Buju Banton The Bahamas Experience

Buju Banton The Bahamas Experience.  Photos and story by Empress K Reggae Reflection.

Buju Banton’s Long Walk to Freedom Tour made its second stop in Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas at the Thomas Robinson Stadium on March 30, 2019.   Billed as Buju in Paradise,   the Nassau stop was one of the earlier shows announced well before Buju’s release date in December of 2018.

While I have covered Reggae events in numerous Caribbean Islands, this was my first trip to experience the Bahamas. I was not disappointed, nor were the thousands of Bahamians and other travelers that turned out in full support of another historic evening on the Long Walk to Freedom Tour.

The Long Walk to Freedom tour is more than just a tour. It’s an experience – a journey allowing Buju to re-connect with his long-time fans. Buju arrived on the island several days before Saturday’s concert.   Several key events took place to celebrate the return of the Gargamel. On Thursday, Buju held a Meet and Greet with fans. On Friday, a motorcade parade kicked off Friday’s events. A welcoming party in his honor was held later that evening at the historic Fort Charlotte featuring Wagy T, Stone Love, Culture Shock, Xtra Large and Studda.

Saturday’s Main Event

Saturday’s rainy weather cleared just in time for a beautiful evening of music with several local and  international supporting acts. Popular Bahamian Reggae band Willis & The Illest were the first band to kick off the historic event.  Up next was American / Bahamian Lil Duval, a well known comedian and singer.  He entertained fans with an energetic set accompanied by two lively dancers. His set included a number of his popular songs including Smile – Living my Best Life.  Much to the audience’s delight, he paid tribute to Beres Hammond with a couple songs before the end of his set.

In between sets popular Bahamian DJs such as DJ Ignite kept the growing crowd entertained, setting the pace and tone for the high energy evening.

• 

• 

Glen Washington Kicks off the next segment

Veteran artist Glen Washington was up next  with more Reggae music. Glen performed several of his famous songs including Kindness  for Weakness & Jah Glory as well as a few fan-favorite covers such as a cover of She’s Royal by Tarrus Riley.

• 

• 

Gramps Morgan, a long-time close friend of Buju Banton recently appeared as a special guest on the LWTF Kingston concert.  This time he had an powerful set of his own accompanied by his band.

Surprise guest Jemere Morgan joined his father Gramps Morgan on stage. Together they performed Try Jah Love from Jemere’s debut album, Transition.   Gramps reminded the audience to look out for Jemere’s upcoming album, Self Confidence due on May 17, 2019.

Africa meets Jamaica in the Bahamas

Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Davido  brought great energy to the stage. He was accompanied by his own band, his personal DJ Ecool (love the go pro type cam on his mic! ) and hype man Special Spesh.   While the audience is not yet familiar with his full song catalog, his chart-topping hit Fall sent the crowd into a frenzy.  

Top Jamaican selector Richie Feelings kept the energy flowing, warming up the crowd just before Buju’s highly anticipated appearance.

Finally it was time for Buju to touch the stage.  International DJ & Emcee Jabba of Massive B and Sirius XM  fame had the honors to introduce Mark Myrie, The Gargamel aka BUJU to the stage!  

While the ten-piece Shiloh Band began playing their opening instrumental segment,  Buju’s distinctive voice from backstage could be heard loud and clear.  When he asked the already ecstatic audience “Bahamas, are you Ready?”, the crowd’s reaction was clear! They were indeed ready to witness Buju’s triumphant return to The Bahamas.  

Bahamas are you ready?!

Buju’s opened his captivating set with Not an Easy Road then transitioned into Destiny, followed by Hills and Valleys. Each song taking on its own special meaning for the enthralled audience members.

For approximately 90 minutes, Buju performed many of his most popular songs including Walk Like a Champion, Wanna Be Loved, Bongo Cart, Driver, Love Me Browning, Play Some More, Cry No More, and Love Sponge. He also had General B from the Monster Shack Crew join him for an exciting moment on stage.  

Fans could not get enough, but eventually it was time to close the show. Buju concluded his show with 23rd Psalm and invited Gramps Morgan to join him once again for a special moment on stage as he did at the Kingston concert.  

One more act remains!

The show was not over yet!  American Rapper Kodak Black was the final act of the evening.  Reports were that he had a late flight arrival which pushed his set to last; however, I never heard an official report. His fans pushed forward and clearly knew all his hit songs.  A few fans even getting over the barrier and onto the stage to interact with Kodak Black.

During Buju’s time away, numerous artists always kept Buju’s presence near.  No matter which show or festival I was attending, it was always common place to hear a Buju Tribute included in sets by Gramps Morgan, Stephen Marley, Tarrus Riley, Beres Hammond and countless others.

Just one year ago,  Billboard Magazine quoted Cocoa Tea as saying, “There is a big void without Buju Banton in the music.”    Fast forward to 2019. Without any doubt – Buju Banton is definitely back to fill that void!  

The Long Walk to Freedom journey continues next with a stop in Trinidad and Tobago on April 21st, and a stop in Barbados on April 27th.   Additional Long Walk to Freedom tour dates are on our calendar: ReggaeReflection.com/Calendar

Check out our coverage of the historic Kingston, Jamaica concert on March 16, 2019. https://www.reggaereflection.com/buju-banton-is-back-the-next-chapter/

Editor’s note:  I had the pleasure of staying in Nassau for a couple days after the concert.  It’s a quick getaway from Boston and one of the Islands where you can clear customs at the local airport before boarding your return flight.  Apparently many travelers came through the airport to attend the show. Even the custom’s agent asked me if I went to the show when he saw me wearing my new Buju Banton T-Shirt!   

Thank you to everyone that I encountered in the Bahamas. I also want to big up the Paradise Productions team for all their hard work. My thanks as well to two Bahamaian colleagues: Empress Gia Alexander from Diamond Kush Entertainment and Raymond Rolle who was kind enough to make us custom branded Reggae Reflection Long Walk to Freedom T-shirts from Create My Tee By Weech! Thank you! It was a wonderful trip and I hope to be back again very soon!