Live Show
Review
Buju
Banton - Fox Theater, 4/02/03
Reviewed
by Jeremy Caplan for The Reggae Movement
Pictures
Courtesy of Michelle Welton, Roots Magazine
An
evening with Buju Banton!
Sounds
of peace and love echoed through Boulder’s Fox Theater as Caribbean
dancehall icon Buju Banton stormed the stage Wednesday, April 2. Touring
in promotion of his latest album Banton treated the Boulder crowd to a
devotional performance coming with the fire of Selassie I in his eyes.
Backed by the Shiloh band, Banton played a lengthy 1 hour and 30
minute set that showcased his powerful stage presence and versatility as
a musical legend. Numerous roots ballads intertwined with rough
dancehall lyrics penetrated the sold out crowd who anticipated the
return of this Rastafari soldier.
The evening started with a heartical DJ session by the one and only Zion
Way Sound System. Touching
on many popular dancehall and roots rhythms these three young soldiers
sang praises unto the king representing Boulder to the fullness. DJ
Prophecy, Jus Goodie, and Shatta-I pumped the crowd as they delivered an
authentic representation of the DJ style that artists such as Buju
Banton have made popular to the world.
Not
long after a short break, the Shiloh band was introduced followed
by Buju who came on stage with fierce intensity ripping right into the
dancehall vibes that made him the legend that he is.
Being hailed as one of the main artists that brought consciousness back
to dancehall, Banton ripped through his large repertoire of old songs
mostly from his infamous “Till Shiloh,” set. Favorites such as
“Not An Easy Road,” Champion,” and “Hills and Valleys” amped
the crowd for more of the raucous dancehall that Banton referred to as
“The Throw Back Years."
Banton’s
strong anti-nuclear and anti-war message combined with his preaching of
peace and love in the name of Rastafari sparked the crowd and kept the
torch of his majesty burning in the Fox Theater once again.
Songs
for the ladies like “one to one,” a track off Banton’s newest
album “Friends for Life” also filled this devotional musical set
that showed Boulder why this artist is such a crucial figure in modern
reggae.
Standing
at over six feet tall, Banton’s stage presence is mesmerizing.
From his days as a youth putting out the material that made his
name, to the present day with albums such as “Unchained Spirit,” and
“Friends for Life,” Buju Banton sets the bar for live dancehall.
Calling
the name of JAH and leading his band into countless reggae hits, Buju
made this return performance a must see for the Colorado audience.
Banton furthered the flourishing reggae movement in the Rocky Mountains
that is continually blessed with some of the finest reggae talent to
come out of Jamaica.
I
give thanks for the opportunity to have seen this Rastafari messenger in
full force!
Comments or suggestions can be sent to reggae@reggaemovement.com
