Buju Banton Announces First US Performance in 13 Years
Reggae and Dancehall legend Buju Banton is making a highly anticipated return to the US stage for the first time in 13 years with a concert titled “Long Walk To Freedom New York”.
The 50-year-old Jamaican singer announced on Sunday that the concert will take place on Saturday, July 13, at the UBS Arena in Queens, New York. The guest list remains a mystery, but Dahved Levy will host the event, which will feature music by Bobby Konders and Jabba. Tickets go on sale this Friday.
The UBS Arena, an indoor venue that opened in 2021, can seat up to 19,000 people for concerts.
In addition, Buju Banton will be celebrating his 51st birthday on July 15. “I give thanks for life each day, but on this weekend, there is a special thanksgiving and I look forward to celebrating with all of my family, friends, and everyone who has prayed and supported me over the years,” he shared. Earlier this month, Banton revealed he had been granted a visa to return to the United States, making this upcoming concert possible.
This performance will mark his first in the US since January 2011, when he held his ‘Before The Dawn’ concert at the Bayfront Park Amphitheater in Miami, Florida, which drew approximately 10,000 fans, according to World A Reggae. The ‘Before The Dawn‘ album, released in September 2010, went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in February 2011.
Buju Banton’s manager, Joseph Budafuco, expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s a true honor to witness the return of a legend, as history unfolds before our eyes once again. On January 16, 2011, we produced Buju Banton’s last concert dubbed ‘Before the Dawn’ in Miami, Florida, his return concert ‘Long Walk To Freedom Jamaica,’ and today we announce Buju Banton’s return to U.S. concert ‘Long Walk to Freedom- NY,’ slated for Saturday, July 13, 2024. We look forward to presenting an exceptional concert as we partner with AG Consulting and Dahved Levy, whose experience in the market is profound.”
