International Dancehall and Reggae artiste, Jamaican-born Buju Banton, was by far the most popular act during the staging of the 21st Edition of the annual World Creole Music Festival (WCMF).
Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, performed on Saturday 26th October at Windsor Park Sports Stadium to hundreds of fans who still remembered his old hits like ‘Destiny’, ‘Close one Yesterday’, ‘Not an easy road’ and ‘Cry no More’.
Buju has captivated the interest of the younger generation and even the older folks too.
A noticeable and impressive aspect of his presentation was the incorporation of madras in his outfit.
However, there were some concerns about the arrangements which governed his performance – not necessarily with the fans, but with some media organizations.
Buju did not allow any media interviews following his performance. Coupled with that, his security was so tight that the press/media had to vacate the press pit after he performed his first three songs.’
Some journalists were not happy about that but were told that they had to respect the security measures associated with the artist.
Meantime, Director of Tourism and Chief Executive Officer of Discover Dominica Authority Colin Piper, told Dominica News Online (DNO) that Buju’s tight security was part of the agreement.
“Certain artistes have certain criteria, so as part of their agreement to perform, you either accept those criteria or you don’t,” he explained.
According to Piper, the arrangement was not specific to Dominica.
“When I looked at the documents, they are not specific to the World Creole Music Festival, they are specific to Buju Banton as an artiste and entertainer and certain terms and conditions they asked the organizers to meet as part of their willingness to perform,” he explained.
He said further that all artistes have conditions, as it relates to, “what hotel they stay in, what their accommodations is.”
Other artistes who performed on night 2 of the festival were the Extasy Band, Bunji Garlin & Fay Ann, Zouk all Stars, Gordon Henderson, Mel, Princess Lover, Eric Virgal, Oswald, Ophelia, Linford John and Triple Kay.
Security had to be tight for Buju in Dominica.??? That’s where the negative comes out no matter how much I know it should be suppressed. He didn’t know he needed security when he got involved in that act/transaction he got caught in? I’ve seen Buju performed and when he was at one of his most controversial stages (song denouncing gays) he was opened and willing to talk to anyone who would listen while Protesters would be outside protesting him but in DA his security was Tight I wonder why??? Maybe we paid for his Security no wonder it was tight. He should have been told Dominicans have not gone that bad as yet to Set him up or slap him as his blood family did.
Like or dislike…..for or against… the man is a performer. His music, dating back to the onset of his 90’s career, still rocks a party today. There’s not ONE single notable artiste now, or from the dawn of the musical industry, that hasn’t sparked some level of controversy. It goes with the territory.
Stop hating on the guy like it or not he was the top performer for this year wcmf some of u ppl in this country are to negitive
Give the guy a break from the three nights of the wcmf he was the top performer by far like him or not presently he is the most popular international reggea /dancehall artist that’s something no Villa be can take from him
To all of you “Judges” of Buju Banton, let me say here that MANY OF YOU have, and still are, committing far worse crimes than what he did. These include Rape, Incest, Child Molestation, Fraud, Murder and the list goes on and on. Just because you all have not been caught or charged does not mean you all are not 100% Guilty!! YOU BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES!! Not one of you is in a position to judge Buju!! Yesterday was his turn, let us watch and see whose turn it is tomorrow. Secondly, you all have to learn to respect Buju’s rights which were written in black and white in his contract – I honestly thought his entrance was amazing and suspenseful, extremely more interesting than if he was to be introduced by the MCs. This was MY OPINION – I need NO ONE to agree with me.
The one who openly called Buju ex convict should have been convicted several times for child abuse. Get people young girls pregnant and have them thrown out of school. How many young immature girls future was compromised. Clean your eyes before calling people ex convict
He paid his price unlike you.
Buju was the top artist of the season . STOP HATING MAMMIE CRYCRY.hahahaha
Great Show!! Great artist!! My Dj that and will always be!! I am not God so I am not the judge of humanity… those who accept to pay his performance decide that is who they want. He served his time!! There so many things you do not know about this story.. Walk good Buju and continue to grace us with your talent…
Each generation has great artists and even those called great artists for some, were men with great flaws who also preached and acted differently..
As humans, we are all flawed and have our own struggles.
Peace to you all and hope that you wont always be judged by your mistakes as they shouldn’t define who you are as a person..
We all deserve forgiveness, as per the almighty God himself!!
Jah!!
buju’s voice was clear and the sound system was the best. however buju lacked a communication with the audience and the songs were not flowing. they were allover the place in my opinion. it went a bit boring to the later half of his performance. i guess i am comparing it to his last visit to dominica which to me was a much better performed show but understand buju is quite older now. i feel he failed in getting the crown to participate. and the tracks were not flowing. also the later half of his performance was tiered but its just my opinion
the later half of your comment is tired too…just my opinion. kinda repetitive which is something I cant say about BUJU….so shhhhhh no one is listening
So much hate from the Dominican natives. Wow
Are you people for real, what is your problem.Have you not heard of do not judge go and read your bible’s . You mean bastards . As for bringing the PM in all you story well I have never seen the likes. Ask God to forgive you lot. The last time I read the bible it said love your enemies, and forgive. He who that is not guilty cast the first stone. In other words leave people buisness alone and mind your own. May God forgive you slanderes.
Give me a break he is a convicted Felon
True but he has paid the price for his actions. By the way, you are free to not listen to his music!
That we know and he paid his price. He also made good use of his time in jail. Unlike those that never got jailed for molesting children, that distroyed their lives.But again that seems to be normal. Who never sinned and cast their tongue. HYPOCRITES.
He paid for his acts but came ou with master degree, you can’t enter in his shoe.
I understand his tight security because even in Dominica where PM Skerrit is loved, his security in Dominica is even tighter than Trump’s security in the US. Buju Banton just came from service 7 years in a US jail and people like him and Skerrit know they are wanted by international crooks and they know Dominica is the hiding place for international wanted criminals, so I understand the very tight security
You call Buju a wannabe artist???? Lol. I guess that’s your dumb way of saying you don’t like the second Bob Marley in the making
Ho care if u don’t like is attitude u think u an your an your friend can stop him from make money
Buju is a fraud.. his own son tell the world the all the truth about him.dem just using reggae music as a scapegoat …to survive.
Before calling Buju a fraud and ex convict. Check the background of the one who is upset. Lol.
Well after his experience In Trinidad, who could blame him?
Buju’s security was tight on other islands as well. It seems like everyone had a great time at the show. DA Creole Music Fest is really World Class, and the people of DA are the most friendly people I have ever met in my travels; having been to DA twice. From the warm greeting at the airport, to the professionalism displayed by immigration, to the people I met across the island, I was treated like family; Massive Big Up to DA.
Colin Piper
can you confirm ( the truth needs to be told here ) Did Buju have the same stringent security arrangements when he performed in Barbados .
I now believe the UK is right in restricting his welcome here .Say no more .
YOU DOMINICANS ARE UNBELIEVABLE .
who cares his attitude is a turn off!
What tight security?????A darn prisoner the man be.. What in having an interview with this man will do to him? Stupes tan with allu Buju
Those of no sins cast the first stone. The man was just protecting himself. To all the ones who are calling him names they have more skeletons in their closets than clothes.
I personally don’t see the greatness of buju ban-tan as many people would want to portray!
Once an Artist/Singer Musician is not on par with the likes of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, they can’t be considered great! It’s not like he’s a singer or can sing, neither is he a musician 
For him to be paid the sum I heard is ridiculous! As a matter of fact, for someone who was sentenced for his involvement in drugs,is not a good example to the youths! Some seems not to understand these guys who use nice words to attract people, they’re really not living up to standard. It’s not about being perfect, but one has the moral obligation to live up to a higher calling, and these guys are failing big time. Even with some of his many children he has bred all over the place,he fails to have a good relationship. It’s a shame that these guys are allowed to disrespect our people!!!
They cannot touch Jimmy Cliff “niam bashi”. Jimmy Cliff is and still the greatest.
Sitting in limbo.
You such a negative person Kalinago juice! Anything that pertains to Dominica, you always find ludicrous comments. You think you are all that by asking boisterous questions. You were better of staying as a priest. Now the Catholic Church Spirits are hunting you., that’s why you were booed. Get off your high and might horse, because you are the only wannabe comedian in your new adopted home, Kalinago juice.