Events

Buju Banton is Back – The Next Chapter!

March 18, 2019March 28, 2019 Editor Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Christopher Martin, Cocoa Tea, Delly Ranx, Empress K, Etana, Ghost, Gramps Morgan, Jahaziel, Koffee, Long Walk to Freedom, Long Walk to Freedom concert, LUST, Marcia Griffiths, Melvin, Romain Virgo, Stephen Marley, Wayne Marshall, Wayne Wonder

Buju Banton is Back! The Next Chapter by Empress K , photos by @MelvinCalender

Buju Banton is Back! Long Walk to Freedom Concert

Buju Banton is back! History was made at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Aside from a few video clips of pre-recorded messages since his return to Jamaica, this was the first time his adoring fans have had the chance to hear Buju Banton live on stage in over 8 years.

His last performance was at the sold out Before the Dawn concert in Miami in January of 2011. The outpouring of love and support witnessed at the Miami show was magnified for the Long Walk to Freedom Concert in Kingston, Jamaica where a sold out crowd (with estimates surpassing 32,000) were fully united in support of Buju Banton.

The production of the Long Walk To Freedom Concert was well planned and executed despite numerous logistical challenges for a show of such magnitude. Tickets had nearly sold out even before the high caliber of supporting artists for the show was announced. While the primary purpose of the audience was there to see Buju’s long-awaited performance, they enthusiastically embraced all of the artists present.

Buju Banton and Friends

Ghost Long Walk to Freedom Concert — Ghost

Quality over quantity was definitely the focus as crowd-favorite performers entertained the audience. Buju’s son Jahaziel, Wayne Marshall and Delly Ranx were among the first performers. Engaging performances by Ghost and LUST followed.

Buju’s long-time friend Cocoa Tea opened his rousing performance with a tribute to Buju Banton, modifying his lyrics of Holy Mount Zion to perfectly suit the joyous celebration.

” Sweet Sweet Jamaica, Jah Jah send Buju forward to we. Well after 8 years of trials and incarceration nuff of dem cah believe Gargamel still stand strong. Stand up – Stand up – Stand up – that’s why mi get di opportunity fi come witness the Long Long Walk to Freedom.”
Cocoa Tea

He brought out teenage sensation Koffee for a well received performance. This of course is not the first time Cocoa Tea has introduced her to the stage. Her performance with him at Rebel Salute 2018 helped to propel her career forward to its current heights.

Etana delivered an excellent set beginning with her song Free, Part 2 from her recent grammy nominated album, Reggae Forever. She also performed an acoustic version of Free, Part 2 at the Buju Banton media launch held in January.

The transition of artists between sets was nearly seamless. This was especially evident when Christopher Martin introduced Romain Virgo to the stage. Together they performed their hit song, Leave People Business Alone. And at the end of Romain Virgo’s set Agent Sasco joined him to perform their song collab, Fade Away before continuing with his own superb set. Keeping band changes to a minimum definitely helped to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Put Your Lighters In The Air

A short band change ensued to make way for a wonderful performance by Chronixx and Zinc Fence Redemption. A special moment happened during Chronixx’s performance of Clean Like a Whistle. When he asked the audience to put their lighters in the air it was it was truly a magical sight.

Finally it’s Buju’s time to take the stage

The final band change of the evening occurred while host Jabba entertained the audience with a numerous sing-along classics. Finally the moment everyone was waiting for was upon us. It was an inspirational moment indeed when a prayerful Buju finally graced the stage attired all in white. He fell onto his knees with a song prayer before launching into Not an Easy Road. A high energy set full of Buju’s dazzling smiles and pure joy followed with hit after hit for the duration of his amazing set.

Special Guests

Marcia Griffiths Buju Banton — Buju Banton & Marcia Griffiths

Many wondered before the concert why some of Buju’s long time musical colleagues and mentors were not included on the line-up. Well it became clear during The Gargamel’s set that he had some very special guests present. Buju welcomed on stage Stefflon Don, a popular female British rapper of Jamaican parentage. It was truly a joyous occasion to see Buju Banton reunited with Marcia Griffiths, Beres Hammond, Wayne Wonder, and Gramps Morgan as the final guest collaboration of the evening. Buju also took the time to mention that another good friend, Stephen Marley could not be present. The amazing evening was capped off with a brilliant display of fireworks.

Buju Banton and Beres Hammond — Buju Banton & Beres Hammond

Magic Moments, Magical Heights

This is just the beginning. The next chapter of A Long Walk to Freedom awaits. The Kingston concert kicked off Buju’s upcoming tour with several dates in the Caribbean this spring and Summerjam, a summer time festival in Germany. Sumfest in Jamaica has also been confirmed!

There is no doubt that The Gargamel has countless untold stories to share. For those present as well as those watching from afar, each can relay their own memories of history being made at the Long Walk to Freedom Concert – an amazing evening of magic moments, magical heights.