Organizers bringing in 300 police officers to secure concert
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Organizers of the upcoming Buju Banton: Long Walk To Freedom concert confirmed Wednesday that their All-Access tickets are sold out.
Paradise Productions, which is staging the concert, said VIP and Platinum tickets are also moving fast.
The concert, slated for March 30, 2019, at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium, is expected to attract thousands of fans from all over the world.
Organizers say concertgoers are coming from as far away as China and Japan.
Banton will headline the concert – his first in The Bahamas in years.
Chart-topping rappers Kodak Black and Lil’ Duval will also take the stage along with Nigerian singing sensation, Davido and Jamaican DJ, Ritchie Feelings.
The concert will also feature many Bahamian artists, including Willis & The Illest, DJ Ignite, DJ Studda & Mix-A-Lot, Kase 1 Hunnid, Jah Hem and many more.
Organizers said more artists are slated to be added to the line-up.
During a news conference at the Breezes Hotel on Wednesday, Paradise Productions COO, Perez Rolle defended the organization’s line-up, saying the company wanted to create a more festival-type vibe, much like Coachella, and attract a diverse crowd.
“The intention behind the way we selected the artists and organized the event was always to mimic a music festival, so we picked artists who we thought would appeal to the masses more . . . [help us] reach a wider demographic,” said Rolle.
“Buju appeals to an older generation. Kodak appeals to the 16 to 24 age bracket and we wanted this event to be all-encompassing. We want this to be an environment where people can have different experiences, but at one venue.
Rolle said Banton did not have an opinion on the line-up nor did he make specific recommendations.
“Even if you looked at the Jamaican line-up, certain artists who you thought would have been on the ticket weren’t there. These are different promoters from different countries. Everybody has their idea of how they’re presenting the event. There was a case where we reached out to a few artists, but we were unable to secure them because they had prior bookings. There are other artists that we are presently in conversation with, as well as surprise artists who we have yet to release to the public. I think people would be very excited to see who they are.”
Laurie Dames, spokesperson of The Dames Group Ultimate Security Solutions and Falco Security – the private security firms contracted to safeguard the event – told the media that more than 300 officers have been engaged for the concert.
“I would like to assure the public that security is top priority for us and Paradise Productions. The security team consists of members from the Dames Group, Falco Security, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and NSA Security,” she said.
“A strategic security plan has been set forth, which includes, and is by no means limited to, searches and metal detectors at gates and many officers on patrol and posted throughout the stadium. This is to ensure the safety and security of all the attendees. We’re asking the public to pay close attention to all security notices leading up to this event, especially those who speak to items that are prohibited as security will be strictly enforced.”
Alecia Bowe, Paradise Productions attorney and partner at Karam, Missick & Bowe thanked the many government agencies for the role they are playing in making sure the event is properly managed.
Aliv Events, Sponsorship & Community Manager, Bianca Bethel-Sawyer said concerts like the Long Walk To Freedom tour provide “an economic boost for the country.”
“What Paradise Productions is doing cannot be overlooked and must be supported by corporate Bahamas. Aliv has committed financial support to assist in the promotion of the event, as well as the overall success of the weekend,” she said.
“Additionally, this sponsorship gives us brand stability and the ability to run on-ground promotions at the event. But most importantly, it allows us to help boost the economy for New Providence and attract business from throughout The Bahamas and the world.”
REV Senior Public Relations Coordinator, Davrielle Burrows said her organization is excited to be part of Buju Banton’s long-awaited return to The Bahamas and encouraged Bahamians to buy their tickets.
“We’re happy to see the level of anticipation that’s building. We believe that this event is unique and important because it’s drawing together Bahamians from all walks of life. The diverse lineup as well as Buju’s universal sound makes this event a ticket that sells itself to the young, the old and everyone in between,” she said.
REV is providing financial and technical support to the concert via its Wi-Fi bandwidth and promotions across the TV platforms.
Hedda Smith of Breezes, which is also a sponsor, noted that Breezes will be the host hotel for all of Paradise Productions’ events and will also be providing accommodations for Banton’s band.
“We do have some fabulous rates and our rates are all inclusive, so, along with your accommodations you’re getting all of your meals, taxes, drinks, entertainments, watersports and all of the amenities we have here at Breezes,” she said.
Tickets are available at all Cash N’ Go locations in The Bahamas, all Aliv stores (except Harbour Bay) and REV in the Mall at Marathon.
Tickets are also available at Centerville Food Store, Balfour Consumer Meat Mart, Porky’s Gas Station and online at www.paradiseproductionsinc.com.
The cost of general admission tickets is $65; VIP tickets cost $125 and platinum costs $200.
Sponsors for the event include: Aliv, Bahama Blu, Bluebird, Bowcar, Breezes, Cash N’ Go, Gizmos & Gadgets (Freeport, Grand Bahama), Global Trip Networks, HMF, Ignite, Karam, Missick & Bowe, the NSA, Paradise Communications, Porky’s Gas Station, Top Notch Builders Ltd and REV.
Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the show starts promptly at 8:00 p.m.
The concert will feature 20 food vendors and 16 bars in total.
Organizers say there are 3,000 paid parking spots available, which will cost $10. Those will be attended to by security personnel. There will be an additional 2,000 unsecured spots.
Paradise Productions is also holding an All White Party, which will serve as an official welcome back party, on Friday, March 29, 2019, at Fort Charlotte.
A motorcade will also be held that same day.
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