Gargamel Focused On Freedom In 2012

We Pray For Freedom In 2012

Greetings in the name of the Most High! As we mark the end of 2011, Buju Banton and the entire Gargamel family would like to take a moment to thank the fans around the world for your unwavering support during these difficult times. Indeed, it is not an easy road, but it helps to know that we are not walking it alone.

Buju has been receiving all of  your correspondence and apologizes for not being able to answer every single letter personally. Keep them coming, still, as they are a true source of upliftment in the midst of so much uncertainty.

While we patiently await a final ruling on Buju’s case from the United States Court of Appeals, Team Gargamel remains hopeful, prayerful and focused on freedom… We encourage you to do the same.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Buju Banton Appeal Brief Filed

Team Gargamel is extremely pleased to announce that Buju’s attorney of record, David Oscar Markus of Markus & Markus Law, filed the Brief Of The Appellant, on behalf of Mark Anthony Myrie p/k/a Buju Banton, with the United States Court of Appeals earlier this morning. The gripping, 73-page document thoroughly picks apart the squirrely details surrounding the case of “The Recording Artist vs The Con Artist.”

The Appeal itself is broken down into three main arguments:

I.  AS BOTH A MATTER OF LAW AND FACT, MYRIE  IS NOT GUILTY OF CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE OR TO AID AND ABET OTHERS IN USING THE TELEPHONE TO FACILITATE A COCAINE DISTRIBUTION CONSPIRACY

II.  IN THE ALTERNATIVE, THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO IMPLICATE MYRIE CONSTITUTED ENTRAPMENT BECAUSE MYRIE LACKED PREDISPOSITION TO PARTICIPATE IN A DRUG CONSPIRACY

III.  THIS CASE MUST BE DISMISSED DUE TO THE DISTRICT COURT’S VIOLATION OF THE SPEEDY TRIAL ACT

In addition to the brief, Mr. Markus has requested an oral argument, where 3 judges listen to the case, “because it will assist the Court in understanding the multiple legal issues presented in this case.” Only 10% of all appeal cases are granted this opportunity.

The Court of Appeals will decide whether to allow oral argument, and when all is said and done, will usually take between a month and a year to rule.

Write On, Gargamel Soldiers!

The Gargamel Music Family thanks the fans worldwide — especially the prayer warriors, for their ongoing support of Buju Banton. Now that Buju is settling in at FCI Miami, we urge you to continue sending those letters filled with love and encouragement as they help to keep B’s spirit lifted and his mind focused. Below is the mailing address:

MARK ANTHONY MYRIE – 86700-004

FCI MIAMI

FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION

P.O. BOX 779880

MIAMI, FL 33177

Zion Rootswear To Produce Official Buju Banton Merchandise

~ The Official Buju Banton Logo T-Shirt ~ Available @ Zion Rootswear

The Gargamel Music Family is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Zion Rootswear to produce and distribute official Buju Banton T-Shirts worldwide. Since opening its doors in 1999, Zion Rootswear has established itself as the premier merchandiser for an esteemed group of legendary artists that include the late, great Bob Marley, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Ziggy Marley, John Lennon, Willie Nelson and Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead.

“Over the years we have really built a name for ourselves by being dedicated to honoring greats within the music world,” says Brian Conley, CEO of Zion Rootswear. “Obviously Bob Marley is our flagship Reggae artist, however, just like Bob, Buju Banton is a Reggae music heavyweight and stands next to Bob Marley on the top of the mountain when it comes to the most influential voices in the history of Jamaican music and culture.”

Conley adds, “Everyone here at Zion is proud to add Buju Banton to the talented roster of artists that we represent and we feel like our fans will be especially pleased to see this addition to our lineup of iconic musicians.”

Just in time for the holiday season, Zion Rootswear rolls out the Buju Banton merch line with the official Free Buju T-Shirts and the official Buju Banton Logo T-Shirt, both created by longtime Gargamel designer, Darhil Crooks. The shirts are on sale now at the Zion Rootswear website and they will also be available in select stores around the globe.

Buju Moving… To Low Security Federal Facility In Miami

Buju Moving...

The family and close friends of Buju Banton can breathe a collective sigh of relief. After spending two months living under horrible conditions at Limestone County Correctional Institution, a private prison in Groesbeck, Texas, the Jamaican music icon is now on the move and expected to be transferred to Federal Correctional Institution Miami, the low security  facility originally recommended by the Honorable Judge James Moody, who oversaw his criminal case.

The Gargamel Music family expresses great thanks to the Jamaican consulate, who immediately sent a representative to report first hand on the conditions in Texas, and to Judge Moody, who wrote a letter to the Bureau Of Prisons (BOP) on Buju’s behalf. We are especially thankful for Buju’s attorney, David Oscar Markus of Markus & Markus Law, who worked diligently with the prison in Texas, the Jamaican consulate, the BOP and the Court to make this unprecedented move happen.

Buju Banton Moved To Federal Facility In Central Texas

After spending nearly two months at a federal holding facility in Oklahoma, our beloved Buju has finally been moved to Limestone County Correctional Institution in Groesbeck, Texas, which is a low security, specialized population private prison that houses sentenced criminal “aliens.” Groesbeck is located approximately 42 miles from the city of Waco and 100 miles from Dallas. Despite the harrowing circumstances, B remains strong, focused and prayerful, taking one day at a time. Family, friends and fans are encouraged to write letters to the General at the address below:

MARK ANTHONY MYRIE – REG# 86700-004

CI LIMESTONE COUNTY

CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION

910 TYUS ROAD

GROESBECK, TEXAS 76642

Meanwhile, Buju’s legal team, led by David Oscar Markus of Markus & Markus Law, is diligently at work on his appeal and supporters have relaunched the Buju Banton Letter Writing Campaign aimed at bringing attention about this miscarriage of justice to US Attorney General Eric Holder.

The Caged Bird Sings Of Freedom

The caged bird sings

With a fearful trill

Of things unknown

But longed for still

And his tune is heard

On the distant hill

For the caged bird

Sings of freedom.

–Dr. Maya Angelou (from I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings)

Freedom! Photo By: Robert Cooper

Greetings in the name of the Most High…

As you can imagine, the Gargamel Music Family’s entire world was shattered by the outcome of Buju’s trial. Two months have passed and the heartache has not eased at all. We lost a long, hard-fought battle but, alas, this legal war wages on. We remain confident in Buju’s innocence and vigilant in our fight for his ultimate freedom. There is nuff work to be done and the time has come for us to pick up the pieces and march forward in the struggle.

Buju’s strength and resolve throughout this painful ordeal has been nothing short of inspiring. He is a true soldier who continues to stand firm in his beliefs and will not be broken. He earnestly thanks his friends for life — the fans worldwide — for your unyielding support and only asks that you remember him in a positive light and continue to play his music in the days to come.

We encourage you to send uplifting letters to Buju at the address below:

Mark Anthony Myrie - Docket # 1443397

CEN-4C1-UN01-01-001

Pinellas County Jail

14400 49th Street North

Clearwater, Florida 33762-2877

If you feel like you want to top up B’s commissary, include a money order with all of the above information written on it (Mark’s legal name/docket number, etc…) and place it in the envelope with your letter. The guards who open the mail will make sure it’s added onto his account.

SENTENCING & APPEAL

We recently sat down with Buju’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, who took the time to school us on how the sentencing and appeal processes works so we have a better sense of what to expect.

The trial and sentencing judge, James Moody, Jr. still has yet to rule on either of the post trial motions filed by Markus back in February: 1) motion for judgement of acquittal  2) motion for a new trial. Markus filed a separate third motion for bond pending sentencing and appeal that he is also waiting to hear from the Court on.

Buju’s sentencing is currently scheduled for June 23rd. While Judge Moody can take other things into account, he still must abide by the current mandatory minimum drug sentencing guidelines, which based on the three convictions: 1) Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 or more kilograms of a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine  2) knowing and intentionally possessing a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and 3) using the wires to facilitate a drug trafficking offense, bring the mandatory minimum in this case to 15 years.

• After sentencing, Markus has 14 days to file a notice of appeal. Then he will order the trial transcripts, which will take about 30 days.
• As soon as Markus gets the transcripts, he has 40 days to file a brief, which will contain his arguments.
• The government gets 40 days to respond. Markus gets 40 days to reply.
• Then the Court will decide whether to allow oral argument (where 3 judges listen to the case). Only 10% of all appeal cases are granted this opportunity.
• After oral argument, the Court usually takes between a month and a year to rule.

Those who wish to donate funds toward the appeal may send a wire transfer to the official Buju Banton Defense Fund set up by his attorney:

Markus & Markus, PLLC

(Defense Fund for Buju Banton)

Citibank, N A

Coral Way Branch

1600 Coral Way

Miami, FL 33145

ABA # 266086554

Account # 9118130472

You may also make a donation via Paypal. Just log in and direct monies to FREEBUJU@gmail.com

THE VOICE OF JAMAICA WILL NOT BE SILENCED!
The Gargamel Music Family remains steadfast in our efforts to promote and preserve the musical legacy of Buju Banton. As he reiterated in his Miami New Times cover story in January of this year, “they can lock the flesh but they can never lock the spirit of Rasta.” We intend to keep Buju’s spirit moving and his voice soaring — through music… And we already have several projects in development:

Buju Banton & Friends: Before The Dawn Concert DVD

We are working out the logistics to make the official DVD of the Before The Dawn Concert available for sale later this year. We are aware of the weak bootleg circulating on the streets and will deal with the culprits accordingly. In the meantime, we just ask that the fans hold on and support the real product when it comes out. It will definitely be worth the wait.

New Buju Banton Studio Album

While the General was out on bail and under house arrest he finished up some tracks for an album co-produced with longtime UK brethren, Blacker Dread. The pair previously worked together on the rousing 2010 anthem “Innocent” featured on Buju’s Grammy-winning album Before The Dawn (Gargamel Music). This new album will drop some time in 2012 on Gargamel Music, Inc.

Buju Banton Live Album

Team Gargamel has collected some amazing live material over the past few years and we plan to release the first Buju Banton live album some time in the near future.

Buju Banton Coffee Table Book

For the past few years we’ve been shooting with esteemed celebrity photographer Jonathan Mannion (Too Bad and Rasta Got Soul album covers) to produce a photography book that visually captures the excitement and frenetic energy of Buju’s live performances along with some exclusive behind-the-scenes moments on the road with the artist and his band.

Gargamel Music Website

At long last, we are in the process of revamping the Gargamel Music website. www.GARGAMELMUSIC.com will be the hub for all things Buju Banton on the web. We will also be selling authentic Buju Banton merchandise, including the Official Free Buju T-Shirts, which are now available in a Limited Edition Red in addition to the original Black and Green color waves. And keep your eyes peeled for the brand new Buju Banton Logo Tee that will be available at relaunch!

The Gargamel Music Family Thanks You For Your Support!

Buju Banton’s Before The Dawn Concert Live Webcast To Reach Fans Across The Globe

Fans around the globe who are unable to make the trek to Miami for the historic Before The Dawn Concert featuring Buju Banton & Friends will have the unique opportunity to watch the event online. Gargamel Music and Rockers Island have partnered with New York-based Webcast provider CMX Events to produce a High Definition (HD) Before The Dawn Concert Webcast. The pay per view program will stream live on the Internet from 5pm – 10pm EST on Sunday, January 16th and will be available for a period of 24 hours after the show.

Those fans who are making the trek to Miami but haven’t yet bought their tickets can still go online to BUJULIVE.com or head to the Bayfront Park Amphitheater box office on Sunday where tickets will be sold from 12 Noon. The Before The Dawn Concert features a blockbuster lineup of artists, including Stephen Marley, Shaggy, Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Freddie McGregor, Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser, Nadine Sutherland, Everton Blender and several surprise guests! Gates open at 4pm. Show begins at 5pm sharp.

A limited amount of Official Free Buju T-Shirts will be available for sale at the park for a discounted price of $25. Get there early to get yours!

Buju Banton Graces Cover of Miami New Times

Jamaican music icon Buju Banton graces the cover of this week’s issue of the Miami New Times on stands and online now! Written by local scribe Esther Park, the story “Free The General” brings some perspective to the embattled artist’s 20+ year music career and ongoing legal plight on the eve of his historic Before The Dawn Concert taking place at the Bayfront Park Amphitheater in downtown Miami this Sunday, January 16th.

Buju Banton & Friends To Perform At Before The Dawn Concert in Miami on January 16, 2011!!!

News of Buju Banton‘s 2010 Grammy nod for his prophetic new album, Before The Dawn, comes on the heels of a federal court ruling by Judge James Moody that allows Banton, who is currently out on bail, to perform at an event in South Florida during Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend. The veteran Reggae artist, who had been incarcerated at Pinellas County Jail for 11 months, has not performed live in over a year.

Produced by Rocker’s Island Entertainment and Gargamel Music, the Before The Dawn Concert featuring Buju Banton & Friends will take place on Sunday, January 16 at Bayfront Park Amphitheater (301 North Biscayne Blvd.) in downtown Miami, Florida. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks. Music for the event will be provided by New York’s Hot 97′s  finest, Massive B with Bobby Konders and Jabba. A family affair, doors open at 4:00pm and the show starts at 5:00pm sharp and ends promptly at 10:00pm. Kids under 12 enter FREE with an adult!

Tickets for the history making Before The Dawn Concert featuring Buju Banton & Friends are on sale now at BUJULIVE.com and/or TICKETMASTER.com. For more information or to rent a booth, please call 305.438.9488.

Get your Official Free Buju T-Shirts now by sending an email to freebuju@gmail.com!!!!