Legendary Jamaican singer Buju Banton says patrons at the January 4, 2025 Intimate Concert at Plantation Cove in St Ann will be treated to a presentation of authentic Jamaican music.

The singer, whose given name is Mark Myrie, made the revelation during an interview with the Jamaica Observer at the media launch of the concert on Thursday at ROK Hotel in downtown Kingston.

“The preparations have been extremely streamlined to represent the culture and the music the way we want it to be presented. So, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. It’s integral and important for us to get the rewards that we deserve,” he said.

The concert will also see performances by Wayne Wonder, Romain Virgo and Marcia Griffiths.

Meanwhile, Buju Banton shared that the sophomore staging will run on time, as opposed to the first show held in January 2023.

“I do not intend to keep my people out for too long. But it all depends, because we’re putting things in place to mitigate the circumstances that afforded that to happen the last time. We hope that transition is smooth,” he said.

Beres Hammond arrived some time after his co-headliner at Thursday’s launch.

Representatives from Red Stripe and Guinness were also in attendance as the brands are official sponsors for the event.

The Gargamel also noted that the show represents the value of reggae as he encouraged music lovers at home and abroad to join in the experience.

“Beres Hammond’s music is pure, Buju Banton’s music is pure, and the artistes were bringing on stage their music is also pure. It will be a soul-fulfilling moment. We strive to bring chaos outside of this current order; so, therefore it is imperative for every well-thinking Jamaican who is invested in our country to come out. It’s called ‘Intimate’, which means coming together of people who are like-minded to show unity, not only to Jamaica, but to the world at large, and to celebrate our culture in its enormity just like what we did with Marcia Griffiths,” he told the Observer.

For Griffiths’s part, she said she is looking forward to seeing her family again onstage.

“It’s definitely going to be intimate. There’s nothing like communication and an energy when it’s intimate and communicating with the audience when it’s positive. So, make it a date,” she said on Thursday.

Veteran Beres Hammond and Marica Griffiths promise great sets at Intimate.

Buju Banton shares a moment with singing sensation Nadine Sutherland.

Co-headliners Buju Banton and Beres Hammond address the launch event last Thursday at ROK Hotel.

From left: Bugle, General B and Nitty Kutchie