On Friday night in Brooklyn, New York, an extraordinary tell-tale of Caribbean influence showed boldly on the outskirts and inside the downtown Brooklyn, Barclays Centre. Jamaican dancehall king, Vybz Kartel, having survived incarceration and illness over the past 13 years, had returned to the spotlight and would be appearing on stage at Barclays – something thousands, unable to travel to the artiste’s Freedom Street return concert last December, in Jamaica, had been anticipating for months.

Adidja Palmer, famously known for his Gaza-touting refrains and suggestive lewd lyrical traps, thoroughly enjoyed by the opposite sex, had been freed of a murder conviction on account of the intervention of the London Privy Council in 2024. Upon his release from behind bars, he called on the youth to stay on the side of the law and refrain from ‘badness.’ In January, Palmer was granted his US visa. He now resides in Florida, something he confirmed last Friday, during an interview with hosts of the Breakfast Club, Charlemagne, DJ Envy and Jess Hilarious.

This past weekend, Vybz Kartel returned to his glory, single-handedly luring a massive crowd on both Friday and Saturday nights to the Barclays Centre. “Back to back, never done before – sold out, so let’s talk about this,” said female Dancehall superstar, Spice in a social media video. She too had made an impact on both nights, reveling in the spirit of camaraderie and culture.

Last year, the same venue had been sold out with double shows delivered by Reggae and Dancehall icon, Buju Banton. Like Vybz Kartel, he too had been imprisoned for many years and upon his re-entry into the United States after approximately 6 years of freedom, Buju’s desirability was unmatched. This past Friday, in what no one expected, Buju Banton would appear in support of Kartel at Barclays Centre. “This is Buju Banton doing it for the culture; supporting Vybz Kartel here in Brooklyn tonight. Let’s get it right,” he said in an online video post.

Many years before, in the early years of his emergence, Vybz Kartel had been infamously reprimanded by Buju on stage, something that many fans of Kartel had not forgotten. Fast forward more than a decade later and this simple show of support has been declared a winning move for Jamaica’s culture and the country’s brand. “Don; meh mentor,” hollered Kartel upon greeting the “Circumstances” singer. An embrace and a humble admission by Buju would lead to Kartel’s admission that Buju Banton has always been the artiste he’s looked up to. “One Buju Banton; my favourite DJ ever of all time. Him inspire me,” said Palmer.

Vybz Kartel has immensely impacted Caribbean brand awareness in present day, much like Bob Marley did over 30 years ago. Buju Banton, similarly increased caribbean brand value over the past 25 years, creating historic moments globally on stages around the world, and even winning a Grammy award for his album, ‘Before the Dawn.’
Most recently, Vybz Kartel released a new single honoring God. On stage on Friday night in Brooklyn, the artiste broke down in tears while performing the track. Fans who attended the show have since called that particular part of the event, the most impactful.

Unforeseen and certainly unintended, the Tobago Festivals Commission Limited regrets to confirm that renowned reggae artiste, Mark Myrie, best known as Buju Banton, has been forced to postpone his performance in Tobago this Easter.

The artiste, in a dialogue with organisers of the Rhythm and Soul Festival, being hosted this Easter weekend, humbly requested compassion and understanding as a close member of his team confronts a very dire health matter- someone he acknowledges as ‘family.’ “Trust and believe that your love and support, your admiration, has been overwhelming over the years and we plan to make it up to you. Nothing is more important and nothing is more vital than health, so right now I am in the throws fighting for a good friend’s life,” said the artiste in a video statement. He assured that fans in Trinidad and Tobago will see him soon.

Arrangements for a rescheduled concert featuring the artiste, in Tobago, are forthcoming.

MARLEY MAGIC ON THE WAY.

In the meantime, organizers, cognizant of the importance of ensuring patrons’ complete satisfaction this Easter holiday weekend, have moved swiftly to guarantee a memorable show, regardless. “We are happy to announce that Stephen Marley, the son of the legend himself, Bob Marley, will be blessing us with his presence on the island, on April 20th,” said Kern Cowan – CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission.

“When presented with Buju’s situation, there was no way we could not show compassion. Health and family are priority to us all. How could we ignore what Buju is facing at this time? We understand, so we have moved to ensure that the Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival delivers the same level of positive energy, upliftment, affirmative musical expression and love. This will ultimately be a show nobody should miss,” said Mr. Cowan.

From April 17th to April 20th, the island of Tobago comes alive with the sounds of Gospel, Jazz, Reggae and Soca music. Nigerian gospel singer, Sinach, headlines ‘Melodies from Heaven’ on Holy Thursday and on Saturday, April 19th, international artistes, Jon Secada and Brian McKnight will be joined by Trinidad and Tobago Soca star, Mical Teja, delivering the perfect balance of music to serenade the masses at Buccoo Seafood Jazz.

Fusion closes off the long holiday weekend on Sunday, April 20th at the Dwight Yorke Stadium with Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Kes The Band, Singing Melody and now, the incomparable, Stephen Marley – a powerful voice in the Marley dynasty.

“We understand that some patrons would be disappointed that Buju Banton is unable to be with us at this time. For those desirous of refunds, the option is available. Tickets may be returned to outlets where purchased for a full refund. We however anticipate that this will still be a weekend of performances not to be missed, and will provide memories for the masses for a lifetime.’ said Cowan.