"Bye-Bye" Buju!: Anti-gay Reggae Singer Convicted On Drug Charges

Mark Myrie, who performs as Buju Banton, before his 2nd federal
 drug conspiracy trial on February 14, 2011

The notoriously homophobic reggae singer Buju Banton was found guilty on 3 drug charges by a jury today.

On Tuesday, Banton was found guilty by a 12-member panel of jurors on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine, attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence. He was found not guilty of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence.

His bail was revoked after the guilty verdict was announced and Banton will now awaiting sentencing, which could send him to jail for up to 20 years.

Earlier this month, Banton won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album category.

"Bye-Bye, Buju!" He could be sentenced for as many as 20 years. I imagine a federal drug conviction could make it a bit dicey to continue touring the United States singing "murder music."