Grammy Award-winning reggae icon Buju Banton is calling for unity as more Dancehall artists gear up to tour major arenas across the United States.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Banton posted a photo of himself with the caption: “Let me tell u this! UNITY………………………..”
On Friday, he flew to New York to attend night one of Vybz Kartel’s historic U.S. return concert at the Barclays Center. Backstage, the two superstars shared an embrace, putting past differences behind them. “I know we had our run-ins in the past, but f*ck that,” Banton said, while Kartel—whose first moniker was “Addi Banton”—acknowledged Buju as one of his earliest mentors.
Banton himself had an impressive run in New York last year, selling out two shows at UBS Arena in July and another at Barclays in November. His Overcomer Tour stands as the highest-grossing reggae tour of the 21st century—even after canceling eight dates.
Upcoming dates for dancehall artists in the US include Aidonia’s 20th Anniversary show on May 2nd at the UBA Arena featuring Mavado, Jada Kingdom, Shenseea, Cham, Sizzla and Spragga Benz.
Beenie man headlines the same venue on May 24, while Kartel headlines the Amerant Bank Arena on May 17. He took to Instagram to congratulate both Banton and Kartel for setting the pace with their historic comeback events in New York City.
Asking, “It a stream?” reminiscent of Kartel’s “it a tape” line. Adding ” as a Jamaican we never shy, Buju Banton mash up New York, Vybz Kartel mash up New York, you see the 24th a May a my time, me aguh mash up New York. Congratulations to all Jamaican and all the people dem weh turn out and support Jamaica me just want unuh know she the 24th a me one and me friend them and me gang.”
Buju and Beres Hamond will headline Best Of The Best for the first time on May 25 at Bayfront Park, Miami.
