Feature Story............

Can’t Forget Your Roots:
Buju’s Concert In My Own Words
By JDot

“BUJU LIVE!” t-shirts scattered all across Biscayne Boulevard. History in the making is an understatement as to what we all were in store for. This was a big moment that would be relived years from now by thousands who came out for a good cause. People from New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Miami, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti, and other parts of the world came for the one purpose: to bare witness to something great.

In reggae music, often times, you’ll hear an artist display merciful faith to the Almighty Jah (God) in their music. Many view their spirituality as a form of defense. Some seek comfort in prayer on a daily basis, while others do it circumstantially. Buju Banton clearly exhibits characteristics of one who is unwavering through God himself.

Excitement filled Biscayne Boulevard as concert goers flooded the front gates and anxiously waited to enter the park. Many who didn't even purchase tickets yet, still hoped to catch a glimpse of the inside. I was pure madness, as those who were downtown for other reasons were curious about this event that everyone seemed so hyped up about. Tons were curious about what or who it was they were missing.

Last year, Buju Banton was caught, by the Sarasota police, soliciting cocaine. His associate became an informer the police in exchange for immunity. Buju was charged with multiple counts and was released on bond. Reggae artist Steven Marley put a lien on his house in order to pay for Buju's bond. Presently, prosecutors want to stack on additional counts which can end in Buju serving up to 20 years in prison.

Symbolically, the beginning of the concert included music from a grass roots band, who used the striking of congo drums and chants as their form of expression. The chants went on for so long, it became more of a conversational prayer -- one of humility, hope, sincerity, and a plea. Other artists graced the stage to show their support.

Everton Blender blessed the stage with his well known hit Ghetto People just before Nadine Sutherland came through to give us the soulful sounds of Babyface and Please Me, Anything Just For You, and Action. The greatest part of her segment was when she took a few moments to remember a fallen one: Gregory Isaacs. Tune In reminded us of how much the world would miss the sweet sounds of Mr. Isaacs.

The one and only Freddie McGregor took us on a ride with his Big Ship as he proclaimed to us all, I Was Born A Winner. Everyone joined in unison belting out the chorus as a message to Buju, use your ‘destiny’ to identify yourself as a winning ‘champion’. Wayne Wonder did not disappoint as he ran through a multitude of his big hits such as Saddest Day and You’ve Got A Good Love. Just when you thought he was done, Wayne E returned to finish off with No Letting Go. The next artist was described as an icon in the reggae community; Michael Rose did his most popular record “Bad Boy Police”.

Next up, the gifted Gramps Morgan who did She’s Still Loving Me, hinted to the crowd that he would return as he shouted “Thanks everyone see you all later” before exiting the stage to make room for Gyptian. The recording artist performed Hold Yuh , Beautiful Lady, and Nah Let Go.

Taurus Riley commanded everyone’s attention as he brought a fierce energy to the stage front with hits like Stay With You, Beware, and She’s Royal. A highlight of Taurus’ segment was when he and saxophonist Dean Frasier ensued in a playful competition to showcase just how talented Frasier is as he played every random melody sung by Taurus himself.

Sean Paul came out to signal a transformation into dancehall music. Gimme the Light was the first tune, followed by Get Busy, Never Gonna Be the Same and a snippet of Infiltrate. Sean surprised the entire crowd when his performance was interrupted by Spragga Benz. The crowd went crazy and was left wanting more as Spragga walked off stage leaving Sean Paul to finish his segment with the help of Alley Cat.

An unknown woman walks up on stage and calls herself Fluffy Diva. “This next artist coming to the stage is (loved by all the ladies) known as a romantic lover”, immediately I knew it was Mr. Boombastic himself, Shaggy. Shaggy almost never rolls alone, of course he brought out a female singer by the name of Nikki to do For Your Eyes Only. He also did hits like Church Heathen, Angel, and It Wasn’t Me which was accompanied by Rayvon, who performed Bashment Party as well. Another surprise hit the stage when Serani came out and rocked No Games on the Showtime Riddim (Bashment Party). Some people did not even recognize Serani untl he said his famous “It’s, It’s, It’s Serani” motto.

Of course, no Miami event can take place without the involvement of DJ Khaled. Khaled made sure he didn’t start without first mentioning how much it meant to him to be there. Buju was one of the main reasons why Khaled became such a big name in the Hip Hop community. Banton gave Khaled one of his first dub plates, which helped him to go on to win a Sound Clash in Jamaica and led him to stardom. As always, he came through with a sleu of his friends. The most energetic of them all was Busta Rhymes who was right there next to Khaled to profess All I Do Is Win right before asking the audience to Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See. The two were joined by Ace Hood and Rich Kidd, who are signed to Khaled’s We-the-Best Records. They performed Ace Hood’s new single Hustle Hard. Now that Khaled was onstage, everyone knew Buju was next. The lights dim for the headlining act and we are reminded of why we are truly here.

The recurring theme of prayer continued as Buju's segment commences with the harmony of a choir singing a gospel hymn. The man of the hour even opens up signing Destiny with his arms outstretched, trodding to the center of the stage as if he himself has suffered his own crucifiction. Feeling ersecuted for humane flaws, Buju himself insists that the situation "made him better" as he goes on to sing In This World Together and Mighty Dread -- both songs off his new album.

The concert is Buju's last attempt to appreciate his supporters and repent any wrongdoings. There was no denying the tremendous amount of support for the reggae star. As soon as it was showtime, the light dims and you hear Buju's bass voice resonate throughout the park. The crowd goes wild and welcomes him by waving their cell phones which lit up the sky. His first song was Destiny as he then moved into my favorite: Untold Stories, a song highlighting the perils of the unfortunate who struggle to live on the right track -- one of resilience and righteousness while those who are rich in wealth as they are in fortunes, live an easy life with no disappointments. The song talks about socio-political issues as well as "opportunity [as a] scarce scarce commodity." You can't help but notice Buju smiling at the crowds enjoyment (fervor), which went to an all time high when he hit us with Driver! and Murderer! There was even a point where Buju brought up a good point as to why he was being targeted “Is it because of Boom Bye Bye?” The crowd roared in agreement.

The fact that majority of Buju's songs describe a lifestyle of judgment, persecution, and failure due to criminal activity and injustice, it seems ironic that Bujulives the life he sings about. Unable to ignore his fact, Buju narrates about the first time he met Marcia Griffiths at a studio when he was just 18. "She said to me, be careful when writing music, because it may have an effect on someone's life",Buju quoted. Who'd ever thought that someone would be Buju himself? Both Buju and Marcia began to sing Never Have to Worry followed by Closer, which his mentor Marcia sang. Using the moment to thank his mentors, he then announces that his mentor Beres Hammonds is in St. Lucia performing and could not make it. I think we all were expecting to see Beres live...still we weren’t disappointed when Buju took it upon himself to treat to Play Some More.

Buju brought out Wayne Wonder once more to show that they were truly Forever Young. I Don’ Know Why became an important song as Buju kept repeating “I Don’t Know Why. Why?” and we all knew what he was referring to. Troubled times always leads us to ask why. Humanely we all want to know the reason and purpose behind everything. The infamous Stephen Marley came out to perform Duppy Conqueror. The audience was not ready for what was about to happen. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley rushed out to join the two for Soldiers in Jah Army and all three dreads kicked up and marched across the stage to keep the hype going. It was truly a great sight to see.

The final act of the night which was a special moment was when Buju brings back out Gramps Morgan and together they graced us with Pslams 23 a classic with a message (as most of Buju’s songs were). The mood reverts to one of spirituality and mid-way through the song, the lights come on signaling the end of the extravaganza. Just at that moment, I realize this is how a great concert ends…the same way it began, in prayer.

No one is suggesting that Buju’s downfalls aren’t a result of his own midjudgments, but the whole purpose of this rally of support is to show that in life we all deserve the freedom to change, to reach an epiphany, to have a second chance.

There was not one ounce of negativity that night. As I left the park later on that evening, I overheard one fan say "The best part of it all was that there was no violence at all. Can you believe that?!" It was as if everyone had the same mindset: Keep things positive and let's celebrate great lyricism and great music by a great man.

Thanks to those behind the scenes who were skillful enough to make sure each artists was on stage for a reasonable amount of time. There was never a dull moment and it was difficult to look away from the stage. Once it started, there was no stopping in between. Even the DJ’s backstage weren’t able to play for long…they got but a mere 15 minutes to keep the crowd hype and that was not even until mid-way through the show. Last but not least, a big thanks to Mixx 96 for allowing us to be a part of this magical experience as well as past events that we won’t ever forget. It’s always a good thing when radio stations within the caribbean community can come together and support each other.

For more information visit:
Smallislandmassive.com
96mixx.com
jugglersunited.com

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