The ‘Undisputed’ King of the Dancehall headlines the Guinness Christmas Jam at the National Park tonight in what is expected to be another show of his lyrical prowess and hardcore dancehall style.
It only seems natural that Beenie Man would appear at the final show of the year — a year that has seen solid performances on local soil from Jamaica’s Buju Banton, Third World, Tanya Stephens, DYCR and recently Shaggy.
Coming on the heels of the bombed out Beach-a-Rama, the dancehall king’s appearance is timely. Guyanese fans, always thirsty for quality entertainment, will no doubt lap up his presence and performance.
Unlike previous shows when the dancehall king performed on these shores, there has been little hype though the promotion began some time back. It is as though the promotional team has been asleep, awaking every few days with an ad on the television and a few fliers here or there but no word on plans for the event. The promoters have not even addressed security concerns; they probably feel all that has been said before and need not be spewed once more.
The Jamaican was scheduled to arrive in the country last night and is likely to make a few appearances in the city today. The other foreign artiste performing at the event, Future Fambo had been in Guyana since Thursday, according to reports.
Judging from the Beenie’s previous performances here the National Park will erupt in dancehall mania later this evening. It was only a few months ago when Tony Matterhorn, the “Dutty Wine” man headlined a show at the park which turned out to be more hype and less delivery. But Beenie is likely to deliver.
The “Girls Dem Sugar”, who has an impressive track-record in dancehall, but has evolved into a contemporary performer collaborating with US performers, is likely to bring his usual zeal and he comes with a catalogue of hits.
“Dutty Wine Gal”, “Undisputed” and “Chacka Dance” are the hit tracks from his 2006 album which set him yet again above the dancehall world. But as entertaining as those tracks are the fans will turn up hoping Beenie will feed them hits from his decade-old collection of tunes.
Hits such as “Bookshelf”, “Tell Me”, “Kette drum”, “Blackboard”, “World Gone Mad” and “Romie” among a host of others are the familiar Beenie tunes dancehall fans know by heart. Given his repertoire Beenie should be on stage for some time belting out hits and entertaining in true dancehall fashion.