Review: ‘Unity Fest Was A Phenomenal Night’
[Written by Mikaela Ian Pearman + Updated with video]
The last time Buju Banton was in Bermuda, I remember staring at the stage in awe of the reggae legend. The energy, the vibes, the music – it was an incredible, memorable night.
Needless to say, I had high expectations for Unity Fest and wondered if Buju would meet them. The answer is yes. He surpassed expectations and gave Bermuda the show we’ve been anticipating for more than a decade.
Slideshow from last night’s concert:
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Performing a 90-minute set, Buju began to sing Our Father In Zion before coming on stage, which really set the tone for the concert. When he finally appeared, he sang his super hit Destiny, a song that’s likely more relevant to his career now then when he released it more than 20 years ago.
His energy was exactly the same as I remember – it was as if he didn’t miss a beat at all. Dancing up and down the stage, throwing his locks, gyrating – it was the best of Buju Banton for a full 90 minutes.
Other songs included Til Shiloh, Not An Easy Road, Hills and Valleys, Champion, Driver, Wanna Be Loved and many more.
A high moment of the night for me personally was when he sang Love Sponge – my favorite Buju song. Another was when he sang Beres Hammond’s part to their hit song Falling In Love All Over Again. Beres did the same last year at Cup Match Summer Splash to much applause from the crowd.
And while Buju was of course the headliner, there were other performances of the night including Masicka and Agent Sasco from Jamaica.
Agent Sasco had a great set performing new and older songs from when he went by Assassin. It was a shame he didn’t perform for longer because he definitely has the catalogue to do so.
Bermudian artists who tore up the stage included Live Wires, C’Daynger and Jesse Seymour, all backed by the Wall Street Band.
Hosts Jabba and Young Chow kept the crowd entertained and DJd during their hosting segments. Unfortunately Young Chow messed up a few names of Bermudian artists, which I’m sure annoyed them.
Outside of the entertainment, the venue set-up was absolutely first-class. VIP was well organized and a mini food village with delicious food added to the experience. Ultra VIP was a beautiful lounge with white furniture and a special bar featuring top shelf liquor. Organisers were able to provide a VIP experience that went beyond front of stage access, which is typically what VIP is in Bermuda.
Overall, Unity Fest was a phenomenal night and the promoters must be commended for producing a world class event in Bermuda. It was such a good feeling to see Buju back on stage with his same big smile and incredible energy. I look forward to what’s in store for next year.
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The crowd and back up singers did more singing then him, should do less jumping and dancing to preserve energy, band was awsome, vocal mic far Assasin was muffled, could’ve turned up de volume a bit more.
Phenomenal if you were in anything but general. VIP should have been named general and General should have been named The Ghetto.
Yes well done promoters.
Define UNITY?
Great to see Buju, but disappointed with false advertising. If it was a misprint like they claimed then it should of been corrected a long time ago regarding ultra VIP and Wayne Wonder. Not impressed with the gate they put up for general admission. There sould be compensation for false advertising especially that how the promoters knew in advance.