Born Donovan Spalding on 27 December 1956 in Kingston, Jamaica, Burro Banton is a dancehall and reggae DJ. He is most famous for his song’ Boom Wah Dis’ which was recorded many times but most popular on the Sweet Sweeper Riddim. He was nicknamed Burro for his school days and the name Banton was given to him which basically refers to a lyrics champion. Burro is well known for his aggressive style and deep voice which has inspired artists like Buju Banton, Bounty Killer and Elephant Man.
Spalding’s early influences were from Dillinger, Trinity, U. Brown and Ranking Trevor. His career began in 1976 after entering a talent competition in Kingston. Spalding’s career as a dj finally established in 1982 and he was working for the Gemini Sound System. Throughout the 1980s his DJ skills gave him access to work for Volcano, Stero Mars and the Kilimanjaro Sound System. His first recording was with famous and legendary producer Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes. He released his first LP ‘Buro’ in 1983. In 1984 he toured Canada with Jon Wayne.
Throughout the 1990s Burro worked with Supercat and Nicodemus. He also worked with producer Bobby Konders and Massive B Label in 1991 and this led to him recording a number of #1 hits including ‘Washington Session’,’Tek A Set’ and many others. Spalding recorded his second LP in 1995 ‘The Original Banton’. He’s been touring constantly over the years all across Asia, Europe and North America and he has shared stages with Capleton, Bounty Killer and others.
