Burro Banton
A.K.A. Donovan Spalding
Sunrise: December 27, 1956
Kingston, Jamaica

Burro Banton is a pioneering Jamaican dancehall deejay whose energetic delivery and playful lyrical style helped shape the foundation of modern dancehall music. Emerging from Kingston in the early 1980s, he became known for his animated performances, humorous wordplay, and distinctive voice. Burro Banton’s approach brought a lively, crowd-moving energy to sound system culture, making him a favorite at dances and clashes across Jamaica.
He gained widespread recognition with classic tracks such as “Boom Wah Dis,” “Badder Den Dem,” and “Washington Session,” which showcased his ability to blend comedy, bravado, and social commentary over infectious rhythms. Burro’s style was influential in setting the tone for future generations of dancehall deejays, emphasizing personality, performance, and lyrical flair as much as technical skill. His music captured the raw excitement of the dancehall scene during a formative period for the genre.
Beyond his recordings, Burro Banton is respected as a cultural figure who helped bridge the gap between traditional reggae deejaying and the faster, more animated style that defines dancehall today. His influence can be heard in the work of many artists who followed, and his legacy remains strong among fans and selectors who appreciate classic dancehall energy. Burro Banton stands as a true original—an artist whose contributions continue to resonate throughout Jamaican music history.