As first reported by WMV, reggae superstar Buju Banton will be performing his first live concert in the U.S. in 15 years in New York City on July 13. The Til Shiloh artist will be bringing his “Long Walk to Freedom” tour, which began in 2019 in Kingston, Jamaica, to the UBS Arena, according to an official announcement made on Sunday. Tickets will go on sale Friday.
The UBS Arena is an indoor venue located within Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, adjacent to the New York City limits. The relatively new venue nicknamed “The Stable” opened in 2021, holds 19000 people for concert events and serves as the home of the NHL’s New York Islanders, replacing the Nassau Coliseum and Barclays Center.
After six years away, Banton’s return to the US has generated considerable excitement.
Hot 97 deejay Jabba had uttered the announcement in a comment on Instagram saying, “Breaking News: You think when I get on planes it’s to play games… @Bujubanton is back in America, and I’m telling you all, it’s going to be a hot summer, rain or shine.” He tagged Buju’s manager and Joey Budafuco, the organizer of Miami’s annual Best of the Best concert, revealing, “I don’t care if you all are mad at me. First show: New York City.”
Buju Banton returned to the US on May 2, after being deported in 2018. This will be his biggest concert in the city after he has previously headlined several sold-out concerts at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
In 2007, he made history by selling out the Theater at Madison Square Garden on May 6th, with over 5,000 reggae fans in attendance, including former New York Knicks player Patrick Ewing. The event, titled “Pre-Mother’s Day Driver Concert,” followed the release of his street anthem “Driver A,” which depicted the life of a drug boss sending marijuana with a courier. Accompanied by his Shiloh Band, Banton brought dancehall legend Shabba Ranks on stage. The sold-out show, produced by Dahved Levy and partners, also featured Tony Matterhorn and Ding Dong.
Banton’s last performance at the Garden was in 2008 at the WaMu Theater for another Mother’s Day event, the Mother’s Day Reggae Festival 2008. This was his fourth appearance at the Garden, and the event featured performances by Super Cat, Barrington Levy, and a young Tarrus Riley.
However, after releasing his album “Rasta Got Soul” in April 2009, Banton went on tour. In July, while returning from Madrid, he met state informant Alex Johnson, who had been paid over US$50,000 by the DEA. Banton was eventually drawn into a sting operation, leading to his arrest and charges on December 10, 2009.
