Buju Banton and Stephen Marley launch Roots and Rhymes summer tour across 10 US cities

Reggae and dancehall supporters have a strong lead-in to a long, hot summer: live sets from some of the genres' most celebrated names. Word that Buju Banton and Stephen Marley are mounting their Roots and Rhymes summer 2026 run has stirred wide excitement about what the road dates might deliver.

The pair will play from June 26 through July 18, covering 10 cities in the United States and giving audiences another reason to celebrate alongside World Cup season. Confirmed stops include Dallas, Detroit, Cincinnati, Boston, Bridgeport, Bethel and Elmont, New York.

Gramps Morgan is billed as a special guest on the tour, while Skillibeng and Lila Iké are also set to appear as guest performers, folding in younger voices and a wider spread of sounds.

Buju, who has played a key role in putting another "R" into the tour branding, said there is still space between gigs for rest and enjoyment, because the group's chemistry clicks on its own. Welcoming his fellow acts, the Til Shiloh singer told THE WEEKEND STAR that sharing the road with people he respects and genuinely likes has been deeply rewarding. He said the easy rapport on stage and off keeps the work pleasant and makes the hours pass quickly.

"All I can say is that every night is a moment of total togetherness and love, sharing the stage with Stephen and Gramps. It is euphoric because we each bring something special to the audience, so reggae and dancehall is totally represented."

Speaking with THE WEEKEND STAR about signing on and working alongside the other artistes, Gramps said the outing had been in planning for some time.

"Me joining this tour and bringing my new sound to the stage is something I'm excited for, as all these people will get a chance to hear my country-reggae sound, which I believe will grow and expand so much, maybe to the point that people will be copying it very soon," he said.

"Great things are mimicked, and I do believe that I have tapped into something special, so I look forward to it. It is also very flattering to be added by Buju and Stephen Marley, who would see me as worthy of joining their tour."

This Friday, Morgan Heritage is due to release its new single Come Feel the Love, which Gramps noted is also produced by Stephen Marley.

"I tell people that I just want to sing and heal people's hearts and let people feel the energy and authenticity of Jamaican music, from rocksteady all the way up. I'm excited, so big up Stephen and big up my bredda Buju for believing in me, so we are out here building the legacy and living the dream."