Buju Banton’s new song “Country For Sale” is a rallying cry against “economic sacrilege”

The reggae legend’s comeback continues.

May 10, 2019
Buju Banton’s new song “Country For Sale” is a rallying cry against “economic sacrilege” Buju Banton performs at the Benefit Party after the NY Benefit Premiere of The Agronomist. April 13, 2004.   Scott Eells/Getty Images

Buju Banton isn't slouching in his comeback. After the reggae artist was rapturously received for his first post-prison show in his native Jamaica, he's back on Friday with a new roots song called "Country For Sale."

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The tune taps into Buju's image as a "man of the people," decrying the overwhelming power of money. Caribbean countries like Jamaica where tourism is a pillar of the economy are all too happy to make severe compromises to public land and natural habitats just to get the next hotel, resort, or cruise ship dock. The companies behind these endeavors promise the world and rarely deliver, and as Buju's song points out, these deals come with prices we just can't see.

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Buju Banton’s new song “Country For Sale” is a rallying cry against “economic sacrilege”