Ebuzz News
Buju Banton Delivers Epic Return to Brooklyn with Sold-Out Performance at Barclays Center
Buju Banton, the iconic Grammy Award-winning reggae and dancehall legend, took the stage by storm once again, delivering an unforgettable performance at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Sunday, November 17. The show marked a monumental return to New York for Buju Banton after a 15-year absence, with over 18,500 fans packing the renowned arena for a night of pure musical magic.
Clad in all white, Buju Banton owned the stage for a powerful two-hour set that had the crowd on their feet from start to finish. Special guest appearances by Gramps Morgan, Ras Shiloh, and Wayne Wonder added to the electric atmosphere, each artiste bringing their own unique energy to the show. Wayne Wonder delighted the crowd with timeless hits like “Searching,” “Bonafide Love,” and “No Letting Go,” sparking waves of nostalgia among fans.
Gramps Morgan, who has been joining Buju Banton on the Overcomer Tour, shared heartfelt memories from their 25-year-long friendship and collaboration. Reflecting on their enduring partnership, Gramps expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to perform alongside Buju once again, creating unforgettable moments for them both, as well as their fans.
The Barclays Center was alive with excitement as Buju Banton & The Til Shiloh Band tore through his signature hits, showcasing his unparalleled stage presence and leaving the audience in awe. This sold-out show marks Buju’s third sell-out in New York within just five months and the sixth sold-out performance on his Overcomer Tour.
“I thank you for loving reggae music. We’ve shown the world that reggae is the music of the people, and it will uplift the people, no matter where they’re from. As long as we have a chance to come together, we will,” said the artiste as he wrapped up the night. “Until I see you again, I give you my heart and leave you with my light. LOVE YOU.”
The Overcomer Tour continues to prove Buju’s lasting impact on the music scene, as he continues to bring people together through his powerful music. Fans can look forward to more thrilling performances in 2025, with new tour dates to be announced soon.
Next stops for Buju include Intimate Concert Jamaica on January 4, 2025, followed by shows in St. Thomas on February 14 and St. Croix on February 15, 2025.
Ebuzz News
Patrice Roberts Pulls 10K Plus Crowd At Flava Village in Port-of-Spain.
The national Carnival Commission says more than 10,000 patrons came out to Flava Village at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Thursday night to see female Soca artiste, Patrice Roberts.
An event dubbed, ‘Always Us,’ held as a free showcase for Carnival lovers, delivered a number of truly entertaining soca stars, among them, Shal Marshall, Shurwayne Winchester, Nadia Batson, Farmer Nappy and Mical Teja. The NCC, in a media statement said, “an estimated 8,000 people filled the popular Carnival venue, with an additional 2,000patrons enjoying the show from viewing screens along The Drag, creating an electric Carnival atmosphere despite heavy rainfall earlier in the day.”
With her usual high energy performances, Patrice held the attention of fans throughout the night.The concert was described by the artiste as a heartfelt “thank you” to her fans and
supporters. NCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Keiba Jacob-Mottley, said the organisation welcomed the opportunity to partner with Roberts. “We commend Patrice for her decision to give back in this meaningful way and applaud her commitment to ensuring that high-quality local entertainment remains accessible to everyone during the Carnival season, Mottley said, adding, “Our collaboration reinforces the NCC’s focus on creating memorable Carnival experiences that celebrate our artistes while removing financial barriers for the public,” she added.
The NCC CEO noted that the Flava Food Village, one of two signature Carnival villages at the
Savannah, alongside the John Cupid Carnival Village, is offered as a vibrant, inclusive space
where patrons can enjoy food, culture, and nightly performances free of charge. She added
that other NCC events, such as “Welcome to the Gayelle” represent the continuing work at
delivering a successful Carnival 2026.
David Baptiste, President of the Carnival Entrepreneurs Association, described the night as a milestone for vendors at the Savannah. “Last night was truly beautiful and something I have never seen before – an event of this magnitude in terms of crowd size, and people supporting the vendors. Many vendors sold out last night. We need more of this, and I am looking forward to the next event. Events like these boost business for our vendors at the Savannah and make them truly feel like they are a part of the Carnival festival,” Baptiste said.
Ebuzz News
Squeezy Rankin’s Pivot. Artiste Goes Hard into Calypso to Change Mindsets.
From dancehall music with rough lyrical content to social commentary that aims at changing mindsets, East Trinidad native, Squeezy Rankin says he has found his true calling in Calypso music. The entertainer is on the road to the preliminary round of the Calypso Monarch Competition later this month, with a single called ‘Rat Race’ – this, one year after ‘Justice’ influenced younger audiences to take a stronger look at the Calypso genre, something that he hopes he can continue to do as his journey in music continues.
In a recent radio interview, the reigning Young King, whose real name is Anthony La Fleur, said prior to 2025, he had not done music professionally in 13 years. Jumping back into the spotlight, he said, was a bit intimidating, but the exposure last year has prepared him for 2026 and the artiste is expected to confidently claim his space in the Calypso Monarch competition this year.
As real as it gets, Squeezy Rankin- a man on the ground, has always fought for his place in the music industry locally. Now, as Calypso music embraces him even more, he says he believes he’s found his place. “I plan on releasing two songs during the year because I want to change the narrative that Calypso music is old people music,” he said, adding that his hope is that urban radio stations see the value in sharing topics of social commentary, such as ‘Justice’ and ‘Rat Race’- songs deep in meaning and valuable beyond measure, in the greater scheme of things.
Determined to change mindsets one song at a time, Squeezy Rankin says his strong suit is certainly social commentary and he will not, at any time, delve into political commentary. “I was advised by someone who is deep in politics to stay out of it and I literally listened. You know sometimes we hear people, but we aren’t listening. I thought about what he said, and it made sense. I literally listened, even though they say I don’t listen,” he said with a laugh.
‘Rat Race’ was written by Squeezy and Angelo Pantin with production by Q-Ban Production.
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