Avellon Williams
Kingston, Jamaica- In a surprising and heartfelt revelation, Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton has traced his ancestral lineage back to the Igbo tribe of Nigeria.
During a recent interview on the Drink Champs podcast, hosted by N.O.R.E and DJ EFN, Banton shared his discovery with pride, highlighting the deep cultural ties between Jamaica and Nigeria.
“Maroons are some of the Indigenous warriors on my Island. We fought the British relentlessly. We are called Blackmaroons. My generation originated from Nigeria. I am an Igbo man according to my bloodline,” he declared, underscoring the historical connections between his Maroon tribe and the Igbo people.
Beyond his personal heritage, Buju Banton sounded an urgent alarm about the current threats facing the Maroon community in Jamaica. He expressed grave concerns over the Jamaican government’s actions, which he claims are allowing foreign interests, particularly from China, to encroach upon the sacred Cockpit region. This area is not only a vital part of Maroon history but also a symbol of their enduring cultural heritage.
Banton lamented, “Our Indigenous way of life and our land are being threatened by the current government of Jamaica, which seeks to bring Chinese and other nationalities into the Cockpit region, which is an Indigenous sacred region, to usurp us the Maroons as the warriors”.
Buju Banton’s revelations and warnings serve as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of African and Caribbean identities and the ongoing struggle to preserve cultural heritage in the face of modern challenges. His passionate advocacy for the Maroon community highlights the need for greater awareness and protection of Indigenous lands and traditions.
RELATED:
