Beenie Man revives Summa Sizzle at Clarendon venue on August 15

Beenie Man’s yearly birthday concert Summa Sizzle is set for August 15 at Woodleigh Sports Complex in Clarendon, ending a break that began during the pandemic and featuring a stacked cast of performers.

A media launch billed for 11 a.m. at 100 Hope Road in St Andrew only properly got under way when the dancehall star known as The Doctor pulled up at 12:52 p.m., arriving in unmistakable star fashion.

“We are coming back stronger,” Beenie Man told THE STAR while greeting fans, shaking hands and taking photos ahead of Entertainment and Culture Minister Grange’s appearance. “Just look at the poster and see all di artiste dem who we have to perform at Summa Sizzle,” he added, highlighting the roster.

Confirmed acts include Beenie Man, Ashanti, Capleton, Spragga Benz, Louie Culture, Harry Toddler, Nigy Boy, Silver Cat, Shaneil Muir, Yaksta, Skeng, I-Waata, Intence, Tifa, Rajah Wild, Shane-O and Dovey Magnum.

“Yeah, mi have Ashanti … she ah mi bredren …. oonu know how di ting go. But, I am excited to see everybody,” Beenie Man emphasised. “I like to see when artistes perform,” he declared. “On my show, they are coming with their best, and that’s what I love. Sometimes yuh go some show and yuh see some artiste and dem perform like how dem waan perform. But my show, if dem perform lame, dem nuh have nuh fame. So my show, perform at your best. And every artiste come to do that,” Beenie Man told THE STAR.

Programme remarks covered Summa Sizzle’s background, delivered by Clyde McKenzie, plus remarks from Irie FM sponsors and from Kingston Public Hospital, which stands to benefit from the concert. Beenie Man’s fiancée, Camille McIntosh, was invited to announce the bill of performers.

Once Grange reached the venue, Beenie Man remarked to people nearby that “the boss of all bosses is here”, then greeted her in classic dancehall style.

“Babsy gimme di support from day one,” Beenie Man told the gathering while standing with the minister at the podium. “Stand up and give Babsy … the minister of gender and music and sports and everything … a round of applause. Babsy, you a mi favourite person inna Jamaica. Yuh a di boss and I love you for the dedication that you put in music and culture.”

He stopped short of saying ‘One Babsy pon di app’, though the sentiment was clear. Grange returned the praise, describing Beenie Man as “talented, focused, dedicated and committed to this country”.

“Beenie Man is the most respectful artiste to me… always have manners and respect. He’s special to me and I always go the extra mile for him. I should have been with the Festival Queen contestants courtesy call on the prime minister, but I am here,” Grange said, confirming her ministry’s full backing and sponsorship for Summa Sizzle.

She also urged entertainment workers to enrol in the ministry’s insurance scheme, noting she had advised Stranger Cole’s son, Squiddly, to register himself and his father. Stranger Cole died the next day.

Addressing emerging performers, Grange said, “[You are] standing on the shoulder of some great artistes ... it starts with people like Beenie Man, and people like Stranger Cole and many others who have passed on. Beenie Man is a great example of what it is to be a true artiste. Long live dancehall.”