In exactly one month and a day, Mark Myrie aka Buju Banton will take the stage at the UBS Arena in Queens New York. It has been 15 years since his last performance in before streaming became fully integrated.
Banton’s career came of age in the US and globally during the period when many consumers of reggae music bought illegal duplicate cassettes and cds in the early 1990s and then between 1999 Napster made illegal downloads easy. Still his music has manage to hold up during the streaming era with a total of 414 million streams across his 200 songs from his catalog on Spotify.
Ahead of his history make return to the US, WMV take a look at his most streamed songs on the platform.
10. WHERE YOU COME FROM (feat. Buju Banton, Capleton & Bounty Killer)
Streams: 10.4 Million
“WHERE YOU COME FROM” is a collaborative track by DJ Khaled that features also features reggae legends Capleton, Barrington Levy and Bounty Killer. Released as a single on Khaled’s Khaled Khaled album on May 21, 2021, this song showcases the powerful and diverse vocal talents of these iconic artists.
The collaboration brings a blend of energy, passion, and authentic reggae vibes, making it a favorite among fans. The track’s themes of identity and pride resonate deeply with listeners, highlighting Buju Banton’s ability to deliver impactful messages through his music.
9. Wanna Be Loved
Streams: 10.5 Million
“Wanna Be Loved” is a quintessential Buju Banton track, blending soulful melodies with his distinctive reggae rhythms. The song speaks to universal desires for love and connection, making it relatable to a wide audience. Buju’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s smooth groove have made it a timeless piece, continuing to attract streams and new listeners.
8. Party Girls (feat. Buju Banton)
Streams: 13.6 Million
“Party Girls” by Victoria Monét, released May 5, 2023 as a single from her Grammy Winning Jaguar II album sees Buju Banton collaborating in a steamy, R&B dancehall-infused track. This song produced by D’Mile, Yonatan “SDTRK” Ayal and Dready is a celebration of fun and good times, with Buju’s energetic performance adding a vibrant touch with a hint of inspiration from the Showtime Riddim.
The infectious beat and catchy lyrics make it a perfect party anthem, reflecting Buju’s versatility in creating music that can energize any crowd.
7. Untold Stories
Streams: 17.1 Million
“Untold Stories” produced by Donovan Germain of Penthouse Records is one of Buju Banton’s most introspective and poignant songs from his magnum opus Til Shiloh album. It provides a deep and soulful commentary on life’s struggles and societal issues. Buju’s powerful lyrics and emotive delivery capture the essence of reggae’s roots, making it a deeply moving piece that resonates with listeners on a personal level. This song is a testament to Buju’s ability to blend profound messages with compelling music and defiantly one reason why his concerts attract huge audiences.
6. Jah Army
Streams: 17.1 Million
Buju’s verse on “Jah Army” by Stephen Marley and Damian Marley from the Stephen’s album The Revelation: Root Of Life Part 1 is a masterclass in MCing. The extended verse covers a plethora of topics in a call to action, encouraging listeners to stand strong in their beliefs and fight for justice. Buju’s commanding presence and the song’s militant rhythm make it a powerful anthem for resilience and determination.
5. Dangerous City (feat. Buju Banton)
Streams: 17.6 Million
OVO artist DVSN and Ty $ign pulled for Buju on “Dangerous City,” the fourth single from their third collaborative studio album A Muse in Her Feelings. The track released April 10, 2020, blends reggae with contemporary sounds and addresses themes of love and survival in a harsh world, with Buju’s verses adding the reggae feel of depth and intensity and signature clap sounds from 90s dancehall over his verse.
4. Holy Mountain (feat. Buju Banton, Sizzla, Mavado & 070 Shake)
Streams: 19.7 Million
“Holy Mountain” by DJ Khaled is a star-studded collaboration featuring Buju Banton alongside Sizzla, Mavado, and 070 Shake. The song was Banton’s first international release after being deported in 2018 and is a spiritual and uplifting anthem that combines the strengths of all artists involved. The track is named after the Rio Chico resort which DJ Khaled dubbed Holy Mountain and his spatial home.
3. Murderer
Streams: 23.6 Million
“Murderer” is one of Buju Banton’s most iconic songs, addressing the serious issue of violence with a haunting melody and poignant lyrics after he learned of the death of Pan Head while on tour in Japan. Buju’s emotive performance and the song’s powerful message make it a standout track in his discography. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its impact and relevance, resonating with listeners across generations.
2. Champion
Streams: 38.2 Million
“Champion” is a celebratory anthem that highlights Buju Banton’s prowess as a top-tier reggae-dancehall artist. The song is certified Gold in Canada, his only single certification and is a turntable favorite in places like New York.
1. Hills And Valleys
Streams: 40.8 Million
“Hills And Valleys” from Banton’s Inner Heights album (1997) tops the list as Buju Banton’s most streamed song on Spotify. This track is a profound reflection on life’s ups and downs, with Buju’s raspy yet soulful voice delivering a message of hope and perseverance in a unique singing style. The song’s beautiful melody and inspirational lyrics have touched the hearts of millions, cementing its status as a timeless piece in Buju’s catalog. Its widespread appeal and emotional depth make it a standout track that continues to captivate listeners around the world.
