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THE WIRE • BUJU BANTON RECONNECTS WITH VP RECORDS FOR NEW SINGLE 'BUTTERFLIES' • LIVE DESK • MUSIC SIGNALS • THE WIRE • BUJU BANTON RECONNECTS WITH VP RECORDS FOR NEW SINGLE 'BUTTERFLIES' • LIVE DESK • MUSIC SIGNALS • THE WIRE • BUJU BANTON RECONNECTS WITH VP RECORDS FOR NEW SINGLE 'BUTTERFLIES' • LIVE DESK • MUSIC SIGNALS •
Buju Banton Reconnects With VP Records for New Single 'Butterflies'
Image: billboard.com

Buju Banton Reconnects With VP Records for New Single 'Butterflies'

April 18, 2026·1 min read

Buju Banton has formalized his next chapter by returning to VP Records, the independent powerhouse that served as the launchpad for his global ascent in the early 2000s. The reunion is anchored by the release of “Butterflies,” a mid-tempo track that leans into the smoother, lover’s rock sensibilities of his catalog. It’s a calculated departure from the rigid dancehall rhythms of his youth, favoring a mature, melodic arrangement that highlights the grain in his baritone. The partnership marks a strategic consolidation of legacy. By aligning with the Chin family’s storied label once again, Banton is positioning himself at the center of a Caribbean music infrastructure capable of supporting his upcoming U.S. tour—his most significant stateside run in years. While his 2020 return, 'Upside Down 2020', was a sprawling reintroduction, this move suggests a focus on the refined, high-production reggae that defined his 'Friends for Life' era. With a series of arena dates on the horizon, Banton is no longer just reclaiming his space; he is reinforcing the commercial ceiling for Caribbean headliners in North America.

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