though forces try to hold I down
Breaking chains has become the norm
I know I must get through no matter whata gwaan
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
I wanna rule my destiny
Lord, and I tell you once more
The rich man's wealth is in the city oh
Destruction of the poor is our poverty yeah
Destruction of your soul is vanity wooooy
Do you hear?
Do you hear?
Destiny
Destiny
@otobagyd345
Who ever that's reading this will definitely achieve his or her destiny, Corona can never stop usβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ
@tashii3338
Amen to that hun
@otobagyd345
@@tashii3338 β€οΈβ€οΈ
@ryanincelowe
Agreed. Well said.
@otobagyd345
@@ryanincelowe β€οΈ
@patoirodessa1230
Amen hallelujah
@nanayawannorakyena8998
I performed this song way back in the primary school and I am called Buju Banton till date..... hit the like bottom if you still enjoy this consciousness π₯
@MaSungoddess777
π€π€π€π€ππ
@Mr-tp2ep
I can confirm, I was there. He messed up the whole 2nd verse
@kiiza2886
hahahahaha I love you much