Buju Banton Interview - Music From The Heart

We sat down with Buju Banton ahead of his European tour to talk about his creative process, his time away from music, and what drives him to keep making some of the most powerful reggae and dancehall of his generation.

Reggae Rock News: You've been incredibly prolific since your return. What is fuelling this creative energy? Buju Banton: Gratitude. Pure gratitude. When you've been through what I've been through and you come out the other side, you see everything differently. Every song I write now comes from a place of deep appreciation for life, for music, for the people who held me up.

RP: Your album 'Upside Down 2020' was a massive statement. Are you working on new material? Buju: Always. The music never stops in my head. I'm in the studio regularly, working on new ideas. I can't give you a release date yet, but I can tell you that what's coming is going to move people. It's music from the heart.

RP: What do you want young artists to take from your journey? Buju: Resilience. Stay true to who you are. The industry will try to shape you, mould you into something commercial. But the artists who last, who really matter, are the ones who stay authentic. Know your roots. Know your purpose.

RP: What can fans expect from the European tour? Buju: A full experience. I'm not just coming to perform songs. I'm coming to connect, to commune with the people. Every show is a spiritual event for me. We're going to laugh, we're going to cry, we're going to give thanks together. That's what reggae is about.

Buju Banton's European tour kicks off in London on August 20, 2026, before moving through Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Switzerland. Tickets are available now at all major booking platforms.