Buju Banton’s “I Am A Jamaican” Wins Festival Song Competition

Buju Banton’s feel good single “I Am A Jamaican” emerged the winner of the 2020 Jamaica Festival Song Competition. Though his album is ironically titled Upside Down 2020, it’s proving to be a year of straight wins for Buju Banton. Last night, the Gargamel took home the trophy at the 2020 Jamaica Festival Song Competition for his emotive entry, “I Am A Jamaican”. Banton was awarded the top prize out of over 200 entrants, including veteran artists Toots and the Maytals as well as Freddie McGregor and the popular crooning quartet, L.U.S.T. The format of this year’s annual ceremony was updated to a live virtual event due to pandemic constraints on public gatherings, and for the first time, allowed persons from the Jamaican Diaspora to vote for their favourite song. Jubilant in his victory but humble by nature, Buju told his fellow contestants “you are all winners” before declaring that the Sun Beam Children’s Home, particularly the many at risk male wards, would be the main beneficiaries of his $3 million prize.