Meaning
An honorific in reggae and dancehall for a heavyweight lyricist or storyteller — a deejay who commands respect for his skill and his 'weight' with words. Of West African (Yoruba) origin, tied to the idea of one who is a keeper and teller of stories, 'banton' is taken up as a title of standing, and it appears in the names of many artists, such as Buju Banton and Burro Banton. To be a banton is to be recognised as a lyrical heavyweight, a master of words whose voice carries real authority in the music.
Examples
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Di veteran deejay earn di title Banton.
The veteran deejay earned the title Banton.
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A real banton dat pon di mic.
That's a true heavyweight lyricist on the mic.
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Him style heavy like a banton.
His style carries the weight of a master deejay.
Origin
From a Jamaican word for a person of many words or authority — a heavyweight speaker; adopted as a title of respect among deejays.
How it’s used
A mark of lyrical stature, worn in stage names. Signals a serious, respected voice rather than a newcomer.