In a recent appearance on the ‘Drink Champs’ podcast with N.O.R.E and DJ EFN, Banton revealed that his Maroon ancestors trace their roots back to the Igbo tribe of Nigeria.
He expressed concern over the current Jamaican government’s actions, which he claims are threatening their Indigenous land by allowing Chinese and other foreign interests into the Cockpit region, an area sacred to the Maroons.
Banton stated, “Our traditional way of life and land are under threat as the Jamaican government seeks to bring in Chinese and other foreign nationals into our sacred Cockpit region, displacing us, the Maroons.
“Maroons are among the Indigenous warriors of my island. We fought against the British fiercely and are known as Black Maroons. My lineage is from Nigeria; I am an Igbo man by blood.”
