Buju’s Long Walk To Freedom

Strange feelings were felt as Buju Banton, who we have always believed in, stepped onto the stage within an awe-stricken National Stadium. Our wait was not in vain, as we all chanted Buju Banton’s name; Buju Banton is back home, he was ready for us and we were certainly ready for him.

The Long Walk to Freedom was indeed a long walk, as patrons travelled the diverse landscape surrounding the National Stadium to the varied entry points. After a brisk and well thorough pat down from a female security guard that gave me a flirtatious wink after she finished, I made my way into the venue. The countless streams of people I saw within the National Stadium was breathtaking, these streams came together to form raging rivers of anticipation all banked within different sections such as General, Grandstand, Bleachers, VIP and VVIP. Whatever section you found yourself in, all came together to form a mighty ocean that washed the National Stadium with shrieks and chants of zeal as all participated in this historic moment.

The acts that preceded the Gargamel, all made worthy contributions to the ‘Mek Big Song Play Foundation’ notably: Ghost, Agent Sasco, Coco Tea and Chronixx. Ghost was no Casper as his tracks selections were not friendly but powerful and potent. His renditions of ‘Nothing at All’ and ‘Do you Believe’ made us react with emotional animations as they were sung with paranormal vocals.

Coco Tea introduced us to the rising reggae sensation Koffee and they had their own breakfast party within the National Stadium. Koffee served her mega-hit ‘Toast’ to hungry patrons that dined on musical excellence. Coco Tea brewed for us steamed cups of ‘Young Lover’ and ‘Rastaman Chant’ that eased our aching feet and filled our spirits with musical relief.

Etana was next to take up the mantle on this night. As the concert’s lone scheduled female performer she certainly brought a new type of energy to the patrons present. With ditties such as ‘My Man’, ‘Wrong Address’ and ‘Free’, Etana took her time on the stage to deliver a stellar set.

Three man weave of Chris Martin, Romaine Virgo and Agent Sasco made their way up wisely using collaborations to introduce each other before launching into their own performance. Even though he doesn’t go by Assassin anymore, Agent Sasco had a killer instinct during his performance as he disposed of all bad vibes with his musical arsenal. His execution of ‘Banks of Hope’, ‘Winner’ and ‘Carry on’ got ovations from within the venue and from the heavens as the distant rumbling of thunder punctuated a formidable performance.

It wasn’t just ‘Spanish Town rocking’ but the entire Jamaica as Pupa Chronixx stood tall and gave us his soul on a musical platter. He told us ‘I Can’ in the only way he could and this was with his music. He gave us a musical sermon as he blessed us with ‘Skankin Sweet’ and sanctified us with ‘Legend’. He put the National Stadium into a trance when he sang ‘Likes’ as our shoulders got into a spirit as all flung them to our hearts’ content.

“Our Father who Art in Zion, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come on earth, Thine will be done on earth, Hallowed be Thy name”. The congregation uttered a sequenced “amen” as we all bared witness to the ascension of Mark Myrie unto his musical pulpit. Tear filled eyes littered the National Stadium as we saw a national icon return fulfilling his ‘Destiny’, he performed that song with the intensity of an erupting volcano and we were Pompeii. Buju’s catalogue of music is extensive, to say the least but he made sure we got the full magnitude of his body of work.

‘Till I’m Laid to Rest’ was performed in peak condition as Buju was at his best as his performance was occupied with acrobatics, dance moves and feats of great strength as he showed us he was still the man in charge. His performance was wonderfully infused with artistes such as Stefflon Don, Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder and Marcia Griffiths but it was Buju and Beres Hammond aka ‘Mr. Big Song’ time together that was revered. They had hit after hit as we all ‘Let them play some more’, we didn’t put up any ‘Resistance’ but we wanted just a ‘Little More Time’ when their mini-concert was finished. Buju’s gave us hit after hit as ‘Champion’, ‘Murderer’, ‘Hills and Valleys’, he gave us every single fibre of his being and we returned the favour with screams, tears and our signature Jamaican “Bap Bap Bap”.

“Strange, this feeling I’m feeling but Jah love we will always believe in, I know you may think my faith is in vain. Til Shiloh we’ll chant Rastafari’s name”
Selah.
Words by Hakeem Byran
Photos by Jik Reuben & Lizzy Brown