Entrapment! – Reggae Star Buju’s Lawyers Claim He Was Set Up

Reggae superstar, Buju Banton, who has been jailed in the United States since December 10, last year.

Lawyers representing dancehall star Buju Banton, real name Mark Myrie, have filed a motion in court demanding the naming of the confidential source who is a key part of the case against the Jamaican.

The lawyers are using an entrapment defence as they try to get Buju freed of charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during the course of an illegal activity.

In court yesterday, the lawyers filed a motion for an order “compelling the government to disclose the identity and location of the confidential informant who was an eyewitness and participant in the events, which are the subject of both counts of the indictment”.

Hip Hop Artist K’naan, The Face for Coke at FIFA World Cup 2010

CANNES, France (AFP) — Somali-born hip-hop artist K’naan, who fled the war-torn country for a new life in Canada and turned to rap to learn English, will be one of the stars of this summer’s 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The 31-year-old musician and political campaigner on African issues has signed up to be the face for giant drinks company Coca-Cola at June and July event in South Africa.

Emmanuel Seuge of Coca-Cola said at the annual MIDEM music industry fest that the company had set out to find an African-born musician and chose K’naan because of his background and musical journey.

“The match and shared values have to be very strong and the artist is critical to what you want say through the campaign,” Seuge said.

K’naan’s career took off when in 1999 he performed a spoken piece criticising the United Nations for failed aid missions to Somalia.

It caught the attention of Senegalese star Youssou N’Dour, who invited him to contribute to an album.

“K’naan’s journey and music reflect the strong riches of Africa,” Seuge said.

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Buju to Miss Grammys – Artiste Did Not Apply for Bail

Buju Banton

Dancehall star Buju Banton will miss the January 31 Grammy Awards where his latest album, Rasta Got Soul, is one of five nominated for the reggae prize.

While the winner is being named, Buju will be in a federal prison where he will stay until his trial in March.

After spending Christmas behind bars, Buju appeared in court yesterday but did not apply for bail.

Instead, Buju entered a not-guilty plea when he appeared in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division.