 |
| Live painting of @dextadaps by #STEFANLEGEND |
After Buju Banton’s highly anticipated performance, some concertgoers left tired but fulfilled, while others were disappointed. Many had expected to see Kodak Black before the main act and assumed the rapper was a no-show.
At exactly 3:10 a.m., however, Kodak entered the venue with his arms wrapped around his mother and another woman. I could not confirm whether she was his girlfriend, but his repeated gesture of kissing both women’s hands made it clear that they were equally important to him.
A few moments later, Kodak was ready to perform for the fans who had remained at the venue waiting for him.
A DELAYED ARRIVAL
According to information shared at the venue, Kodak’s flight from Mexico to Nassau, The Bahamas, caused him to arrive more than an hour late.
Buju Banton could be seen inside his tent appearing unhappy about the delay. Production members quickly held a meeting, however, and the show continued.
Kodak performed for approximately one hour before security escorted him back to his tent.
There was some controversy surrounding the decision to add Kodak Black, a young rapper, to a concert headlined by veteran reggae artist Buju Banton.
Still, there was a particular age group and population of fans who could not wait for Kodak to return to Bahamian soil.
Kodak had been spotted in The Bahamas during the weeks leading up to the concert. News quickly spread that he was in discussions with the production company to become part of the major event.
The Bahamas marked the second stop on the Long Walk to Freedom Tour, following the opening concert in Buju Banton’s hometown of Kingston, Jamaica.
The Bahamian installment of the Long Walk to Freedom Tour was presented by Paradise Productions.
Although the company may have been unfamiliar to some members of the public, Paradise Productions had been operating for years and was connected to several reggae concerts throughout the Caribbean. The Long Walk to Freedom Bahamas may have been one of its largest and most successful events at the time.
Buju Banton was released from federal prison in the United States on December 8, 2018, after serving eight years. His highly anticipated comeback had been discussed and promoted well in advance, prompting many fans to book travel and accommodations as soon as the concert date was announced.
The Long Walk to Freedom Bahamas featured performances from Kodak Black, Lil Duval, Nigerian music sensation Davido, Jamaican DJ Ritchie Feelings and reggae singer Glen Washington.
Bahamian performers included Willis and the Illest, DJ Ignite, DJ Studda, Mix-A-Lot, Jah Hem and several others.
Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity to meet Kodak and take a photo with him.
Throughout the night, he appeared to be in a great mood. He was funny, sweet and extremely patient.
While we were trying to take our selfies, my phone rang twice. Kodak jokingly said, “Wow! R.J. is really checking on you. Take it again!”😅
He then flashed his signature smile and grillz—and the rest is history.
Kodak Black at Atlantis, Paradise Island, The Bahamas.
 |
| Buju Banton in Concert Photo Credit: City Chic |
 |
| Buju Banton in Concert Photo Credit: City Chic |
“We would select a particular artist from a genre that we think would appeal to the masses more and so reasoning behind selecting the artist we did chose was to reach a wider demographic. I know Buju himself appeals to the older demographic so, for example, Kodak Black will appeal to the younger demographic. The 16 to 24 age bracket and we want this event to be all-encompassing."
“We don’t want to exclude any age bracket, any group. We want there to an environment where people can come and have different experiences at one venue so that was the intention behind it.”It was the 2nd stop on the tour, the 1st being in his home town in Kingston, Jamaica. The Long Walk to Freedom (Bahamas) was rendered by Paradise Productions. Though new to most, this production company is well connected; and has existed for years hosting many reggae concerts in the Caribbean, I imagine this has been the largest and most successful.
