“Go Go Mel?” – Buju Banton Fires Back at Critics After Viral Gyrating Video

Jamaica Live Entertainment Report | Sept 20, 2025

Reggae and Dancehall legend Buju Banton, affectionately known as Gargamel, has found himself in the center of a social media storm after a video of him gyrating on stage went viral. Internet trolls quickly rebranded him “Go Go Mel”, sparking heated debate among fans and critics alike.

The clip, taken during a performance of his classic hit “Want a Man”, shows the Grammy-winning artiste passionately moving and dancing in character with the track. While some applauded his energy and ability to still connect with the crowd, others argued that at 52, Buju might have taken things too far. Some even questioned whether the theatrics suited the tone of his music.

Buju Claps Back

Buju wasn’t about to let the backlash slide. In response to the criticism, he fired off a message dripping with his trademark conviction:

“Guys calm down, I do what I love with passion. If I was just standing and singing, you all would have something to say. Leave me, let me entertain my fans. Go tell your favorite artiste they need to perform and stop robbing the people. Thank you, learn something or leave it. Period.”

His fiery response only fueled more chatter, with many fans rallying behind him, saying the performance proved he’s still got the charisma that made him a star decades ago.

Clash of Image and Expectations

Still, the controversy cuts deeper than just one performance. Buju, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, rose to prominence in the 1990s as a hardcore dancehall artiste before transitioning into more conscious, Rastafarian-inspired music. Rastafarians are typically associated with spiritual, dignified conduct — so for some fans, the stage gyrations felt out of step with that image.

Since his release from prison in 2018 and subsequent relocation to the United States, there’s been no shortage of whispers that Buju’s behavior has shifted. Whether that’s a fair critique or just fans struggling to accept a different side of him remains up for debate.

The Verdict

Love it or hate it, Buju’s still commanding the spotlight — and if the buzz around “Go Go Mel” is any indication, he isn’t done stirring conversations any time soon. For Buju, it seems the message is clear: he’ll keep moving to his own rhythm, whether the critics like it or not.