Buju Banton Takes Over Scotiabank Arena for ‘The Overcomer Tour’

By: Ann Marie Collymore

I arrived early with friends at the Scotiabank Arena for reggae legend Buju Banton’s ‘The Overcomer Tour.’ The seats were still empty, and we anticipated what would ascend on the arena in a couple of hours. Our reservations at the Scotia Club gave us prime seats to hear Banton’s soundcheck behind a grey veil hindering our view. We listened as he perfected every note, and meshed seamlessly with his background singers. We already knew it was going to be a phenomenal night.

Buju made the Caribbean diaspora proud 

Banton hasn’t played a show in Toronto in the past 15 years. A show here has been long overdue for his fans. To see Banton grace the stage in one of the biggest venues in Toronto, to a nearly sold-out crowd, was heartwarming. Many came from far—Montreal, Detroit and the like—just to experience the energy. Everyone descended upon downtown Toronto to be a part of what transpired at Scotiabank Arena. It was history in the making, and a reggae show that made not only Jamaicans burst with pride, but the entire Caribbean diaspora as well. 

Toronto’s reggae ambassador SPEXXDABOSS laid the foundation for a musical night of classics and present-day favourites. His love for reggae music is always evident, meticulously spinning tracks that brought most of us down memory lane. He elicited call-and-responses and wall and chair slappings from the crowd as they slowly started to trickle in. But his tribute to those lost, under the glow of cell phone lights while the crowd sang “Footprints (When You Cry)” by T.O.K., could easily be remembered as the highlight of his set. 

Banton was sure and ready when he appeared all clad in a black shirt, leather blazer and matching pants. Spritely at 51, he left it all on stage. Reminiscent of Mr. Tuff Hong himself, Banton swung his long, brown and black hued locs through the air and ‘freed up’ himself for the entire night. Watching Banton take flight with his expressive movements and dances were indicative of a free spirit performing for his fans. Each time he turned up the ante, the crowd was right in step. 

The reggae hits just kept coming

Hit after hit, and riddim after riddim, the dancehall segment consumed everyone. From  “Bruckout,” “Up Close and Personal,” ”Champion,” “Batty Rider,” “Have to Get You Tonight,” and “Dickie,” to name more than a few—Banton still had a host of other hits in his catalog that he could have run through. Nonetheless, his choices were electrifying, serving the crowd with a shimmy, a whine and a smile. He proved that his dancehall side would always remain within. When he veered into his roots sounds like, “Destiny” “Not An Easy Road,” “Hills and Valleys,” “Love Black Woman,” his delivery was just and effective, every patron taking heed to every word. 

Over the years, Banton has solidified his duet status with a list of phenomenal artists. However, his tracks with the legendary Beres Hammond are dear to many. He hollered that someone was missing, but he would gladly fill in, and gave the arena renditions of “Falling In Love All Over Again” and “Can You Play Some More.” He then raised the vibrations up another notch by inviting hitmaker Wayne Wonder to the stage to perform classics, “The Saddest Day of My Life,” “Heal The World,” “Forever Young” and “I Don’t Know Why.” The duets didn’t stop there, as the show’s special guest, Gramps Morgan, stepped out after a wonderful segway from “Our Father In Zion.” Banton and Morgan ended the show with blessings, delivering “23rd Psalm” and “People Like You.”

There are a string of songs that I haven’t even mentioned that were covered, like “Love Me Browning” and the drum and bass interpretation of “Love Sponge” that was incredible. But imagine how much longer the concert could have been adding more fan favourites to the set list. Like many, I was annoyed that the concert ended abruptly, as Banton was swept off-stage and concert goers waited for an encore that never came to be. Also, unfortunately it took a little time to level out Banton’s mic frequencies, causing his band to drown him out early in his set. But once it was finally balanced out, there was no turning back. 

It’s easy to see why ‘The Overcomer Tour’ has become a popular show at each of Banton’s stops. It’s obvious that Banton is simply having fun and enjoying himself. He’s on the other side of it all, he has overcome. He’ll go on to be known as one of the most prolific reggae legends to come from Jamaica. The Grammy award-winning artist born out of the Salt Lanes slums of Kingston, Jamaica, has always been “Born for Greatness.” 

About Ann Marie Collymore

Montreal-born Ann Marie “amc” Collymore is a veteran independent writer, blogger and copywriter with more than 20 years of experience writing for various print and online publications in Canada and the U.S. Her work has been featured on Centric TV/VH1 Networks, Toronto Life, Bustle.com, Revolt.tv and ByBlacks.com to name a few. amc was the host of a popular radio show/podcast with DJ Sean Sax called The Rhythm with AMC, which was syndicated on four American stations and one Canadian station. Always a creative at heart, you’re bound to find Ann Marie taking in a show, producing or networking in a city near you. amc resides in Toronto.