Buju Banton To Perform In New York For First Time In Over 15 Years

Buju Banton will perform in the U.S. for the first time in over a decade this summer.

On Saturday (July 13), the dancehall legend will make the trek to New York for the concert, billed “Long Walk To Freedom – N.Y.” The show will take place at the UBS Arena and marks Banton’s first live performance in the states since his release from prison in 2018. The performance will include an apperance from The Shiloh Band and takes place two days prior to his 51st birthday on July 15.

“I give thanks for life each day, but on this weekend, there is a special thanksgiving and I look forward to celebrating with all of my family, friends and everyone who has prayed and supported me over the years,” the Grammy Award winner said in a statement coinciding with news of his stateside return.

Joseph Budafuco, Buju Banton’s manager, touched on the road traveled since his last U.S. show, which took place in Miami in January 2011. “It’s a true honor to witness the return of a legend, as history unfolds before our eyes once again,” Budafuco expressed.

“On January 16th 2011, we produced Buju Banton’s last concert dubbed ‘Before the Dawn’ in Miami, Florida, his return concert Long Walk To Freedom Jamaica, and today we announce, Buju Banton’s return to U.S. concert ‘Long Walk to Freedom – NY,’ slated for Saturday July 13th 2024. We look forward to presenting an exceptional concert as we partner with AG Consulting and Dahved Levy, whose experience in the market is profound.”

Banton was released from prison in 2018 and deported to Jamaica after serving several years on a drug conspiracy conviction. He last performed in New York City in 2008 at the famed Madison Square Garden arena.