Reggae star Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is set to be sentenced on Thursday in Federal Court on his drug-related conviction from February, and anxiety is growing among those closest to him.

“I just hope the judge doesn’t give him a long time in prison,” said Hopie Miller, a reggae promoter and friend of Banton. “I’m anxious. You know how it is with me when it comes to Buju.” Nicole Rasta, a friend of Banton who lives in California, said she felt it was like “losing someone close to my heart.”

She was also concerned about the future of his children. Banton faces the mandatory federal minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, although attorney David Markus is seeking a shorter term.

Fellow singer Spragga Benz has led a campaign to encourage fans to write letters to the presiding judge to ask for leniency in Banton’s sentencing. [Jamaica Observer]