Reggae firebrand Buju Banton lit up the Hollywood Palladium with electrifying energy on June 6, marking his long-anticipated return to Los Angeles after more than two decades. Headlining the opening night of the BET Experience 2025, Banton’s powerful set not only thrilled a sold-out crowd but also underscored his legendary status in global music culture.
Taking the stage with his trademark authority and soul-stirring lyrics, the Grammy-winning Jamaican artist delivered a career-spanning performance that blended social consciousness with infectious rhythms. Known as “The Gargamel,” Banton commanded the stage with hits that resonated with both seasoned fans and a new generation discovering his timeless catalogue. The crowd responded with unrelenting enthusiasm, proving that Buju’s message and music remain deeply relevant.
Presented by SheaMoisture, the BET Experience serves as a vibrant lead-up to the BET Awards on June 9, celebrating Black excellence in music, fashion, and culture. Buju’s performance stood out as a cultural milestone—an artist rooted in resistance and truth reclaiming his space on one of America’s biggest Black entertainment stages.
The momentum continues for Banton as he heads to Las Vegas on June 7, where he’s set to make history as the first reggae-dancehall artist to headline Planet Hollywood. More than just a tour stop, each performance on this selective U.S. run feels like a moment of reckoning—proof that Buju Banton’s voice still burns with the fire of revolution and love, transcending borders and generations alike.
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