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Buju Banton Celebrates 51st Birthday Following Sold Out Weekend Shows in New York.
He’s booked to return to New York in November but before that, renowned reggae artiste, Buju Banton will make 13 stops across the US. The Overcome Tour kicks off on August 23rd in Fort Lauderdale. The tour announcement came on the artiste’s birthday, earlier today.
Buju’s weekend double showcase at The UBS Arena has been the talk of the internet- photos and videos showing a sold out arena on both Saturday and Sunday. On stage on Saturday night, Buju – one of Jamaica’s most beloved entertainers, said God had bigger plans for him, despite being written off for a US return, by some. “They said, “you will never come back to the United States of America…” And I said to them, “let’s see what God will do.””
Buju Banton performs at UBS arena on July 13th
Online, some fans have described Buju’s performance in New York as spiritual, one person saying, “When you were ordained to do this, nobody can take it away.”
Buju returned to the US on May 2nd after six years. Prior to the weekend showcase, he had not performed in the States, in 15 years.
A media release by Destine Media confirmed a crowd of 36,000 filled the Long Island arena on the weekend. Noting the success of both shows, it was announced that Buju will now go on a multi-city tour accompanied by the Shiloh band. “The Overcomer tour will feature Billboard chart-topping special guest artiste, Fridayy,” it explained. “Known for his exceptional musical abilities, Fridayy, a Haitian American singer, songwriter, and record producer, has made waves in the music industry with his “When It Comes To You”, Stand By Me”, “Without You” and his triple Grammy nominated song “God Did” by Dj Khaled featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and John Legend.”
In a statement regarding the milestone, Buju’s manager, represented by Joesph Budafuco, expressed great pride in the entertainer’s accomplishments. Budafuco highlighted the significance of Buju returning to tour in the US after a 15-year hiatus, emphasizing the anticipation and excitement surrounding the upcoming tour.
An artiste known for his conscious expressions, both on stage and off, Buju celebrates his 51st year of life today. He certainly has a lot to celebrate.
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Popcaan Sells Out London Arena ; First Jamaican Act Since Bob Marley.
Jamaican dancehall artiste Popcaan is now credited with being the first dancehall act to sell out the Crystal Palace Bowl in London since Bob Marley. The artiste made his presence felt at the Live Nation produced Popcaan and Friends event on July 28th.
The Crystal Palace Bowl, renowned for its vibrant musical legacy, drew an exuberant crowd of over 10,000 people who came out to see Poppy and his friends in dancehall. A media release issued, highlighted the dancehall artiste’s unparalleled performance, saying he captivated fans, delivering a night of pure musical magic and cultural celebration. “From his meticulously styled hair to his perfectly curated song selections, Popcaan proudly waved the Jamaican flag high, showcasing his immense talent to the world,” the release read.
Spice, Other Acts Deliver.
Fellow dancehall artiste, Spice was also a part of the sold out event. “Adding to the evening’s excitement, the Queen of Dancehall, Spice, graced the stage with a sensational performance. Her dynamic presence and commanding vocals set the tone for an unforgettable night, leaving the audience in awe and elevating the event to unprecedented heights,” the release shared.
The event also featured the likes of special guests Soun Bwoii, who ignited the stage with his viral hit “Pump Up,” and Damon Albarn, frontman of the renowned band Gorillaz. The crowd erupted with energy when Albarn and Popcaan performed their hit collaboration, “Saturnz Barz,” creating a truly memorable moment that exemplified the seamless fusion of genres and cultures.
Popcaan was also joined on stage by his younger brother, Natebadz, who performed their collaborative track “Warrior.” The song, which has been making waves, brought a powerful energy to the show as the brothers united to deliver a performance that resonated deeply with the crowd.
Reggae legend Luciano was among the distinguished guests, attending to enjoy the show and lend his support, symbolizing the deep roots of Jamaican music from which dancehall has evolved. The event also drew the attention of international stars like former Manchester United footballer Patrice Evra and actor Michael Ward, known for his role in the hit Netflix series Top Boy, both of whom attended to show their support and appreciation for Popcaan’s historic night.
The landmark event reflects the dancehall genre’s steady influence and the powerful resonance of Jamaican culture in the global music landscape.
“I am humbled and incredibly proud to make history here in London for my family and the entire Jamaica. This is a dream come true, and I want to thank all my Unruly fans for their unwavering support. Together, we’ve shown the world the power of dancehall music,” said Poppy.
