GRAMMY winner, multiple Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping artist and international reggae icon, Buju Banton, won Best Reggae Act at this year’s annual MOBO Awards for his long-awaited album, “Upside Down 2020,” his first full-length studio album in a decade.
The album was released on Jun. 26 and has also been nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Reggae Album, according to Destine Media.
“I thank the MOBO Awards committee, but, most of all, I thank everyone who has supported me and continues to support me,” said Banton on receiving the award. “Let’s continue to allow music to do its job as the great healer, teacher, comforter and, above all, the restorative force that propels human beings to higher heights.”
His manager Joseph “Budafuco” Louis said: “It’s an honor to be on this journey with Buju Banton and sharing this moment of recognition for his exceptional contribution to Reggae music this year. We thank you.”
Destine Media said the MOBO Awards is United Kingdom’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture, and was live-streamed for the very first time on YouTube and broadcast on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) One, with highlights available on BBC iPlayer and supporting content in BBC Sounds.
“The quintessential artist celebrated his return to the worldwide stage following his performance at Kingston’s Famed National Stadium,” Destine Media said. “’The Long Walk to Freedom Concert’ was one of the biggest music events in Jamaica’s history and was the launching pad for the tour of the same name.
“His subsequent announcement that he had signed with Roc Nation followed by releasing two brand-new songs ‘Steppa’ and ‘Trust’ and accompanying music videos energized his impressive global audience,” it added.
Banton’s last studio album, “Before the Dawn,” was released in 2010.
He has been described by Associated Press as “one of the most respected acts in reggae,” according to Destine Media.
It said The FADER goes further describing Banton as “a national hero,” stating that Buju Banton, who was born Mark Myrie, is “more Jamaican than jerk chicken, Red Stripe beer, and a croaking lizard combined. He’s as much a singer as he is a hallmark of Jamaican culture.”
Relive the monumental moment from the history-making “Long Walk to Freedom Concert” at https://bujubanton.me/lwtf
