Court allows Buju to perform - Reggae singer wins appeal in Florida court

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Court-allows-Buju-to-perform

JAMAICAN Reggae star Buju Banton, today won an appeal against an order which denied him the right to perform on a concert on January 16.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, had applied for permission to perform at the concert on November 23 but his motion was dismissed by United States Judge Anthony Porcelli on the grounds that the artiste was a flight risk.

But in overturning the ruling today Judge James Moody cited that the issue had been already addressed when Banton was released on bail in October.

David Oscar Markus, who is the singer's lead attorney, was grateful for the ruling which will allow his client to earn much needed income to pay for his security detail which is costing Banton US$20,000 monthly.

The concert, dubbed 'Before The Dawn', will be held at the Bay Front Amphitheatre in downtown Miami and will feature Banton and other prominent Reggae artistes. The concert is being produced by Rockers Island.

Banton was held in the Pinellas County Jail for 11 months after being hauled out of his home in Tamarac, South Florida following the arrest of James Mack and Ian Thomas during a sting operation in Saratoga, Tampa. 

Both were held attempting to purchase cocaine from undercover agents in a police controlled warehouse and have pleaded guilty.