Review: Buju Banton & Friends “Before The Dawn” Concert

January 16, 2011
Miami, FL – The hype for Buju Banton’s return to the stage was so huge for, that even DJ’s at local in clubs in my native city of Boston had been announcing the concert for weeks. Tickets were given away across the globe, giving the concert a feeling of history in the making.

Upon arrival to Miami on Friday, first thing on the agenda were bellies full of good Caribbean food and checking out the vibe for the weekend. The restaurant of choice happened to also be a ticket vendor for the concert. Inside, the cue was an even split between ticket buyers and restaurant patrons. People were anxious to get their tickets because the show was “guaranteed” to sell-out. The promo for the concert ran regularly on the FM airwaves, confirming Marcia Griffiths being added to the bill. A Beres Hammond tune was featured at the end of the promo as a teaser, which sparked the rumor that he would be there, as well.

Some of the artists slated for “Before the Dawn” were also confirmed to perform at Rebel Salute, which was held in Jamaica the night before / morning of Buju’s show. Despite a tight schedule, a cheerful Tarrus Riley (alongside Dean Fraser) and various musical directors / engineers arrived early at the hotel on Sunday. Before Tarrus and crew went to rest we chatted about how excited all the performers were to be part of this crucial this concert and not being in onstage to support Buju was simply not an option. Throughout the weekend, this vibe of support and love for fellow artists became more and more evident. This view of the music world is unique – seldom do we see artists joining together for each other in such a personal and touching way – every act volunteered their time to show support for Buju.

At press registration, it was clear that this was not business-as-usual. We were told that we were allowed to photograph / video only the first song per artist and any video of Buju’s performance was strictly prohibited. They took this so seriously that hours later at the show the security rushed the press area so aggressively I thought I’d surely hear gunshots, but it was just a guy with a video camera trying to capture a moment of “Hills and Valleys”. The representation of international press was impressive – from Los Angles to New York to Amsterdam.

Around mid-afternoon, I accompanied Gramps Morgan and his band to sound check. This is when the Blue Wristband became the bane of my existence. Luckily, I had one on loan for a few hours while another artist rushed in from Rebel Salute. The security at the show was so strict; I’ve never seen anything like it! Strictly artists only. Reggae shows, especially long ones with multiple acts, are notorious for becoming more and more lax and the night goes on about backstage access. A veteran artist was even held out in his own car until his credentials could be verified. At least I got to see Apple’s next million-dollar ad campaign: the keyboard player for Everton Blender rehearsing last minute songs on an iPhone app. Brilliant! During the show, artists had to hang in the corridors backstage, but if you were Shaggy, Sean Paul or a Marley, you got a trailer. Buju was the only one with a plush dressing room, well deserved, I might add.

In an hour, the crowd has grown from a few dozen flag-bearing fans, to a mass of hundreds surrounding the perimeter of Bayfront Park Amphitheater. None of who, I must add, seemed to be protesting in any way. This was yet another sign for a peaceful night ahead. The sun was shining and it was the warmest day of the week, so people were just relaxing and enjoying themselves.

The gates opened promptly at 4:00 and at 4:15 Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus took the stage for ninety-minutes of Nyahbingi drumming and chants to bless the place.

The first artist up was Everton Blender, looking royal as ever his is purple suit. His energy was high as he danced his signature shuffle across the stage. His smooth vocals got the crowd especially excited with his big tune “Ghetto People Song”. The band backing him also played with Gramps Morgan, Buju’s Shiloh Band backed all the other artists.

Next up was the only female performer with a full set of the night, Nadine Sutherland. The fans loved “Action” amongst other classics. By now the crowd was roaring and Freddie McGregor really took the show to the next level. There was a definite up shift in energy at this point in the evening. Original reggae vibes were clearly on the crowd’s palate and Freddie satisfied with fan favorites like “Big Ship”. Without a break, Wayne Wonder hit the stage. Clearly this concert was going to be fast-paced, without having to pause for band changes. Michael Rose rushed the stage with “Shoot Out” and other classics like “Shine Eyed Gal”. He really brought the fire as the night wore on with increasing intensity. His energy was simply unbelievable; in fact, I think he is growing younger.

Next up was a surprising quick, yet memorable appearance by Gyptian! He was in town for a show the following evening, so I had a hunch he may show is face. Gyptian made sure to tell the crowd what a special night this was and got all the ladies screaming with “Hold Yuh” and “Nah Let Go” (played on tracks). Later, he excitedly talked to press about his upcoming album (reminding us to buy the “real thing” not the bootleg, and was very patience with rookie videographers trying to get drops). He also stated that reggae music must move to the top, where it belongs.

Gramps Morgan took the stage next with his soulful vocals. His set featured his solo hit “Wash the Tears” and also Morgan Heritage favorites like “She’s Still Loving Me”. Gramps was the last person Buju toured with for Rasta Got Soul, so the crowd began to stir with anticipation…in 2009 it was Gramps immediately followed by the Gargamel himself. Gramps finished his set with the debut of his new single “The Almighty”.

Continuing on with love songs for the ladies, Tarrus Riley took the stage with his classic show opener “Lion Paw” and his set only got more energetic with “Good Girl Gone Bad” and other Contagious tracks. His vibe was very relaxed and he even sported a backwards baseball had adorned with the “BLAK SOIL” name, much more casual that his common 3 piece suits. Dean Fraser of course blew down the house on sax. Singy Singy never fails.

Next was another surprise guest (in town for his Birthday Party the night before) – Sean Paul! He delivered endless dance classics in a full 30 minute set. Spragga Benz joined him for a brief cameo. The dancing continued with a booming welcome for Shaggy, as he entertained the crowd for another full set of classics.

The surprises didn’t stop there – DJ Khaled and Busta Rhymes with a small entourage of other vocalists brought a tough hip-hop collaboration to the stage. Busta Rhymes has still got his speed and powerful delivery after all these years.
He dedicated his hit “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” to Buju.

Around 10:00pm, the moment that people traveled on planes, trains, and automobiles for was here. The lights dimmed and the unmistakable voice of Buju Banton began serenading the crowd from backstage. The feeling of love and unity in the house was undeniable – there was a silent serenity as all 10,000 fans hung on every note. Finally, Buju showed his face with an intense “Destiny”. He threw his arms to the sky in praise, soaking in the glory of being back on stage with his fans and family, doing was he born to do. He looked healthy and strong, dressed in a black pants and vest with a crisp white shirt. He shot in to an uplifting “Not An Easy Road” and a few tracks from his Rasta Got Soul. He mentioned many times that we are all in this [life] struggle together and if one person is not free, no one is. Buju blazed on with more fire than ever – giving 200% – he focused on his most well known material from ‘Til Shiloh. This is the Buju that moved and inspired so many youths in Jamaica –you could really feel the emotions and memories resonate throughout the crowd. Many fans were moved to tears. Buju danced and sang his heart out for 90 minutes straight. He took time to sit and talk to the crowd, continuously thanked everyone for being there in his support, it was a very intimate performance.

Throughout the evening, artists had taken time in their brief performances to mention the impact Buju had on their careers, now it was Buju’s time to give thanks to a crucial woman he met he was just starting out. The always beautiful and gracious Marcia Griffiths joined him for a sweet collaboration. Next Buju paid homage to an absent in flesh, but present in spirit, Beres Hammond. Beres was unable to make the show due to a late …rather, early… set time at Rebel Salute. It was great to see Buju sing a heartfelt rendition of “Can You Play Some More”.
What happened next was one of those live concerts moments you will never forget. You can feel it resonate deep in your soul – and it’s why you love music in the first place. Stephen Marley was brought on stage to support his close friend in a stunning version of “Duppy Conqueror”. Stephen was a vocal advocate and integral part of helping Buju be “set free again”, if even for a moment. For the final surprise cameo of the evening, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley joined his brother and Buju for a powerful “Jah Army”. Wayne Wonder joined Buju for one more song, “Forever Young”. After the short break to pay homage to other artists, it was back to all things Buju. An intense “Driver” really drove the crowd over the edge. Could this performance get any better?? Buju called Gramps Morgan back on to the stage and there they stood, hand in hand, giving a divine version of “Psalms 23”. As the song concluded, David Markus (Buju’s attorney) was called up to stage for thanks and praises. David proudly wore his green “FREE BUJU” t-shirt in full representation of his client.

Promptly at 12:00 midnight, the lights turned on and the stage was empty. The crowd lingered for a while, though the show was clearly over. As people shuffled out, everyone was talking quietly and reminiscing about all the surprise artists and speculating how long it would be until we all got to see Buju again.

The show appeared to be a sold-out success. The producers kept time and all acts got a fair amount of stage time. Big up Rockers Island and the Gargamel Inc. team for that! The US Federal Court had granted Buju / Gargamel Inc. permission to produce this concert to raise funds to support his court and monthly security fees. Let’s hope it helped.

As many artists stated during interviews in the press tent, this is not a normal concert. This show was to raise up a brother in need and many expressed that they hoped to receive the same support if they were ever in need. The world of reggae is small, but Sunday night truly felt like it was one extended family. This night crossed cultures, oceans and continents. Even though the show was a star-studded success, there were no egos, no super-stars, just friends supporting each other through the love of music. People were there because they truly wanted to be, this was not just another day on the road.

Making the trip from Boston was completely worth it. Maybe the press situation was too restricted and having to wait 10 feet away from my friends / ride home because I didn’t have the right wrist band was a little ridiculous, but it just added to the memories. The experience of this concert will never be forgotten, the images and videos help share it with the world and I hope they do just a little justice to the intensity of the evening. Even if we see Buju announce a tour in the Fall, nothing can take away the power of this evening. History has been made.
-M. Majors