“Magic city, magic lights, magic moments, magical heights” – the lyrics of Buju Banton’s 2009 mega-hit “Magic City” best describes the Gargamel’s Long Walk To Freedom concert held at the National Stadium on Saturday.
Buju Banton bare his soul to the roughly 32,000 thousand gathered to witness the Gargamel’s first performance since his release from prison. Minutes after 11:00 pm, IRIE FM’s Elise Kelly welcomed Buju Banton to the stage. In a tear-jerking start, Buju sung “Have mercy on me”. Coupled with the white lights and the fog, the moment was magical.
The Gargamel certainly silenced waste chatter that he has lost it. In an almost two-hour performance, Buju Banton clad in full white carried patrons through bits of his over 30-year catalog. From a spiritual conscious vibe, to lover’s rock, and hardcore dancehall, Buju Banton could do no wrong. Not even an annoying technical glitch could put a damper on the vibe.
From hits such as Not an Easy Road, Hills and Valleys, and Destiny to dancehall hits such as Champion, Too Bad, Me & Ounu, and Waistline Buju had the massive grooving and singing along. However it was pandemonium when he belted hits such as Driver and Wanna Be Loved.
Buju Banton’s ora exuded freedom. His set included the congo drums which saw the Gargamel dancing across the stage.
Though he said he wasn’t in any chatting mood, the Gargamel’s interaction with the audience was just right.
Buju also said, “Dem say mi a coke-head. What are they talking about?” before belting out Hills and Valleys.
Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, and Steflon Don made cameos during Buju’s set.
The moment between Beres Hammond and Buju was pure love. During a quick personal moment on stage, patrons got peaked of the mutual respect the two share. Just like old times, they reversed roles with Buju singing and Beres Hammond deejaying.
Other entertainers on the show were Coco Tea who was simply fantastic. He brought out upcoming sensation Koffee who further ignited the vibes. Agent Sasco, Ghost, and Chronixx were well received. Other performances came from Christopher Martin, Romain Virgo, Delly Ranks, LUST, Etana, Wayne Marshall and Jahziel Myrie.
Bunny Wailer, Dj Khaled, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Aidonia, Tarrus Riley, Konshens, Protoje, Jah Miel, Tony Rebel, General B, Govanna, Jada Kingdom, Bugle and Kardinal Official were some of the entertainers who supported Buju Banton’s Long Walk To Freedom Tour.
All-in-all, despite a few technical glitches with the sound, the show was a tremendous success. Buju Banton and his Shiloh Band were epic.
The curtains for the first leg of Buju Banton’s Long Walk To Freedom concert ended with fireworks minutes after one this morning.