Buju Banton

Buju Banton - Stamina Daddy – Techniques - 1992

Apart from being a great producer Winston Riley next claim to fame is in talent spotting. With numerous debut albums in his catalogue going back to the late seventies early eighties. Yet he's mainly worked with singers, and this may explain the rawness of this set. The rhythms here are basic in the extreme, and not very inspiring. They have certainly not inspired Buju much. For slackness dominates this album. The only time it get entertaining is on 'Quick ' and that is because of the rhythm track -'Stalag' - the original 'Stalag', well plus syndrums. Still it's good to see long time producers giving the youth a chance, although both concerned can do a lot better.

Buju Banton - Mr Mention - Penthouse - 1992

By the time Buju had teamed up with Germain, he had lowered his voice into even gruffer style, likewise he was still well into slackness, but like so many dj’s before him he had learn’t that slackness alone is not a very satisfying experience. An interest in life itself is necessary to telate that much more to other poeple. Which brings us to the best track on the album ‘Love Me Browning’. If I recall the lyrics here caused him some greif, but at least he was saying something. The rest of the lp works and works well, because of the excellent Penthouse rhyhms, which really and truly inspire the man to put everyhting into this set.

Buju Banton - Voice Of Jamaica – Mercury - 1993

Everytime major labels come into contact with reggae music a sense of unease is produced. This as been going on now for years, and in all that time, over 25 years, it hasn’t got no better. What could have been another interesting step forwawrd for Buju gets sidetracked into unnecessary rap experiments, that don’t work. I have no doubt that Buju can make some great rap music, but if that is what he wants to do he should focus on that market. Everyone by now should know that reggae music is wild mix of many musics, it as no need to change anyhting about itself.

Buju Banton - Til Shiloh - Loose Cannon - 1995

Almost to prove the point is this excllent set from the man. Drawing on the widest variety of musical styles, all of them reggae. The Nyahbingy acoustic sound makes the biggest impact though. Who would have thought with all the digital innovations of the last ten years, that a simple mix of nyahbingi drumming providing the rhythm and acousitc guitar providing the melody could sound so fresh. Another point of interest is the adaptatation by Buju of the singjay style, where he goes from his gruff deejay style into a uncanny Marley like vocal style that is truly remarkable. An inspiring and inspired set, that ranks alongside the classics of the genre.