Veteran reggae singer Wayne Wonder stepped into the spotlight on March 16 with a fiery public statement aimed at fellow dancehall icon Buju Banton, reopening a long-simmering conflict between the two artists.
Wonder posted a lengthy message on Facebook responding to comments Banton reportedly made during a recent interview. The singer said the post would remain visible for only 48 hours, setting a confrontational tone from the beginning.
“I’m addressing this interview, and it will only remain up for 48 hours because this DEMON Buju Banton is not worthy of staying on Wayne’s page,” Wonder wrote.
Despite the harsh introduction, Wonder acknowledged Banton’s musical reputation in reggae and dancehall culture.
“When it comes to artistry, he is truly great at what he does,” Wonder wrote. “However, talent and character are two very different things.”
The Jamaican vocalist strongly rejected accusations that he behaved “greedy” or misrepresented their creative relationship. Wonder also disputed claims that he failed to support Banton during the legal case that led to the artist’s federal drug conviction and prison sentence.
“You also said Wayne never checked on you while you were in prison. Let’s tell the truth,” Wonder wrote.
According to the statement, Wonder visited Banton during his detention in a Tampa jail while the singer awaited trial. Wonder recalled that the first encounter was tense.
“When you were brought out and picked up the phone you saw him on the camera,” the post reads. “You held your head down for almost twenty-five minutes before finally saying, ‘You are the real surprise.’”
Wayne Wonder Explains Ongoing Feud With Buju Banton
Wonder claimed he continued visiting Banton while the artist lived under house arrest in Tamarac, Florida.
“Wayne came almost every morning and spent entire days with you while the police monitored the house during your trial,” the statement says.
The singer added that he remained present until the day Banton was convicted and taken back into custody. Wonder also alleged that Banton later declined additional prison visits because he disliked security procedures.
Beyond personal grievances, Wonder raised concerns about songwriting credits tied to reggae classics such as Murderer and Deportee.
“Wayne, Frankie, and you, Buju, wrote ‘Murderer’ in Japan in 1992,” Wonder claimed, alleging that his name later disappeared from the official credits.
Wonder closed the statement by explaining why he rarely spoke publicly about the conflict.
“Wayne has never spoken publicly about many of these things because his heart and character would not allow him to tear anyone down publicly,” he wrote.
Still, he insisted the recent accusations demanded a response.
“Wayne Wonder continues to stand on respect, humility, and truth,” the statement concludes. “That has always been his way.”
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