Buju Banton to ‘bless’ the Caribbean with first concert after release from prison

It’s been a long time coming for award-winning Jamaican reggae superstar Buju Banton.

After his release from prison in the United States on December 7 last year after serving seven years out of a ten-year sentence on cocaine trafficking charges, his loyal fans have been waiting for new music from him as well as longing to see him do what he does best – performing live.

If you happen to be an ardent fan of the great Gargamel, then the wait is almost over for you.

On Wednesday, his management officially launched the Long Walk To Freedom Tour which is set to kick off in his home country of Jamaica on March 16 at the National Stadium in Kingston.

Though Buju was not present at the launch, a video was shared of him expressing his delight and eagerness to get back on stage.

“On the 16th of March, the National Stadium will be a venue like no other. So many years since I’ve seen my people and we have exchanged communication spiritually, mystically, and on the 16th of March, we endeavour to reconnect, yes, and pick up where we left off,” (sic) he said.

The tour will also see him perform at other Caribbean countries including The Bahamas, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, according to Jamaica Star.

Born Mark Anthony Myrie on July 15, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, Buju Banton is known for highlighting socio-political issues as well as religion and spirituality in his music. He so far has 10 albums to his name.

In 2010, his album, Before the Dawn, won a Grammy for the Best Reggae Album of the Year.