Buju Banton, the iconic Jamaican reggae artist, made a triumphant return to the New York stage after more than a decade. His first show in the North American leg of his Long Walk To Freedom Tour, promoted by Live Nation, took place on July 13 at the UBS Arena. Banton’s electrifying performance, packed with hit after hit, left fans in awe and solidified his enduring star power. The event drew a massive crowd of over 19,000 fans, who eagerly anticipated his long-awaited return.
The anticipation for Banton’s show was palpable, with fans arriving as early as 6:00 PM for the scheduled 8:30 PM start. Shuttle buses transported fans to the venue, and upon their arrival, they were greeted with a buzz of excitement. The venue, UBS Arena, reported that both shows on Saturday and Sunday were completely sold out, highlighting the immense demand for Banton’s music and his enduring popularity.
One of the standout moments of the evening was Banton’s collaboration with singer Nadine Sutherland. The duo performed their powerful duet, “What Am I Gonna Do,” captivating the audience with their soulful voices and deep emotional connection. Additionally, Gramps Morgan, a fellow reggae artist, paid tribute to his late brother Peetah Morgan, adding a poignant touch to the evening’s proceedings.
Banton’s last performance in New York City was in 2009 at Madison Square Garden. The series of sold-out Mother’s Day shows between 2006 and 2009 showcased Banton’s unparalleled talent and ability to captivate audiences. However, in the years following, Banton faced a significant personal challenge. He spent eight years in prison on cocaine charges, which only added to the anticipation and excitement surrounding his return to the stage.
Upon his release, Banton embarked on his Long Walk To Freedom concert series, starting with a memorable performance at the national stadium in Jamaica in March 2019. The concert series took him around the world, including stops in Africa and South America, where he continued to captivate audiences with his magnetic stage presence and powerful music. Banton also released two highly acclaimed albums, “Upside Down 2020” and “Born For Greatness,” further solidifying his status as a reggae legend.
During his performance at the UBS Arena, Banton expressed his gratitude to the audience and reflected on the challenges he faced. He defiantly proclaimed, “They said to me, you will never come back to the United States Of America, and I said to them, let’s see what God will do.” This statement resonated deeply with the crowd, who cheered and applauded his resilience.
The concert lasted for over an hour, leaving fans in awe of Banton’s talent, energy, and ability to connect with his audience. Many fans rated the performance more than 10/10, emphasizing the unforgettable experience they had witnessing Banton’s long-awaited return to the New York stage.
In conclusion, Buju Banton’s return to the New York stage was met with overwhelming excitement and praise from fans. His Long Walk To Freedom Tour showcased his enduring star power and reaffirmed his status as one of reggae’s most influential and beloved artists. Banton’s electrifying performance, coupled with special appearances by talented artists, created a truly unforgettable experience for all in attendance. As Banton continues to captivate audiences worldwide, his journey serves as an inspiration of resilience and the power of music to unite and uplift.
