Reggae icon Gramps Morgan has heaped praise on his long-time friend and collaborator, Buju Banton, following the successful conclusion of the North American leg of the “Overcomer” Tour. The tour, which wrapped up earlier this month, saw Buju captivating audiences across the U.S. with his signature fusion of reggae, dancehall, and roots music.
Gramps, who served as an opening act for many of the shows, reflected on the experience, emphasizing the camaraderie and impact of the journey.
“Buju is my brother. This wasn’t just a tour; it was a celebration of life, freedom, and his legacy,” Gramps said. “To be part of something so monumental filled me with gratitude. It reminded me of how far we’ve come in this music and the sacrifices that paved the way.”
A Game-Changer for Reggae
Gramps highlighted the tour’s groundbreaking impact on reggae’s global perception. He believes it will set a new standard for future reggae tours and elevate the genre’s standing in the music industry.
“The success of this tour is a testament to reggae’s enduring power. For years, people underestimated our genre, but Buju has shown that audiences crave authentic reggae performances. The sold-out arena in London, featuring Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, and Baby Cham on the same night, reinforces this point. People want to see reggae and dancehall legends perform,” Gramps noted.
He added, “This tour has reshaped the narrative around reggae music. It proves our music is alive and thriving. We must continue believing in ourselves and investing in our craft to keep it strong.”
A Celebration of Diversity
Gramps also lauded the diverse audiences that filled venues across the U.S., reflecting reggae’s international appeal.
“The energy was incredible at every stop. In Brooklyn, for example, it wasn’t just Jamaicans. People from every Caribbean island, as well as Europeans, turned up to celebrate the music. It’s a reminder that reggae continues to unite people worldwide,” he said.
Life Lessons on the Road
Beyond the music, the tour offered Gramps valuable life lessons.
“One of the biggest takeaways for me was resilience. No one can bury your talent if you use it for the greater good. This applies not just to music but to life. As a father, I’m reminded to never give up because our children are always watching,” he shared.
A Nostalgic Return to Brooklyn
The tour concluded at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, a venue filled with personal and professional significance for Gramps.
“It was emotional to return to the city of my birth and to perform at the Barclays Center, where Morgan Heritage also performed in 2012,” he said. “Seeing my brother Peter Morgan’s photo inside the venue was overwhelming. I had to hold it together, but it was a powerful moment. Sharing this historic stage with Buju for a sold-out show was unforgettable.”
Gramps expressed optimism for reggae and dancehall’s future, urging artists and fans to continue pushing the genre forward.
“This is a great time for reggae and dancehall. Let’s take note of this success and keep striving to make our country and people proud,” he concluded.
