On Saturday, August 8, dancehall icon Beenie Man, will join the Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths, along with Mikey Spice, Shuga, Empress Uneek, and Mical Rustle Mustle, for a mega celebration of Jamaica’s 64th Independence at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Lauderhill, Florida. All the artistes are now in preparation mode for what is being promoted as “an unforgettable evening of culture, music, and national pride showcasing the rich sounds and vibrant spirit of Jamaican music”. The event is being presented by Mayor of Lauderhill, Denise D. Grant and her colleague, Commissioner John T. Hodgson, who were both born in Jamaica.Lauderhill is home to one of the largest Jamaican diaspora communities in the United States, and Beenie Man, whose fan base ranges from the mature to the very young, is savouring this opportunity to showcase national pride through his music, which spans decades, combined with another of the thrilling performances for which he is renowned.For Beenie Man, whose real name is Moses Davis, the month of August carries another layer of significance, in addition to Jamaica’s Independence Day. He was born on August 22, 1973, and his birthday celebrations will start early, on August 8, right after he performs at the event in Lauderhill. There are also plans for his annual Summer Sizzle in Jamaica.The Grammy-winning Jamaican reggae and dancehall artiste, who holds tightly to the title “King of Dancehall”, started his musical journey when he was only 5 years old. He won the ‘Tastee Talent Contest’ at eight years old and subsequently released his first album, The Invincible Beany Man: The 10-Year-Old D.J Wonder, in 1983. It was produced by the legendary Bunny Lee. His first hit single followed the same year with the Winston ‘Niney’ Holness-produced Over the Sea. However, his Wikipedia bio states that his music career was put on hold while he finished school.He would later find his artistic home in the early 1990s at the Patrick Roberts-led Shocking Vibes studio, and his career took off after a performance at the Reggae Sunsplash in 1992. A rivalry with Bounty Killer began the following year after Beenie Man was accused of stealing Bounty Killer’s style and catchphrases. The rivalry was captured on the 1994 album, Guns Out, with the two artistes settling the feud with a soundclash. He had his first number-one single in Jamaica in 1993 with Matie, and won the DJ of the Year Award the same year, the first of eight consecutive awards.Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he became a towering figure in dancehall. He signed with major international labels like Island Records and Virgin Records, and collaborated with international stars, including Janet Jackson, Mýa, and Wyclef Jean. His 2000 album, Art and Life, won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. In 2014, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer put aside their differences and recorded a single together, Legendary. During the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine on May 23, 2020, they performed at the best-ever Verzuz battle on Instagram. Vibe magazine described them as “two of the most legendary icons in dancehall”.This week, 5 Questions With … had a sit-down with Beenie Man.

1. Lauderhill has become a massive hub for the Jamaican diaspora, with over 20,000 Jamaicans calling the city home. How does it feel to perform in a city where the community support and cultural representation are so strong? Lauderhill is a city that I always feel the love … and, having 20,000 of my people in this city, it’s a home away from home. I am looking forward to this performance very much.

2. Lauderhill Mayor Denise D. Grant and the city officials recently honoured you with official proclamations. How does this community recognition shape the energy you bring to your Independence set? Being recognised and honoured by Mayor Denise Grant is one of my top accomplishments. I am very grateful. I always bring energy to my performance, but just expect something explosive for my Lauderhill community.