Black and gold for Buju Banton’s 50th
Published:Monday | July 17, 2023 | 12:09 AMShanel Lemmie/Staff Reporter
Surrounded by friends, family and industry colleagues, Buju Banton celebrated his 50th birthday in black-and-gold fashion.
Smack against the background of Kingston city, the courtyard for Markus Record was decked with tables and chairs in the the titular colours, matching the aesthetic of the cover art for the upcoming Born For Greatness album.
Clearly playing into the nostalgia that accompanies having half a century worth of trips around the sun, photos from each era of the Gargamel’s life decorated the space.
While there is no shortage of reverence for his early career, a coconut water booth, courtesy of Have A Jelly, manned the door, allowing all guests to embody the lyrics of Banton’s latest single Coconut Wata (Sip).
A vision in his usual attire of black pants and a crisp, white button-down, the Gargamel’s ease was contagious.
“I’m happy tonight, so therefore my happiness is universal, it transcends this plain. I’m happy for my life. You have no idea what they’ve tried to do,” he began. “Tonight, eat drink and be merry, because tomorrow is promised to no one, and I love you.”
While not performing a full set, Banton gave a taste of what is to come for him musically with a rendition of Born For Greatness, before ending with his hit song Destiny. Though unclear what caused it, tears soon began streaming down Banton’s face as he belted out the chorus, lulling the audience into a stunned submission. Just as quickly as he began, he finished.
BIRTHDAY WISHES
As the night wore on, birthday wishes from the icon’s famous friends continued to pour in, both in person and via satellite.
“I wanna wish my brother ‘Happy birthday Buju Banton, the legendary Buju Banton,” said DJ Khaled. “You are my family, my brother, my friend. The icon Buju.” Backed by sounds of Banton’s Close One Yesterday, he continued to shower the Grammy Award-winning artiste with praise as he explained that the lyrics of the song have been his guiding light. “Buju’s music always uplifted me and guided me through the best days of my life and the hardest days of my life,” he said.
His star-studded cast of well-wishers also included John Legend, Fat Joe, Beres Hammond, Elephant Man, Masicka, Shenseea, Kabaka Pyramid, King Yellow Man, Stonebwoy, Romain Virgo Cham, Sean B, Sean Paul and Machel Montano.
Filled with good music, laughter and a feast of vegetarian friendly options, the night soon descended into a tribute-style stage show led by General B, Nitty Kutchie and Ghost.
“Artistes, musicians, the selectors, unuh gi dem them flowers now. We have to give him him flowers while him still alive,” General B stated before descending into a classic dancehall rhythm.
Ghost added, “Big up, Mr Myrie. A lot people is here, and thank you for your flowers that you show him. He deserves more but we should get it while we’re alive. Don’t wait til we’re dead, because we deserve it.”
The trio, with the help of Bambino and DJ Rassarella, went on well into the night free-styling and riffing about the need to acknowledge artistes before they are still here.