Buju was originally scheduled to go to trial in Florida next week, but a judge has postponed the trial another 2 months without explanation. Banton is still imprisoned and has been since December 2009. Here is audio of a brief phone call between Buju Banton and IrieFM recorded last month (before finding out the trial would be delayed):

And here’s his lawyer speaking on the case:

And finally, some new-ish music:

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A brand new documentary on reggae culture will reveal what really gwaan behind the scenes, on the road, backstage and inna di yard. The 90-minute flick is called “Reggae Uncensored” and features personal interviews with Buju Banton, Ninjaman, Sean Paul, Mavado, Beenie Man, Damien Marley, Macka Diamond, Sizzla, Junior Reid and many many more. The story is helped along by the doc’s host Chyna and English subtitles for the patois-challenged. ([More →])

Greensleeves is 30! A record store and label that has done so much for reggae music, from roots to jungle, is celebrating 3 decades in business with a double disc compilation release. The album contains 30 songs, each representing a different year in the history of the legendary label and it’s available on CD as well as digital download. Both versions include artwork, sleevenotes and an interview with the founders of Greensleeves.

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Sean Kingston is in his own music lane, but it’s a fast lane. The 17 year-old Jamaican American has dropped a summer hit with “Beautiful Girls.” He raps, he produces his own beats, he doesn’t cuss much, and he’s cutting his own path through the music industry. Those are some of the reasons why he has been invited to play at NYC’s Carifest in August. ([More →])

I recently reported on the Reggae Compassion Act – it made big news when Beenie Man, Sizzla, and Capleton signed it, agreeing to stop all performances and production of lyrics that condone violence towards gay people. It was noted then the artists who were considered “murder music” singers, including Bounty Killa, Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton. ([More →])

Reggae Carifest will outdo itself and all other reggae music festivals this year, when it brings the DON GORGON back to the stage!! Yes, the one and only NINJAMAN will perform live this summer in NYC, his first US appearance in 15 years! ([More →])

BIG BIG News! Fans of dancehall and reggae have often discussed the elements of homophobia, racism, sexism, and other nasties in Jamaican music. The music industry goes through cycles of acceptance and rejection of these messages in music. ([More →])

Do you know where Buju Banton, Lady G, Doug E. Fresh, Inner Circle, Leon & The Peoples, BB Seaton & The Gaylads and more will be enjoying their 4th of July weekend? In Chicago, at the International Festival Of Life. All these artists plus more will be rocking and crooning to crowds of all ages and all backgrounds. ([More →])