Entertainers believe Buju was entrapped

It was a pensive, sad mood that hung over recording studios in the Corporate Area as members of the entertainment industry came to grips with news that reggae superstar Buju Banton was found guilty on three of four charges against him.

At his Gargamel Music studio in St Andrew, friends and relatives locked themselves inside the complex, preferring privacy as they dealt with the news.

Trying to keep in good spirits, close friend Topic said they now hold on to the belief that Buju will win on appeal.

"We nah watch nuh jury. We nah tek dem serious," said Topic, from behind the iron gates of the studio.

With the sounds of the Nyabinghi drums echoing throughout the Red Hills Road community for days from within the studio walls, Topic said the gathering at Gargamel Music was expecting good news.

"This really take us by surprise, Jah know. This is a raw deal. Some people get pay off. All the jury, it look like dem all get a talk or something, because the way how the judge talk to them, them shoulda find him not guilty," he lamented.

Bittersweet month

He said this was a bittersweet month for them, with Buju facing prison time after winning the Grammy award.

Topic noted that since Buju was arrested in December 2009, he has called the studio every day and encouraged them to keep the faith, keep the studio going and stay out of trouble.

At the Mixing Lab, Penthouse, Big Yard and Harmony House studios, entertainers gathered to reflect on the news. The build-up of anticipation, hoping for good news, culminated in shock, disappointment, anger and sadness. In fact, earlier in the day, false news of a not-guilty verdict had resonated, but was soon dispelled.

Many expressed the view that Buju had been entrapped.

International entertainer Tony Rebel said the real test was how to live with it.

"We can't change what happened. We know he has the mettle, we just hope he will find the strength to survive this," said Rebel.

Veteran entertainer Jimmy Riley said this was a big blow to the entertainment industry. "Right now, Rastas, artistes and Jamaicans will only come under unnecessary pressure. The only thing good can come from this is the lesson to be learnt not to get caught in this web of deceit that entrapped Buju," said Riley.

"This is a clear-cut case of entrapment. After such a highly publicised case, they couldn't have allowed Rasta to conquer the beast. A hung jury or allowing him to go free would be against the American system. There is no way they would have let him off," said an upset popular Rastafarian entertainer, who wished to remain anonymous.

STAR of the Month, Ce'Cile, who was at The Gleaner's North Street offices for a phone-in session shortly after the verdict was announced, said the case was unfortunate.

"There is just no one I can think of who can replace him. I can't imagine how hard it must be for Buju and his family," she said.

anastasia.cunningham@gleanerjm.com

Friends and family behind the locked gates of Buju's studio, Gargamel Music, in St Andrew yesterday. - photos by Gladstone Taylor/Photographer

Tony Rebel voices his opinion on Buju's guilty verdict.