by Howard Campbell
NEW YORK – Dancehall followers, who haven’t seen Beenie Man in the USA for 10 years, acquired their fill of the Grammy-winning deejay on Could 24 when he carried out at UBS Enviornment in Lengthy Island, New York. He placed on a stellar present, stacked with the hits that has made him one of many style’s heavyweights.
Beenie Man’s US visa was revoked 10 years in the past, however reinstated final December. Buju Banton and Bounty Killer, different dancehall stalwarts, additionally had their US journey paperwork reinstated in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Garth Crooks, a veteran music business participant, booked Beenie Man for the UBS Enviornment. He advised South Florida Caribbean Information that the 51 year-old artist didn’t disappoint the packed home.
“His efficiency was completely fabulous, folks got here from throughout to see him and he was in nice kind,” mentioned Crooks.
“Throughout” meant the tri-state space (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) which includes dancehall music’s most viable market within the US. It has additionally been Beenie Man’s joyful looking floor for over 20 years.
Followers joined him as he belted out songs like Wickedest Slam, Women Dem Sugar, Romie, Oysters And Conch, Ole Dawg and World Dance. They have been additionally handled to energetic cameos from Lyrikal, Louie Tradition, Christopher Martin and Silver Cat.
Beenie Man’s efficiency was one other sturdy message that dancehall music retains a robust following on the US east coast. One 12 months in the past, Buju Banton appeared earlier than a sold-out viewers on the similar venue. In the meantime, in April, Vybz Kartel thrilled a full house at Barclays Middle in Brooklyn, New York.
Beenie Man started his recording profession at age 5. He was at his peak as a hitmaker throughout the Nineties with hits like Who Am I which reached quantity 17 on the US pop chart.
Artwork And Life, his 2000 album, gained the Grammy Award for Finest Reggae Album in 2001.
