Controversial reggae artist Buju Banton is nominated for a Grammy Award but will probably not be attending the January 31 ceremony… because he’s in jail. As Spinner previously reported, Banton (real name Mark Anthony Myrie) was arrested on December 10 in Miami, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine.

Per his lawyer’s request, Banton was transferred to Tampa, Fla. where the indictment was originally filed. The Associated Press reports that Banton pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in federal court on Thursday. According to the article, Banton’s lawyer said they will not seek a deal as his client maintains his innocence.

Posted on Jan 7th 2010 7:50PM by Benjy Eisen (www.spinner.ca)
Photos from http://kingstonchronicle.wordpress.com

Controversial reggae artist Buju Banton is nominated for a Grammy Award but will probably not be attending the January 31 ceremony… because he’s in jail. As Spinner previously reported, Banton (real name Mark Anthony Myrie) was arrested on December 10 in Miami, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos [...]