Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton disclosed his Igbo roots. When Banton recently sat down for an interview on the show Drink Champs with N. O. R. E and DJ EFN, he said that he is from the Maroon tribe and that the genetic ancestors of that tribe are the Igbo people of Nigeria.
Banton also seemed troubled by the dangers posed to his people’s Indigenous territories. He pointed out that the present Jamaica government provides permit to Chinese and other aliens into the cockpit country home of the Maroons that may ultimately displace the indigenous community.
“Our Indigenous way of life and our land are being threatened,” Banton stated. He emphasized the historical significance of the Maroons, who he described as fierce warriors that fought relentlessly against the British colonizers. “My generation originated from Nigeria. I am an Igbo man according to my bloodline,” Banton declared, reinforcing his connection to his Nigerian roots.
Buju’s exposures and fears reveal the present day issues that the indigenous people of Jamaica especially the Maroons continue to face while fighting to preserve their culture and territory.
