Grammy Award-winning reggae icon Buju Banton has officially reunited with longtime partner VP Records, marking a full-circle moment that reconnectsone of Jamaica’s most influential voices with the label that helped define a pivotal chapter of his career.
Over two decades after releasing standout projects like Friends for Life (2003), which earned a Grammy nomination and peaked in the Top 3 on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart, Buju returns to familiar ground with renewed purpose, setting the tone for a bold new era. “Buju has always been a defining voice in reggae, and his return to VP Records reinforces our shared commitment to continue inspiring our culture that resonates across the globe.”says Christopher Chin, CEO of VP Records. “I have been working with VP Records for over 30 years and I will say it again…They Get It” says Buju Banton.
Under this renewed partnership, Buju makes his presence felt with the release of his brand new single, “Butterflies,” out now. The track serves as the first offering from his upcoming album, his first with VP Records since 2006, arriving Summer 2026. On making this forthcoming album Buju states he like to create “Music that touches the soul to a point where its constantly playing in your head , to me is like fresh air, you just wanna spread your wings and be a butterfly.”
“Butterflies”, produced by internationally acclaimed hitmaker Supa Dups (Rihanna, Drake, Bruno Mars), delivers a vibrant, feel-good sound anchored in a rich, tropical instrumental with an infectious rhythm. Buju’s unmistakable cadence glides effortlessly across the track, blending classic dancehall energy with a modern sonic edge. The single exemplifies a confident return, one that bridges legacy with evolution while reintroducing the essence of dancehall to a new generation. A music video is set to premiere soon.
Taking that energy from the studio to the stage, Buju Banton will join forces with fellow Grammy Award-winning reggae powerhouse Stephen Marley for the Roots And Rhymes U.S. Summer Tour 2026. This historic co-headlining run marks the first time the two icons will embark on a full-scale tour together, celebrating the richness of Jamaican culture, music, and global influence.The tour kicks off on June 17 at Marymoor Park in Redmond, WA, making its way across major cities and iconic venues including Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO and Milwaukee Summerfest, before concluding on July 25 at Lakewood Amphitheatre in Atlanta, GA. Select dates will feature special guest Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage, with DJ sets from Splackavelli adding to the experience.
The new single setting the tone, along with a major tour on the horizon, Buju Banton’s reunion with VP Records signals more than just a moment, it marks the beginning of a defining new chapter in reggae and dancehall.
Catch Buju Banton and Stephen Marley on the Roots And Rhymes U.S. Summer Tour 2026:
6/17 Redmond, WA Marymoor Park
6/19 Costa Mesa, CA OC Pac Amphitheatre
6/20 Oakland, CA The Fox
6/24 Morrison, CO Red Rocks
6/26 Dallas, TX Longhorn Backyard Amphitheater*
6/27 Huntsville, AL Orion Amphitheatre*
6/28 Gautier, MS The Sound Amphitheatre*
7/1 Detroit, MI The Fillmore (Detroit)*
7/2 Chicago, IL Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom*
7/3 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest
7/5 Terre Haute, IN The Mill Terre Haute*
7/7 Cincinnati, OH Riverfront Live*
7/9 Boston, MA Leader Bank Pavilion*
7/11 Bridgeport, CT Hartford Healthcare Amphitheatre*
7/12 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods*7/15 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
7/18 Elmont, NY UBS Arena
7/19 Atlantic City, NJ Hard Rock Live
7/22 Portsmouth, VA Portsmouth Pavilion
7/23 Raleigh, NC Red Hat
7/24 Charlotte, NC The Amp Ballantyne
7/25 Atlanta, GA Lakewood Amphitheatre
o-access JAMAICA 