Buju Banton has made yet another major financial contribution to the Accompong Town Maroons, this time US$200,000 or just over J$31 million towards infrastructure and economic development within the north-western St. Elizabeth community.
The African Pride artist, whose given name is Mark Myrie, made the presentation on Tuesday night to members of the Accompong Town Maroon Culture group who had joined him onstage for a performance during the Washington leg of his Overcomer tour at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC.
Accompong Maroon Chief Richard Currie paid tribute to Buju Banton, who is also the Cultural Ambassador for Accompong, in a lengthy Instagram post on Wednesday. Currie also shared photos and videos of the presentation, made by the Champion artist, who had affirmed his identity as a Moore Town Maroon in 2021.
“On behalf of the Maroons of the Sovereign State of Accompong I take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Buju Banton for donating USD$200,000.00 towards infrastructure development and the economic mobility of our Nation,” Currie noted.
Noting that he was unavoidably absent, Currie said that the cheque was received by Avion Barnes, the Abeng blower for the Accompong Maroon Cultural group, but added that his “spirit and energy was present” at the event, which he described as a “very special and one for the history books”.
“Buju Banton, you have been chosen by the ancestors for this great walk. Your indomitable legacy as a freedom fighter using word, sound and power will place you in history among the Greats that walked before us. Honor for always supporting our community and leading the way for others with a platform to join the movement and take the great leap of faith by simply trusting our Ancestors,” Currie noted.
“Rightfully titled ‘The OverComer’ tour – Washington, D.C, Buju Banton’s performance was a continuation of his return to the worldwide stage,” he added.
Buju has been a steadfast supporter of Chief Currie since 2021, when the Munro College old boy sought to lead the Accompong Maroons. In February that year, the il Shiloh artiste had publicly endorsed Currie, who was bidding to unseat then-leader Colonel Ferron Williams.
Later that year, in October, Buju donated two horses and a tractor to the Accompong, to support the Maroons’ sustainable development and self-reliance initiatives, a gesture which Currie also acknowledged in his tribute to the Reggae/Dancehall icon.
“Buju Banton, a born indigenous Jamaican Maroon, has always proclaimed his identity and culture through his music and performances worldwide. Since 2021, Buju has done a tremendous amount of philanthropic work in the Accompong Maroon community, helping numerous individuals and the indigenous community as a whole,” Currie said.
Currie also noted that Buju Banton was appointed as a Cultural Ambassador, due to his active work with the Accompong Maroon Council and the Office of the Chief.
“A true testament to the power of perseverance, determination of his faith, and triumphant career, Buju Banton has now shown the world the power of his Maroon bloodline,” he stated.
“Now that Ambassador Myrie, known to the world as Buju Banton, has returned to the United States to share his legendary music and performances with his fans after 15 years, he can represent his people on the world stage as a cultural Ambassador where he can advocate for indigenous rights, especially for the Accompong Maroons. Honor Ambassador Myrie ✊🏾. God is the Greatest,” Currie added.
