Buju Banton, a multiple Billboard chart-topper, GRAMMY® winner, and global reggae icon, releases a new song titled “High Life” featuring Snoop Dogg.
“High Life” is notable for being the first official collaboration between these two legendary trailblazers and forging the first link between Jamaica and the LBC with its message of being above the clouds yet firmly grounded.
Horns and hazy synths are strewn throughout the song’s dancehall beat, which is hypnotic and head-nodding. Buju begins the song with an addictive and irresistible refrain, but Snoop quickly responds with reggae-tinged bars while pleading, “Oh Mary Jane, will you please take me home?” This smoking anthem is appropriately released right before 4/20.
“High Life” paves the way for Buju’s eagerly anticipated fourteenth full-length release later this year, his first album since the 2020s universally acclaimed Upside Down 2020, which received raving “4-out-of-5 star” reviews from The Guardian and Rolling Stone on both sides of the pond.
Buju’s most recent fan-favorite single, “Si Mi Clean,” featuring Busy Signal, marked the end of a busy 2022. It received over 500,000 streams and endorsements from outlets like BET among others.
At his upcoming performances in Trinidad on May 6th, St. Lucia on May 12th, and the Bahamas on May 19th, Buju is scheduled to perform his most recent singles, “High Life” and “Si Mi Clean,” as well as fan favorites from his legendary discography.
He performed with Beres Hammond on New Year’s Day at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in Priory, St. Ann, Jamaica, kicking off 2023 with a bang. It marked the first time these two island concert headliners shared the stage.
Additionally, a well-received performance at Kingston’s Famed National Stadium immediately followed his comeback to the international stage.
One of the biggest musical events in Jamaican history, the Long Walk to Freedom Concert served as the starting point for the tour of the same name.
Here, you can relive the momentous occasion from the historic Long Walk to Freedom Concert.
He joined Roc Nation in 2020, released “Steppa” and “Trust,” and opened the door for Upside Down 2020. The latter included joint efforts with Stefflon Don, John Legend, Stephen Marley, and Pharrell. Making waves globally, he earned the fourth GRAMMY® nomination of his career for the album.
Before the Dawn, Buju’s Grammy-winning album was released in 2010. Before that, he released records frequently, starting with his debut in 1992. Among its many highlights, Til Shiloh 1995 received an RIAA Gold certification.
He has been described by the Associated Press as “one of the most respected acts in reggae.” Moreover, The FADER hailed him as “a national hero,” going on to elaborate, “Buju Banton, born Mark Myrie, is more Jamaican than jerk chicken, Red Stripe beer, and a croaking lizard combined. He’s as much a singer as he is a hallmark of Jamaican culture.”
Buju and Snoop Dogg make for the best “High Life” soundtrack in 2023 right now.
