Jamaica Gleaner

Buju Banton ‘the legend’ returns ... to Bahamas

- Janet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

THE LAST time Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie performed to a Bahamian audience, he was hailed a star.

Last Saturday night when he returned to the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium in Nassau, the former star easily moved from his dancehall genre to social commentary, during his 90-minute, highvoltag­e performanc­e as a legend.

For the close to 15,000 patrons, who waited patiently for the ‘Gargamel’ to commence the second leg of his ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ tour, it was obvious their musical saviour had returned. His lyrics were inspiratio­nal, his delivery solid, and the crowd was energised with wild abandonmen­t. He appeared on the stage looking dapper in a well-fitted suit, as if he were on his way to the office, ready to do a day’s work. Ten minutes before he hit the stage the audience started their own concert spurring his arrival. They were anxious, hungry, shouting, “Where is Buju? Where is Buju? We want Buju!” When he belted It’s not an easy Road, they all could relate to the man who had spent over eight years incarcerat­ed.

As he disrobed, removing his jacket, then his tie, looking at them with disdain as they fell to the floor, it seemed symbolic of his feelings – free at last.

Buju eased into his comfort zone, keeping his audience engaged throughout, taking them into a deep spiritual space. For each song he belted out, they knew their role without being prompted, playing

chorus. As fantastic as his backup singers were, they were forced to compete with an audience that invaded not only the stadium but the artiste’s performanc­e.

For Buju, it was as if he lived in The Bahamas. He spoke about the gang violence, the skin bleaching – asking why they don’t love themselves – just before pulling for Love Black

Woman. His commentary was impactful, and there was no doubt he had won the hearts of many young people in the stadium.

“He was charismati­c. He had appeal. He had young people who weren’t even teenagers when he went to prison clinging to his every word,” said Jamaica-born Bahamian attorney Doneth Cartwright, who described the event as simply amazing.

“He literally walked out of a prison cell and on to stage and delivered a menu of hits that was unbelievab­le. He is a legend,” she asserted.

OTHER ACTS

The Gargamel was joined on his walk by a number of acts, including Bahamian comedian Lil Duval, who was the perfect opener for the show. His short 15-minute set was enhanced by his energetic dancers.

He kept the stadium entertaine­d with his hit song Smile, I am Living My Best Life, even while showcasing his versatilit­y by pulling for two Beres Hammond songs.

The artiste who came closest to Buju’s stellar performanc­e was old-school’s reggae statesman Glen Washington, who was scintillat­ing, delivering some of his all-time favourites.

Behaving like a sex symbol, Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage, who followed suit, did a fairly good job – opening up the opportunit­y for his son, Jamere, to wet his feet. Morgan overstayed his welcome, and the artiste who was introduced as an African from Lagos, Nigeria, Davido, was given far too much time to carry out unnecessar­y antics of throwing water and flashing Hennessey with total disregard for the audience.

However, the Gargamel erased any remnants left by Davido, and when the he exited the stage, thousands went with him, leaving a few diehards for a Bahamian rapper – Kodak Black at 4 a.m.

The ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ tour will take the Gargamel to other Caribbean islands such as Trinidad and Tobago, British Virgin Islands, and Barbados.

‘He literally walked out of a prison cell and on to stage and delivered a menu of hits that was unbelievab­le. He is a legend.’

– Doneth Cartwright

 ??  ?? Buju Banton performing in The Bahamas.
Buju Banton performing in The Bahamas.
 ?? PHOTOS BY JANET SILVERA ?? Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage (left) and his son, Jamere.
PHOTOS BY JANET SILVERA Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage (left) and his son, Jamere.
 ??  ?? Nigerian artiste Davido
Nigerian artiste Davido
 ??  ?? Old-school Glen Washington performing some of his vintage favourites.
Old-school Glen Washington performing some of his vintage favourites.

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