Legendary reggae and dancehall icon, Buju Banton, has been making waves since his sold-out shows at New York’s UBS Arena on July 13th and 14th. These performances were especially significant as they marked his first appearances in the U.S. in 13 years.
Following this success, the Grammy-winning superstar, also known as Gargamel, announced a 14-date tour across several U.S. cities. The tour includes stops in Washington D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Hartford, Atlanta, Houston, and Brooklyn.
Rising R&B Star Fridayy kicks off show
Buju’s ‘The Overcomer Tour’ kicked off at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, on Friday, August 23rd. Produced by AG Touring in partnership with Gargamel Music and XO Management, the show featured an opening performance by Fridayy a.k.a the ‘Melody God’, a four-time Grammy-nominated R&B singer and Def Jam artist.
Nick Ford, a Jamaicans.com photographer, was on hand to capture scenes from the event; scroll for photo highlights.
Star studded event
The concert drew a star-studded crowd, including DJ Khaled, Wayne Wonder, reggae radio legend Clinton Lindsay, Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage, and Papa Keith from Miami’s 103.5 The Beat. Jabba from Hot 97 in New York City served as the Emcee for the night, while DJ Richie Feelings kept the audience lively with his reggae and dancehall set.
A triumphant return
Born Mark Myrie in Kingston’s Salt Lane, Buju Banton rose to prominence in the 1990s with hits that earned him the nickname ‘Mr. Mention’, also the title of one of his most successful albums. Notably, ‘Mr. Mention’ broke the record for the most number one singles in Jamaica, previously held by Bob Marley. Buju’s career continued to flourish, making him one of the most influential reggae artists globally, collaborating with legends such as Beres Hammond, Wayne Wonder, Cocoa Tea, and the late Garnett Silk.
However, in 2011, Buju’s career faced a setback when he was convicted on drug-related charges in the U.S. He was imprisoned until December 2018 and returned to Jamaica immediately after his release. On March 16th, 2019, the National Stadium in Kingston was packed with fans celebrating Buju’s return and the start of his ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ Tour.
The concert was widely hailed as a legendary event.
A epic showing
Buju’s highly anticipated concert and the launch of his 2024 ‘The Overcomer Tour’ at the Amerant Arena was an epic event, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. The show was not only notable for its impressive line-up of performers but also for the prominent guests and supporters who celebrated the occasion.
The images from the event capture the excitement and grandeur of Buju Banton’s return to the U.S. stage. It’s clear that his performance was nothing short of triumphant.
