On the heels of his noteworthy performance at the just-concluded Essence of Reggae Music Festival, dancehall artist Munga Honorable now faces a different stage—one inside the Home Circuit Court, where his long-awaited murder trial begins today (February 17, 2025). However, before stepping into the courtroom, the Gangsta Ras took to Instagram to reaffirm his innocence, reflecting on nearly a decade of legal battles. Dressed in a blue-and-white suit, Munga captioned his post with an emotional statement: “9 plus years of pain and painful memories from an unwarranted near-fatal attack… I stand by my innocence.” The post quickly garnered support from fans, with comments such as “Freedom is a must” and “Jah got you.”
Munga, given name Damian Rhoden, is facing a murder charge in connection with the 2017 killing of Cleveland Smith, the nephew of fellow entertainer Mr. Vegas. According to police reports, the fatal incident occurred at an event in Ackee Walk, St. Andrew, where Smith was allegedly confronted by a group of men, one of whom was armed. A heated altercation ensued, resulting in Smith being shot and later pronounced dead at the Kingston Public Hospital. Authorities also reported that Smith had previously attacked Munga with a machete. The case, which has seen multiple delays over the years, was initially set to commence in May 2023 but was postponed due to personal challenges faced by Munga’s attorney, Christopher Townsend. Now, after eight years of legal battles, the trial is finally underway.
Despite the weight of his legal troubles, Munga has remained musically resilient. Last year, he announced his second EP, G.R.E.A.T. (Gangsta Ras Entrepreneur Artiste Talented), a 13-track project designed to showcase his artistic evolution. This release follows his 2022 album, Conundrum, which was executively produced by Hill Top Records and featured production from industry heavyweights like Don Corleon and Luigi Society. The album, which saw Munga blending introspective themes with high-energy dancehall, was well received, marking another milestone in his nearly two-decade-long career.
Since debuting with Bad From Me Born in 2007, Munga has built a stellar catalogue, including the 2019 Fiery EP and the 2020 album Shine You Light. His recent return to the Reggae Sumfest stage after a five-year hiatus underscored his ability to command an audience, proving that his presence in the industry is as strong as ever. Now, as he faces one of the most pivotal moments of his life, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely, hoping for an outcome that allows Munga Honorable to continue his musical journey unhindered.
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