Jamaican deejay and lyricist Buju Banton, a flawed and misunderstood musical hero, is adored by his faithful fans and often receives lavish praise from critics. Yet, Banton's career has been fraught with controversy centered around his violent and homophobic lyrics, as well as drug trafficking and firearm charges. His impending release from the McRae correctional facility in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States, has sparked rivalries and renewed controversy as Banton gears up for his deportation back to Jamaica and fans debate his next moves. Banton spent the last seven years in prison after he was found guilty of conspiracy to traffic cocaine in February 2011. A few days after his conviction, in keeping with the roller coaster style of his career, Banton received a Reggae Grammy Award for his album “Before the Dawn” (he had two previous nominations, in 2004 and 2010). Banton is scheduled to be released from prison on December 18, 2018, one year early. Emotions are running high ahead of his anticipated release as reggae musicians, music producers, and loyal fans long for his return: Can't wait until the greatest thing #BujuBanton come home — Tashe ☺♥ (@EmpressTashe) April 5, 2018 One regular tweeter shared a recent Billboard magazine article, ramping up the excitement: Yeah man you can feel the energy in the air. #WaitingForTheGargamel #BujuBanton https://t.co/QOdiT9Vtl0 — Cynthia Pottinger (@cynthiatricia) March 31, 2018 Another fan declared: Anywhere in or out of this World #BujuBanton first show is after he gets out of jail, I’ll be there! It could be Mars!!! ✈️ ? ?‍♀️ ? ?‍♂️ ?? ?? ? ? — PRINCE ROYAL ENT (@PrinceRoyalEnt) March 28, 2018 A U.S.-based promoter enthused: Can you imagine the energy at Buju’s first performance? Especially if it’s in Jamaica?!!!! #Bujubanton — Publicist Bae? (@TheBrieAgency) March 27, 2018 Banton fans are abuzz with speculation about where the dancehall star will hold his first concert. Some Jamaicans were offended when a Trinidadian music promoter declared via Facebook Live: We're officially doing our first concert event, April the 22nd, 2019, in Trinidad and Tobago. A member of Banton's marketing team, Jodiann Ebanks, made the announcement at a media briefing held during a Love and Harmony Cruise which sails from Florida around the Caribbean. One Trinidadian expressed shocked delight at the news: DO. NAATTT. PLAY. WITH. MY. EMOTIONS. On April 9, Jamaican reggae station Irie FM held an informal Facebook poll to gauge how Jamaicans feel: Should Jamaicans be offended if Buju Banton’s first performance is not on the island? We want to hear your views!! Sound off in our comments below! While many Jamaicans said they would be offended, one fan generously replied: I would prefer it to be Jamaica first but as long as he is free to come home man, am happy. One Jamaican explained why he was not amused by the news that Banton might play Trinidad and Tobago first: I’m genuinely pissed that #Buju will be doing his first show in #Trinidad and not #Jamaica!!! Everybody know you come out a jail your first stop is to your #wifeandkids or your #mother (if no family). #NoRespectDisrespect — princess bijous (@princess_bijous) March 26, 2018 A Bahamas concert is also in the works, but still no word on a Jamaica date: So true @emilymshields . How come I don't hear of the return of the #gargamel #BujuBanton Jamaica concert.#sponsorsneeded. All Trinidad and Bahamas first we.#nosah #nationalstadium #jamworld pic.twitter.com/rmyAAi1dec — Smallnbeautiful (@smallnbutiful) April 4, 2018 PANACHE Magazine, a popular Jamaican press, rejected the speculations on Twitter, assuring fans that Buju will perform first in Jamaica: #PANACHETV: Of course, Buju will be performing in Jamaica first! Buss it ah yaad before we go abroad ???? #Loyalty to the fans… Thanks #Gargamel | Read the latest on #bujubanton online at https://t.co/MXterKtuAw pic.twitter.com/7s6mTAXZIm — PANACHE Magazine (@PanacheJaMag) March 31, 2018 However, without a confirmed Jamaica concert date, doubts linger: If the relevant Jamaicans wanted #BUJUBANTON to do his first show in Jamaica, they would have so taken the relevant steps to make that possible. — Patrice T (@MissTPatrice) March 26, 2018 One Jamaican tweeted that Banton should give preference to Jamaica, citing a cautionary Jamaican proverb: #Bujubanton don’t dweet Yute pastor chrissen him picney fuss pic.twitter.com/VSBYLvfN33 — Winston English (@wenglish_Ja) March 26, 2018 Don't do it, youth; the pastor christens his children first [meaning the equivalent of “charity begins at home”] Despite all the international attention, Banton remains haunted by his marred reputation as a homophobe.