The controversial gay-bashing reggae artist Buju Banton (right) has been stirring up controversy throughout his U.S. tour, and Tampa Bay was no different: The Cuban Club drew heavy criticism in October for hosting his show after two other local venues bowed out.
Now Banton is coming back to Tampa but this time at the invitation of the U.S. Attorney's Office. According to a report today by the Miami Herald, Banton (real name Mark Anthony Myrie) was arrested in Miami Thursday on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine, and the U. S. Attorney will be transferring him here. A report in the Jamaica Observer quotes a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration official saying that the singer was arrested "on a case based in Tampa."
His fans await. But will he be able to make it to the Grammys?