Supporters of Buju Banton in Florida have been making it known about their belief in the artiste's innocence and there was even a short lived 'Free Buju' movement that was prominent in the American state. There have been recent rumours arising from the area that Buju Banton was setup, however, these rumours are split on just who set the popular dancehall/reggae artist up.

We have two major conspiracy theories, on one hand we have those who believe that the Government had set up the artiste. There are others however that believe that he was set up by the "powerful and influential" gay community.

The Sunday Observer spoke to a Florida man who believes the gay community is behind the arrest of Buju Banton. Kenyo Rose, 33, of Tampa Florida said: "I believe the gay community is behind the arrest because of the fight they always give him". He then went on to say: "In the US the gay community has a lot of power and money too. When somebody wants you they are going to find a way to get you,"

There has been uproar amongst the gay community since the 90's when Buju Banton released his massive worldwide hit "Boom Bye Bye", which talks about killing homosexuals. The protests and media frenzy that surrounded the artist at the time caused several shows in the US and Europe to be cancelled.

The years of media clashes between Banton and the gay community and the financial toll it has taken on the artiste forced Banton last year October to meet with members of the gay community in Los Angeles to work towards addressing the issue.

The trial against Buju Banton is expected to start tomorrow at the Middle District Court in this Florida city. Riddimtube.com supports the artist Buju Banton and hopes that the truth comes to the light, may Jah provide guidance and inspire the judge to see the truth and throw this ridiculous charge out the window!

The legal team representing Buju Banton expressed confidence that a jury would return a not guilty verdict.

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'The General', longstanding dancehall deejay Bounty Killer a man who has had previous runnings with the Police over reasons of assault and bodily harm, is reportedly facing charges once again. Reports confirm that Bounty Killer was arrested by Police last night, after a female companion turned up at the Constant Spring Police Station badly bruised/bleeding, and reporting that she had been assaulted with a hammer.

A popular Jamaican sunday newspaper reported that the woman had turned up at the police station shortly after 6pm yesterday evening and made the allegations. Bounty Killer was then arrested by the police and charged with causing bodily harm. He is still in custody and is expected to appear in court later this week over the matter.

Its been a year of ups and downs for Bounty Killer, with this latest incident being well on the downside.

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Vybz Kartel and the rest of the heavy weights in the Portmore Empire will be heading to Europe shortly to kick off the start of his mini-tour accross three countries.
Kartel is featured at the top of the bill for the Amsterdam Reggae Festival where he will perform on Saturday September 25th. Other venues he is performing at include the Crystal Lounge in Zurich, Switzerland and Elyesse Montmarte in Paris, France. Vybz Kartel is no stranger to a couple of these cities as last year saw him perform 2 major shows in Amsterdam and Paris.

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Things appear to be getting worse for Dancehall/Reggae legend Buju Banton in his drug conspiracy trial that is taking place in the US. Earlier this month we brought you the news that one of his co-defendants - Ian Thomas, reportedly agreed to co-operate with the US Government as part of a plea deal. However today we have received the news that James Mack who had previously signed an affidavit stating that he never met Buju prior to his arrest, and that Buju had no knowledge of the money and gun that were in Mack's car.

According to a local Tampa Bay News article, a plea agreement filed in US District Court earlier today indicates that Mack will plead guilty to charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offence.

Contrary to what Mack stated in the affidavit, his plea agreement include Buju Banton playing a role in the drug conspiracy. Consequently, when the case finally goes to trial next week Monday (September 20), Buju will be the only defendant on trial in the dock.

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The stunning female reggae singer Etana can now add acting to her long list of talents in the entertainment industry after securing an acting role in the upcoming film 'Ghett'a Life'.

The official premier of the film is scheduled for summer next year and will debut Etana on the big screen. Sources have told us that fans can expect a different side to the performer with this role, acquired through a successful audition.

Etana plays the part of  'Arnette', the mother of a troubled youth, fed up with life and frantically trying to get over on the other side. The film is directed by the talented Chris Browne, best known for his feature length film 'Third World Cop'.

Etana is enthused with this new venture and hopes her fans and the general public will share her joy and excitement, when the film hits theatres. The cast boasts notable Jamaican actors including Winston ‘Bello’ Bell, Chris McFarlane, Carl Davis and Teddy Pricet. 'Ghett’a Life' has completed filming for most scenes and is currently in the post production stage.

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