RAISING THE BAR The Long Walk to Freedom Tour
Backayard Street, Fashion & Lifestyle Blog
By: Caos
It’s been a few weeks after one of the most ICONIC Shows held in Jamaica ever! and I am still feeling its buzz..
First and foremost, let me just say that, “Mi never see The National Stadium suh pack yet inna mi life!” On the 23rd of March 2019, The Long Walk To Freedom Tour had officially kicked off!
The hype surrounding this long awaited event began months before Mark Myrie aka Buju Banton aka Gargamel was officially released from prison in December 2018. We all were excited and also anxious to see who the Gargamel had become (‘Yes! me included’), his looks, his voice and if he still had the spark that his fans missed after being incarcerated for a little bit over 8 years. With a voice and style that sets him apart from the rest, from then until now, we were all ready for what’s next!
Setting The Mood
Wow! Walking into the National Stadium and feeling that aura was definitely one of the most heartfelt love that I have ever felt at a live reggae show. It was obvious that Gargamel fans were hungry for the well curated line up. The mood was set!
Fans from yaad and abroad came dressed in their finest outfits to greet their Buju. Walking through the crowd from the bleachers to the media pit, I observed the various fashion that encompass the stadium. All came out in their best suit to commemorate this great occasion. Styles ranging from the woman in her sexy little black dress with a clutch to accentuate, to the man in his sports jacket, crisp button downs shirt, fitted jeans and loafers to match.
Of course, we also had our red, green and gold enthusiasts that came out to make their own statements well. Custom designed apparels with red, green and gold accents or just a scarf to add that elegant touch.
Full Throttle
Not only were the patrons out to celebrate with their most dashing closet pieces, the well curated line-up of local and international celebrities also came out to dazzle the amazing crowd.
Wayne Marshall for example graced us with a black fitted ripped jeans, black sequin long sleeve crew neck top and matching black shoes. I felt this was a really nice mixture of textures for his outfit having rocked an all black affair. I mean we know he has an amazing voice, that’s a given but partnered with sequin top, it was nothing short of mesmerizing, when the lights hit. This was a simple and straightforward look for the night however and I liked it.
A few of the celebrities showed up in different variations of their fitted suits; Ghost, DellyRanx, Agent Sasco, Romain Virgo, and also the Gargamel himself. I mean, you can never really go wrong with a properly tailored suit, however, I just feel that one can be a bit more creative and individualistic with their choices. Don’t get me wrong, the fit and function of suits when worn is very important, (worst thing to see is a man in a poorly tailored suit) but mostly, in today’s age, expression of self through design is something one pays more attention to than before.
The colours of these suits ranged from black, to yellow to red to print and then to the main man himself who wore full white.(the metaphor behind this move was exceptionally clever by the way ). Gramps Morgan however impressed me nuff nuff with his coat. Dude came out looking like and African King, with what I call real art with fashion.
The ‘good ole’ button downs’, of course paired with right pants, shorts, vests or shoes can bring off a simple but effective message. Jahzeil Myrie, Wayne Wonder, Coco Tea and the Godfather himself Mr. Beres Hammond rocked out in their own different renditions of the classic piece.
Chronixx followed suit with his own creativeness. I am always interested to see what he planned to come with next. Needless to say, he did not disappoint with a simple rendition of a green sweatsuit nicely polished with a waist bag strapped around his chest. Starting with a high bun, he quickly let go the ever growing locks as the music transcended throughout the speakers of the stadium.
A true night of reggae cannot be had without the tasteful touch of a queen or in this case queens. Koffee, Stefflon Don and Mama Marcia Griffiths,/i> brought their own blessings and their own fashion to the stage to compliment their various planned sets.
When all the dust was settled, the stadium of fans came out singing and beaming with pride.Each individual can now say that they were apart of history being made.
See you on the flip side…
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