Buju Banton’s concert, Long Walk to Freedom, has been kept everyone in high spirits and anticipation since the announcement was made earlier in the year. As expected people wondered if Banton could stand before a sold-out crowd and perform like he used to, considering his long hiatus.
If there were any doubts about being at the top of his game, Banton definitely laid them to rest on Saturday. He performed two hours straight, belting out hit after hit from his repertoire of amazing songs at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
The reggae maestro came up the stage in an all-white ensemble and a pensive look on his face. It was obvious he wasn’t out for jokes but ready to deliver good music with high-level perfection. He didn’t disappoint the huge crowd that awaited his ascent to the stage as he began the night with a worship song, “Lamb of God, have mercy on me.” He seamlessly transitioned to the crowd favorite, “Not an easy road.” Considering all he had been through over the last decade, it was evident the singer poured out the lyrics of the song from a very deep place.
From then on it was hit after hit with songs like Champion, Destiny, Wanna be Loved, and Untold Stories. The crowd couldn’t help but sing along, rocking each song as it came. Banton didn’t write entertainment history alone that night, he invited other greats to grace the stage with him. He performed collaborations with the like of Wayne Wonder, Beres Hammond, Gramps Morgan, and Marcia Griffiths.
We look forward to the remaining part of the “Long Walk to Freedom” tour.
