Free Buju Letter Writing Crusade Takes Off!

Team Banton Collecting Letters Of Support From Around The World

Greetings friends, fans and freedom fighters! The Gargamel Music Family is pleased to announce that the Buju Banton Letter Writing Campaign to the Supreme Court has gotten off to an enthusiastic start. In just a few short weeks since launching the crusade at a press conference on Capitol Hill, Banton’s attorney Chokwe Lumumba  reports that well over a thousand signed letters of support from around the world have already arrived at  his law offices in Mississippi.

Buju Back To Court December 20th

There is also an online petition circulating on change.org but several people have experienced technical difficulties so we still encourage you to write a heartfelt letter of your own (or print out the template below), sign and snail mail it to Mr. Lumumba before the deadline on Thursday, January 31, 2013.

Banton will next appear in a Tampa federal court on Thursday, December 20th for an evidentiary hearing called by Judge James Moody, Jr. to survey whether or not the jurors who unwittingly put the GRAMMY-winning Reggae star behind bars “were exposed to extrinsic information” during the second trial.

Prosecutor James Preston, Jr. Venomously Pursued The Reggae Icon

One juror, Terri Wright, already admitted to conducting  ”research” on aspects of the case, which could be grounds for a new trial (Buju’s third on the same charges). At the upcoming hearing, prosecutor James Preston, Jr. and defense attorney Lumumba will have an opportunity to interview Wright, along with three other jurors (Frank Arnone, Janice Benoit, Steven Boyce) under oath. Judge Moody will then make his ruling.

~~~FREE BUJU LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN~~~

United States Supreme Court

c/o Attorney Chokwe Lumumba

440 N. Mill St.

Jackson, Mississippi 39202

 

Hon. Supreme Court Justices:

 

I am writing this letter in support of Mark Anthony Myrie (Buju Banton).

 

Mr. Myrie has filed a petition in this court seeking review and reversal of drug, conspiracy, weapons possession and phone facilitation convictions occurring in the U.S.District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division.

 

The convictions of Mr. Myrie are outrageous and unjust. Mr. Myrie was the victim of a concerted U.S. government effort to entrap, conducted by a corrupt informant who was paid 3.5 million dollars by the government for his services in various cases over the years.

 

Mark Myrie is a Grammy Award winning reggae artiste from Jamaica. He has never been convicted of a crime prior to the present case. He has helped feed numerous hungry children in his country and otherwise contributed to worthy causes in Jamaica and elsewhere. He is supported by hundreds of thousands and perhaps millions worldwide.

 

I ask this honorable court to review his case and grant Mark Myrie the relief he deserves.

***

Please Send Letters To Attorney Lumumba By

JANUARY 31, 2013!

 

**Special thanks to the Buju Banton Defense Support Committee for your tireless efforts to get the word out about this case. Your work is truly appreciated by the entire Gargamel Music Family.

**Extra special thanks to attorney David Oscar Markus for your continued support of Buju and the new legal team. We love you!

Reggae Icon Buju Banton Takes Fight For Freedom To Capitol Hill

Free Buju Press Event In Washington D.C. on Monday, Nov. 5th

On Monday, November 5th, activists, educators, friends and supporters of GRAMMY Award-winning Reggae star Buju Banton (née Mark Anthony Myrie), will gather for a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to officially announce the filing of a petition for a Writ of Certiorari.

“Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people are convinced that Mark Anthony Myrie was unjustly targeted and convicted in the United States court in Florida,” explains Banton’s new attorney, Chokwe Lumumba. “We request that the highest court of the land review this injustice and overturn it.” He adds, “We are determined to fight for Myrie’s freedom until he is vindicated.”

Lumumba Once Represented The Late, Great Rapper Tupac Shakur

Lumumba, in association with the Buju Banton Defense Support Committee and the Gargamel Music Family, is organizing the press conference. Invited guest speakers include national head of the NAACP, Ben Jealous; civil rights activist, actor and comedian Dick Gregory; Dr. Carolyn Cooper, author and lecturer at University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica; Brother Aula Sumbry, a radio host and Chairman of the NAACP Prison Committee in Trenton, New Jersey; GRAMMY Award-winning Reggae artist, Stephen Marley, and many more.

The icon Banton was convicted last year for “conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute” and “using the wires to facilitate a drug trafficking offense,” federal offenses that together carry a 10-year penalty. A third conviction, “knowing and intentionally carrying a firearm to further a drug offense” (5 year minimum), was thrown out at his sentencing hearing. The U.S. Court of Appeals reversed that decision, however, and Banton will be re-sentenced in a Tampa courthouse early next week.

The Free Buju Press Conference will be held at The Methodist Building (100 Maryland Ave. N.E.) — located across the street from the Supreme Court — at 1pm sharp. Fans in the Washington Metropolitan Area are welcome to come and show their support.

Banton Back To Pinellas County Facility Awaiting Re-Sentencing

BB Bounced Back To PCJ

Reggae icon Buju Banton has been moved from FCI Miami and is now back at Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater, FL, where he awaits a re-sentencing hearing with trial Judge James Moody, Jr. on Tuesday, October 30th.

Fans and friends can write to him at the new address below:

Mark Anthony Myrie - Docket # 1519831

CEN-6C2-UN02-04-004

Pinellas County Jail

14400 49th Street North

Clearwater, Florida 33762-2877

Gargamel Links With Dada Son To Release New Gramps Album In Europe

The Gargamel Music family has joined forces with Gramps Morgan‘s Dada Son imprint to distribute the critically acclaimed new Gramps solo album, Reggae Music Lives, in Europe. Gargamel Music will lend to the project its vast European distribution network, led by the good folks at Good To Go.

“Gramps is a superb artist,” says longtime friend and collaborator Buju Banton, who was recently voted one of Guinness Caribbean’s Top 50 Dancehall Icons Of All Time (Banton landed at #4). “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this is the right thing to do as far as developing avenues to further establish the music in other parts of the world, hence displaying the the true spirit of brotherly love and the synergy of interdependence,” he adds. “Gramps, the world is yours.”

Reggae Music Lives begins it’s official European roll out as follows:

• Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux – CD in stores Aug 10
• France, Italy – CD in stores Aug 13
• UK – CD in stores Sept 3

Gramps is currently promoting the new record while on tour in Europe with Morgan Heritage.

Buju Banton Gives Thanks For All The Birthday Wishes

Jamaican music icon Buju Banton gives thanks to everyone who sent cards wishing him a happy birthday. The GRAMMY-winning Reggae artist turned 39 years old on Sunday, July 15th. In addition to the hundreds of cards and letters he received from friends, family and fans, selectors paid tribute by playing blocks of Buju’s music on radio stations across the globe.

“To all who remembered me on this day, those who took the time to send me a card and those who played my music, especially all the radio DJs and personalities who keep the fire burning,” says Buju, “I thank you for sending strength through these times… Jah live.”

Buju also sends a special shout out to all the folks who participated in the Free Buju Birthday Sweepstakes and Trivia Contest held last week by the good folks at Zion Rootswear. The winners will receive an official Buju Banton gift pack featuring an official Free Buju T-Shirt and button, a Buju Banton album, 8×10 photo, poster and stickers, all courtesy of Zion and Gargamel Music.

Official Buju Banton merchandise is available at ZionRootswear.com. For those of you outside the United States, international orders are now being processed directly through customer service: cs@zionrootswear.com.

Banton Legal Team Blasts Back In Final Appeal Brief

Lawyers for Jamaican music icon, Buju Banton, recently filed a final brief in response to the government’s response to their appeal as well as the government’s own appeal of Judge James Moody‘s decision to throw out the gun charges during sentencing in Banton’s controversial criminal case. For a quick overview of the case and these latest arguments, check out the article posted by writer Chris Sweeney, who also penned the recent Miami New Times cover story on Buju Banton. Or feel free to read the entire Reply Brief of the Appellant and Response Brief of the Cross Appellee. It goes without saying that David Oscar Markus and his team at Markus & Markus Law left no stone unturned.

Buju Banton Graces Cover Of French Magazine

Buju Got Reggae Vibes

The Gargamel Music Family is pleased to share that Jamaican music icon, Buju Banton, is featured on the cover of the popular French magazine, Reggae Vibes, available on European newsstands now. The accompanying story, written by veteran UK journalist, John Masouri, takes an in-depth look at the controversial case that ultimately landed the beloved Reggae star in a federal penitentiary, and more importantly, pays homage to the artist’s 20+ year career in music that has touched the lives of so many people around the world.

“I chose to do a cover with Buju to tell the truth about him, about his musical career, and about his trial,” explains the magazine’s long time editor, Gilbert Pytel. “Buju is one of the best Reggae artists in the world. People should not forget this! The Reggae massive in France waits for his comeback.”

Back in the United States, Buju is also featured in Hip-Hop Weekly‘s new special issue, “Hip-Hop Behind Bars.” The piece brings readers up to speed on the case and impending appeal, which was filed by the artist’s attorneys late last year.

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 779800

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 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.