Reggae superstar Buju Banton will be performing in New York City at his first live concert in the US in 15 years according to hot 97.
The DJ who commented on Instagram but told WMV that he wish for his name to be ommitted said, “Breaking News: You think when I get on planes it’s to play games… @Bujubanton is back in America US, and I’m telling you all, it’s going to be a hot summer, rain or shine.”
He then tagged Buju’s manager and the organizer of the annual Best of the Best concert in Miami, Joey Budafuco, releasing the cat out of the bag, saying, “I don’t care if you all are mad at me. First show: New York City.”
Banton who returned to the US last week after being deported in 2018, has headlined several sold out concerts at New York’s Madison Square Garden. In 2007, his third time at the venue, 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,” was on the heels of his street anthem “Driver A,” which chronicled the life of a drug boss sending Marijuana with a courier with clear instructions. He was accompanied by his Shiloh Band, and brought out dancehall legend Shabba Ranks on stage. The sold-out show, produced by Dahved Levy and partners, also had Tony Matterhorn and Ding Dong on the bill.
Banton last performance at the Garden was a year later at the WaMu Theater for another Mother’s Day event. The Mother’s Day Reggae Festival 2008, was his fourth time at the Garden and was supposed to be an annual event. That staging featured performances by Super Cat, Barrington Levy and a young Tarrus Riley.
However, Banton released his Rasta Got Soul album in April 2009 and went on tour. In July while on his way back from Madrid, he met state informant Alex Johnson, who had been paid over US$50,000 by the DEA and Banton was eventually pulled him into a sting operation that saw him being arrested and charged on December 10, 2009.
Buju nor his management team have confirmed the 2024 New York appearance as of press time.
