Jamaican reggae star, Mark Anthony Myrie popularly known as
Buju Banton has been released from a federal prison in Georgia.
The federal Bureau of Prisons updated its inmate locator to
show that he was released Friday Dec 7th from the McRae Correctional Facility
in Georgia. Banton was convicted of federal drug charges in February 2011 for
illegal possession of a firearm and conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent
to distribute.
He was sentenced to 10 years, a prison term his attorneys
appealed to be reduced a year later, citing his "limited
participation" in the drug operation that led to his December 2009 bust.
Banton is one of the most well-known reggae artists in
Jamaica, where he's considered a big name in the same genre of music that
features icons such as Bob Marley. His popularity among reggae fans led to his
collaboration with international US artists such as Busta Rhymes and Fat Joe.
After his release, rap artist P. Diddy posted a message on Instagram.
"Today is a glorious day. Buju is free. Let's go!" he said.
The Jamaica Observer reported that Banton returned home over
the weekend, where crowds of fans gathered at the airport to await his arrival.
His friend and manager told the paper that Banton decided not to use the
regular airport exit because he did not want to be mobbed. "He felt the
crowd was too big, and Buju had already been harassed by the dozens of
passengers who traveled home with him by taking pictures and videoing him, and
asking questions on his way back home," Donovan Germain said. The musician
went to the studio from the airport, and is looking forward to performing early
next year, he added.
