Jamaican dancehall star Buju Banton has made a surprising revelation about his ancestry, tracing his roots back to the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. During a recent appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, the singer disclosed that his Moron heritage is closely connected to the Igbo people.

However, Banton’s joy over his newfound cultural identity is tempered by deep concern for the current situation in Jamaica. He accused the Jamaican government of allowing the influx of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese, into the Cockpit region, a sacred Indigenous area. This influx, he claims, is threatening the Maroon community’s way of life and land.

Banton, who is a descendant of Maroon warriors who fought against British colonial rule, expressed frustration at the government’s neglect of the Indigenous people. He emphasized the importance of preserving their heritage and land, which have been under threat due to foreign encroachment.

In addition to his ancestral revelations, Banton also stirred controversy by criticizing the Afrobeats genre for lacking impact and failing to reflect the struggles of the African continent. He argued that older African artists, such as Fela Kuti, Salif Keita, and Youssou N’dour, had a more significant sociopolitical influence through their music.