In the reggae and dancehall space, few artists have left such an indelible mark as Mark Myrie, also known as Buju Banton. With a career spanning three decades, he has cemented his position as the most complete reggae dancehall artist of our time.
The reggae kings have their hierarchy: Bob Marley reigns as the king, Dennis Brown as the prince and Gregory Isaacs as the cool ruler. Beres Hammond is the king of lovers rock while King Yellowman is the original king of dancehall. Beenie Man claims the dancehall throne but Vybz Kartel’s dominance challenges his reign. Lady Saw and Spice wear the crowns of dancehall queens. But Buju Banton is incomparable, bridging both genres with unmatched mastery.
Buju Banton kicked off his Overcomer US Tour in Florida on Friday, August 23rd, marking his first performance in the state in over a decade. The Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise was packed with fans eager to witness the return of a legend. It was only his third US performance since 2011, the last before his incarceration, which made the occasion even more meaningful. Even more poetic is that his last performance before his incarceration was to a sold-out crowd in Florida.
For nearly ten years, Buju was absent from the music scene, serving time in a US federal prison for drug-related offenses. His conviction in 2011 shocked fans worldwide, but his release in 2018 marked the beginning of a powerful comeback. His Long Walk to Freedom Tour, which began in Kingston, Jamaica just months after his release, packed Jamaica’s National Stadium with 35,000 fans. This concert was described as the biggest music event in Jamaica since Bob Marley’s Smile Jamaica concert in 1976, and once again underlined Buju’s unprecedented impact.
The Overcomer Tour was nothing short of spectacular. Before the Florida show, Buju performed two sold-out concerts at the UBS Arena in New York, drawing around 36,000 fans over two nights – numbers that no other reggae artist currently achieves as a solo artist. This tour is a testament to Buju Banton’s enduring appeal and his ability to draw historic crowds without sharing the spotlight. These are his tours, and the arenas – huge venues – are consistently sold out.
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Buju Banton’s versatility is one of his greatest strengths. There really is something for everyone at his performances. Whether you like his spiritual songs, his uplifting anthems, his love and “girl” songs, or the raw “rude bwoy” tracks that define the rebellious spirit of dancehall, Buju delivers it all with equal mastery. His setlists are a testament to his ability to resonate with a diverse audience, making his shows an experience that transcends musical boundaries.
A standout moment from the Florida show was when Buju shared how the gospel song “Goodness Of God” helped him during his incarceration, briefly singing, “I love you, Lord, for your grace has never failed me.” This glimpse into his spiritual strength resonated with the audience and added an emotional layer to an already electrifying evening.
Haitian singer Francis “Fridayy” Leblanc opened the show and got the crowd going before Buju took the stage. Special guest appearances from longtime friends and fellow musicians Wayne Wonder, Gramps Morgan and DJ Khaled further elevated the mood and made the evening one that none in attendance will soon forget.
As the Overcomer tour continues across the United States, one thing is clear: Buju Banton’s reign as the undisputed king of reggae dancehall remains unchallenged. His extensive catalog, captivating live performances and lasting influence on both genres cement his legacy. Is there anyone who will challenge his throne?
