‘King’ Beenie Man reigns at Live at The Devon

After his recent spat with Spice regarding the title of king of dancehall, Beenie Man reminded fans why he’s considered the reigning monarch. The promoters of ‘Live At The Devon’ could not have found a better entertainer to kick-start the series as Beenie Man, reminiscing on his early beginnings, shared reasons for claiming the title of ‘King of Dancehall’.

These included the fact that he has introduced new artistes to the scene without wanting to take away the spotlight from them, and his vast repertoire, which includes over 150 chart-topping dancehall tracks and crossovers.

Backed by The Ruff Kutt Band, Beenie Man went into typical performing antics. The chemistry between the dancehall legend and the band, particularly bass player Donovan ‘Benji’ Belnavis, and drummer Ricardo Davis was flawless, making it easier to deliver a remix of dancehall tracks like Wickedest Slam, New Suzuki and Tear Off Mi Garment/Big Up and Trust.

The performance also rivalled the thinking that live instruments cannot accompany dancehall beats outside the one-drop style.

NON-STOP PERFORMANCE

Further cementing his royalty, Beenie Man had material to perform nonstop for three hours and had the audience deejaying along with him.

Patrons had began entering the venue, the Reggae Mill Bar at Devon House, from as early as 8 p.m. to secure a spot as close as possible to the stage.

Minutes after 11 p.m. Beenie Man’s voice gathered the attention as he briefly bellowed “Father in Zion” from backstage as a tribute to Buju Banton.

And, as the artiste who captured the attention of music fans in the 1990s entered, more persons moved further away from the bars to get closer. Notably, the attendance was primarily female. Reggae/dancehall artistes such as Bugle, Ce’Cile and Devin Di Dakta, who were part of the audience, gave shouts of support and put hands together for Beenie Man.

“Beenie Man is definitely a role model to artistes like me. It’s one thing persons always say that his performances are always good and I watch him and learn from him. Every single time mi watch him, mi learn something new, especially tonight,” Devin said.

Live At The Devon continues on November 30.