‘No matter how many years pass, Buju’s timeless contributions will always be relevant in our hearts and minds’
Perhaps #FreeBuju, a campaign spanning seven years powered by the people led to the early release of incarcerated Jamaican Reggae/Dancehall Singer Buju Banton. Whatever it was, we have longed for his return. We’ve yearned to be in the presence of a lyrical genius who writes and performs hair and hand-raising music. You see, they don’t make tunes like that anymore, the ones where you can still catch a vibe on the millionth playback. Buju made many, and to this day can fire up a crowd in any Caribbean fete, christening, wedding, dancehall, concert and even funeral! You can guarantee that a Buju track will result in a “Pull up!” from the selector (DJ), and a resounding roar in agreement from the crowd.
The day the Buju Banton – Long Walk to Freedom Tour in Grenada by Sunshine Promotions was announced, it brought me back to 2007 when I visited Grenada for the first time without my parents. Picture this, I was perched on concrete bleachers, in a rural countryside stadium between two Ganja farmers (Rastas smoking marijuana). Everything beyond the stage was pitch black, but the stars shone brightly. That was until Buju sauntered on-stage like a true champion head-to-toe in a white satin suit. Figuratively and literally he was the star of the show, and he did not disappoint on his return this month.
If you came here looking for a critical concert review, you wouldn’t get it, because I was starstruck and transfixed on his every move the moment he skanked on stage. He gave a performance worth every penny put towards the airline tickets of those who flew in. His swag and bold bravado were ever-present in each song, reminding us of his impressive contribution to reggae/dancehall music. Music that not only sounds good to the ears and on the dancefloor but uplifts us as people and enlightens others about our truths and realities.
Patrons in the packed stadium sang along word for word on every song. It reminded me of how meaningful his lyrics are to us. No matter how many years pass, his timeless contributions will always be relevant in our hearts and minds. On that note, I’ll leave you with my favourite Buju lyrics of all time and highlights from the night of his show.
Obstacles in your way to overcome first‘ – Not An Easy Road
I wanna rule my destiny‘ – Destiny
But the fool with over standing search him out
Poor man mourn, the rich riches increase
Be not grieved, riches are not forever – Close One Yesterday
For that oh-so-true love
To comfort this heart of mine
No pretense stop wasting my time
A virtuous woman is really hard to find – Wanna be Loved
Tief never love fi see tief wid long bag
No love for the people who a suffering bad
Another toll to the poll may God help we soul
What is to stop the youths from get out of control
Full up of education yet nuh on no payroll
The clothes on my back have countless eyehole.
I could go on and on, the full has never been told‘ – Untold Stories
Driver, mi seh don’t even hitch, collect dat likkle food deh yah and come back quick
Driver, just rememba di damn speed limit
Cau if yuh, run in di Feds my friend dat is it’ – Driver
Talk like a champion
What a piece of body gal
Tell me where you get it from
Knock ‘pon your entrance
Ram pa pa pam pam
Girl let me in’ – Champion
