By popular demand second concert added for Buju Banton's New York return
Reggae superstar's first US show in 15 years
Published:Friday | May 31, 2024 | 3:03 PMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
Buju Banton sent the reggae music loving world into a frenzy when it was revealled early in May that he had got back his visa to travel to the United States. All questions as to whether or not the visa was just a regular visitor's visa or a work permit — or both — were answered when it was announced that Buju would be performing at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY on July 13.
Tickets for Buju's triumphant return — his first show in 15 years in America — have been selling like the proverbial hot bread. Testament to this is the fact that, by popular demand, a second show has been added for the same venue. Tickets went on sale on Friday, May 31. Pre-sale tickets were available on Wednesday.
"So to the vibes and the energy we are giving New York City another show. Yes two nights only. Seee ya," Buju posted on social media Friday morning.
In response, his ardent fans wrote: "What an experience …. This has been the most stress I’ve had to get concert tickets … BB The Sunday show is the best show because we’re going to be saying happy birthday. Blessed Earthstrong to my favourite artiste‼️"
"I got my Sunday tickets what an experience!! My armpits was dripping, 'It's not an easy Road!'"
"This is wickedness I've been on since 10:42 and I had 7000 people ahead of me! Now it's showing 4000. This is bull ...."
"Bwoy mi nah lie. Mi nuh easily stress, but Ticketmaster stressed mi out dis mawning. See you on the 14th Gargamel!!"
And, incidentally, the prices range from a low of US$200 or J$30,000 to US$1,300, but fans are clearly not complaining.
One ticketing website stated: "Pricing for Buju Banton tickets vary and may depend on which seats you want to purchase. Use our interactive seating chart to find the best value in tickets. With 307 tickets available, prices start at $274 for some of the more affordable tickets. However, they can range all the way up to $1,332 for more luxurious tickets and tickets that are closer to the action. Act fast before ticket prices rise!"
The Grammy Award winning artiste, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was born on July 15 therefore the two shows are expected to have pre-birthday vibes.
Buju and his Shiloh Band will perform at the concerts themed 'Long Walk To Freedom – NY', the same thread that has been used to connect the reggae and dancehall superstar's appearances on the global stage, following his almost decade-long incarceration in the US.
The very first 'Long Walk to Freedom' concert was held on March 16, 2019 at the National Stadium in Kingston and made history with an attendance of more than 30,000 people — many of whom flew in from overseas.