Buju BantonDespite its poor performance in the marketplace, the management of DJ Buju Banton are still expressing faith in his latest album.
Unchained Spirit was released in the summer of last year and is being handled by Epitaph Records of the United States. The company is an independent one which specialises in rock music.
"The album has not done as well as we would have liked, but we still feel that it is a very good album," said Banton's manager, Donovan Germaine.
The project has so far sold 70,000 copies in the United States. And Mr. Germaine noted that the figures were not yet in from the European market where the DJ has almost a cult following.
"I believe our effort was worthwhile. The whole plan was really to do just one album with this company so it's not like there was a long-term agreement and we are worried that he might be dropped. We sought the opportunity to introduce the artiste to a new market and a new audience and we have done that. Several radio stations have picked up the album and we are very happy for that," he said.
Fans of Buju Banton can expect to hear more of the hardcore, gravel-throated side of Buju Banton this year, Mr. Germaine said.
In fact, the artiste's manager has been encouraging Buju Banton to start concentrating his efforts on Djing.
"He has a very positive message to give when he sings and he has managed to win a lot of new fans and he will continue to satisfy those fans. The idea is for him to also return to base with the kind of styles which made him Buju Banton.
He has many fans out there who want to see more of that side of him. He will basically strike a good balance and the world will love him," he said.
