Buju Banton’s Call for Unity in Dancehall
Grammy-winning reggae icon Buju Banton has urged unity among dancehall artists as several prominent Jamaican performers gear up for major U.S. tours. In a recent Instagram post, Banton emphasized the importance of solidarity within the genre.
Demonstrating this spirit, Banton attended Vybz Kartel’s landmark concert at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, where the two artists reconciled past differences backstage. Kartel, who once went by “Addi Banton,” acknowledged Buju as an early mentor, highlighting the significance of their renewed camaraderie.
Dancehall’s Resurgence in the U.S.
Buju Banton’s own Overcomer Tour achieved remarkable success, selling out multiple shows in New York and becoming the highest-grossing reggae tour of the 21st century, even with eight canceled dates.
Building on this momentum, several dancehall artists have announced upcoming U.S. performances:
Aidonia’s 20th Anniversary Show: Set for May 2 at UBS Arena, featuring Mavado, Jada Kingdom, Shenseea, Cham, Sizzla, and Spragga Benz.
Beenie Man’s Headlining Concert: Scheduled for May 24 at the same venue, with Beenie Man expressing his excitement and acknowledging the trail blazed by Buju Banton and Vybz Kartel.
Buju Banton and Beres Hammond at Best Of The Best: The duo will headline the festival on May 25 at Bayfront Park in Miami, marking their first appearance at the event.
A Pivotal Moment for Jamaican Music
This wave of U.S. tours signifies a pivotal moment for dancehall and reggae, showcasing the genres’ global appeal and the artists’ commitment to unity and cultural representation. Buju Banton’s advocacy for solidarity underscores the potential for collective success as Jamaican music continues to captivate international audiences.
