The local entertainment fraternity seems relieved at the seemingly light sentence handed down by Judge James Moody in the Buju Banton case in Florida yesterday. Although a number of artistes Splash spoke to declined to comment, those who did noted that their fears were allayed by the magistrate’s ruling.

Gramps Morgan — Artiste

We are sad about the 10-year sentence that was handed down to my good friend Buju Banton but we still have to give thanks because we were looking at a much longer sentence…15 years to be exact. We are delighted that the gun charges were rightly thrown out. It could be worse so he is blessed given the circumstances. At this point we all hope and pray for the well being of his kids and family.

We hope that they will remain strong and that he will remain strong as well. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, Buju walked away from court holding his head high, knowing that he had a chance to take the stand and tell his side of the story rather that take a plead deal which would have possibly given him less time in prison but would have left many people questioning his involvement in the charges brought against him. Long live Buju, my friend for life!

Lloyd Stanbury — Entertainment lawyer

Artistes, members of the local media and local reggae music fans need to learn from these lessons and place more emphasis on separating gangster lifestyle from the business of music.

Dr Donna Hope Marquis — UWI Lecturer

I am deeply saddened by the news of Buju Banton’s sentencing as many like myself were hoping for a single-digit term. But we cannot dictate the pace of another country’s justice system. My feelings are with his family, especially his children as they all weather this next leg of Buju Banton’s journey. It is also a significant blow for the Jamaican music industry — reggae and dancehall — as one of its icons and significant contributors takes a step down this path that may have repercussions on the overall profile of the young, black Jamaican men in the music industry. It really is not an easy road and no matter how old we get life sends us lessons to teach us different things. I really hope that Buju will use this lesson and this leg of his journey to produce a seminal body of work that adds to his impressive music catalogue.

Nadine Sutherland — Artiste

I don’t have any legal knowledge to substantiate this, but I understand that the minimum time he was looking at was 15 years. Some were even speculating that it could have gone to 25 years. He got 10 years. Considering there’s the possibility of parole, plus if they take into consideration time served he could be released way earlier.

Buju is one of our brightest without any question, he has captured the Jamaican experience in his music and also the Pan African experience. Buju is an artiste and an incredible one at that and no one can dispute it. He has done so much prolific work. His music will speak and keep him alive to the time he will be away.

Buju Banton will be played so he will not be out of our consciousness or our minds. He will be serving his time but we have his music. There has been a silver lining in some serious dark clouds.

Louie Culture — Artiste

Long life, more strength, nuff love.

Rhyno — Deejay

“It’s good that the judge was not so harsh and we just hope he will get an early release for good behaviour so he can once again rock the world with music.”

Macka Diamond — Deejay

“I’m glad it is over with as the sentencing could have been more harsh. Buju is a strong individual and I’m sure he will manage well. He made it through the jail time so I know he will survive his time in jail. We are anticipating an early release so that we can all see and hear him mashing up the place again. I urge each and everyone to continue praying for him.”

Papa Biggy — Artiste

“I am saddened by the result especially in the case where he was literally not held with any drugs. People who have been convicted for murder get off with less sentence.”

Dr Sonjah Stanely Niaah — Lecturer UWI

“I am pleased to know that the Gargamel did not receive the maximum sentence possible, but I’m surprised that his sentence is slated to be served in a maximum security facility. I hope that’s a decision to protect the artist versus perceptions of him being a potential escapee. As a Buju Banton fan, I am sad, but understand that it could be worse. Most of all, Buju’s conviction and sentencing present as an important lesson for all of us, especially those who can easily be influenced beyond the ‘straight and narrow’ to roads where ‘drivers’ don’t have our interests at heart! He has given us much to feed on and we can all be grateful to have this musical food even during his absence from the regular scene of music production.”