Buju makes triumphant return to New York

Several weeks and hundreds of hours of rehearsals and intense preparations paid off handsomely for Buju Banton, his Shiloh band and his back-up singers on Saturday night when the elder statesman of reggae music performed a riveting set to a sold-out audience at the ‘Long Walk To Freedom – New York’ concert at the UBS Arena in Queens, NY.

Professionalism was the name of the game and the high-quality production is exactly what was expected of the Grammy Award-winning reggae and dancehall superstar who was the only act advertised for the concert which pulled more than 18,000 eager fans inside the venue.

It was Buju’s first performance in New York City in 15 years and fans responded in such a huge way that a second show had to be added after the first one was sold out in hours. The second show, which was also sold out, took place at the same venue last night.

With a dual catalogue comprising reggae and dancehall anthems, at 9:50 p.m. on Saturday, Buju commanded the massive, “Let’s enter the dancehall”, and what an excitement it stirred! His faithful fans followed, including a few ladies who kicked off their high heels as he segued into Bongocyaat, Waistline, Punnany, Arab Attack and Showtime.

Buoyed by keyboard wizard Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden — the musical genius credited with producing several international hit songs by Sean Paul, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man and Wayne Wonder — Buju, by now was in full flight and proved he was indeed a Champion. He got Up Close & Personal with Over Mi, before sharing Untold Stories and warned not to Trust the system.

The lavish musical offering was fired up with Cry No More, Wanna Be Loved and Pull up the Vibe. The only missing ingredient being the sweet, honeycomb voice of Lovers Rock King Beres Hammond, who has his own New York shindig planned for August 3 at the Amphitheatre in Brooklyn.

Buju’s musical story continued with a slew of his solo hits before he was joined onstage by songbird Nadine Sutherland, with whom he performed the titillating Wicked Dickie.

A thrilled Sutherland took to social media to share a review of her ‘Tribers’ “Last night was epic for Jamaica music and culture. Buju Banton’s LWTF concert corked the arena in NYC. I’m really proud to be a part of this historical event. I’m still levitating.”.

On a continuous musical high, Buju asked, “New York, are you ready?”

Fans responded with an overwhelming, “Yes!”

Driver A was Buju’s response which made way for Murdera, recorded in 1995 as an expression of his frustration at the death of dancehall deejays Panhead and Dirtsman who were murdered and the death of Garnet Silk who perished in a fire.

Minutes after 11 p.m., Buju was joined onstage by friend Gramps Morgan, and they blessed the place with their spiritually uplifting Psalm 23.

For those in attendance it was the “best night ever”.

Radio personality Shani Kulture of HOT 97 was elated.

“It is a joyous day. We will sing until our lungs are gone” he told The Gleaner.

New York-based, former Miss Jamaica World contestant Cathy Kleinhans, who describes herself as “Buju Banton’s #1 fan”, could hardly contain her excitement.

“It was lit!” she said. “Buju never fails to give us an amazing show! I had goosebumps! I cried tears of joy, knowing what he has gone through and to see him live and direct in NY! Fantastic!”

US-born Theo, aka Tallman, who drove from Atlanta, Georgia said, “I never believed I would live to see this day. Never in my wildest dreams. Fifteen years since he last performed in New York. That is a blessing.”

‘Jamerican’ Karen from Pennsylvania and her TriniAmerican boyfriend Shane O are big fans of Buju.

“Buju is a legend,” Shane said. “When I heard he was coming to New York, I knew I had to be here.”

John Reid from Westchester, New York, proclaimed Banton a king.

“The greatest Buju Banton is back. He is the living ‘King of Reggae’!” Reid declared.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com