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Buju Banton has officially embarked on a transformative new chapter. The celebrated Jamaican reggae and dancehall icon made two major announcements on Friday (April 17): his return to VP Records and the release of his ethereal new single, “Butterflies.”
“My history with VP Records spans over three decades, and I keep coming back because they truly understand the essence of this music,” Banton stated, reflecting on a partnership that produced classics like 2003’s Friends for Life. Christopher Chin, CEO of the label, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Buju remains a foundational voice in reggae. His homecoming strengthens our mutual dedication to nurturing a culture that speaks to listeners worldwide.”
To honor this milestone, Banton unveiled “Butterflies,” a track produced by the acclaimed Supa Dups. Serving as the lead single for his highly anticipated album—his first full-length project with VP since 2006—the song sets the tone for his upcoming summer 2026 release. Banton describes the new project as a collection of soul-stirring music designed to linger in the mind, inspiring listeners to “spread their wings.”
Banton’s previous effort, 2023’s Born for Greatness, secured his eighth Grammy nomination and showcased stellar collaborations with industry heavyweights like Victoria Monét and Snoop Dogg. That project was his second under Roc Nation, following 2020’s Upside Down 2020, which marked his triumphant return to the studio after his release from prison.
The momentum continues this summer as Banton teams up with reggae titan Stephen Marley for the “Roots and Rhymes Tour.” The trek launches on June 17 at Marymoor Park in Redmond, Washington, hitting major markets like New York, Chicago, and Boston before a grand finale in Atlanta on July 25. Select dates will feature special appearances by Grammy winner Gramps Morgan and dynamic sets by DJ Splackavelli. Tickets are currently available via the artists’ official websites.
Two years ago, Banton made a triumphant return to the U.S. stage after a 13-year hiatus. “I’m eager to reconnect with the energy and euphoria of my audience,” he told Billboard during his sold-out run at New York’s UBS Arena. His enduring influence was further cemented in 2025 when he took home the Caribbean Music Award for Reggae Collaboration of the Year for his work on “Thank You Lord.”
With an impressive catalog that includes 12 projects within the top 10 of the Reggae Albums chart and four entries on the Billboard 200, Banton remains a titan of the genre. His iconic anthem “Champion” continues to be a standard-bearer for crossover success, having made its mark on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts back in 1995.
Experience the tour dates and dive into the sounds of “Butterflies” below.
