Jamaica to Honour Dancehall Icons Beenie Man and Bounty Killer With National Awards

In an historic move, the Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness presented dancehall legends Beenie Man and Bounty Killer with national awards during the country’s 62nd Independence anniversary in Jamaica August 6-2024.

Both icons were bestowed with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer, recognizing their significant contributions to the development and global influence of dancehall music. This accolade follows a heated public debate sparked by the award given to Wayne Marshall, with prominent voices like Professor Donna Hope emphasizing the need to acknowledge the impactful work of artists like Beenie Man and Bounty Killer.

Born Moses Davis, Beenie Man, and born Rodney Price, Bounty Killer, are giants of dancehall reggae, a genre that has profoundly inspired hip-hop, reggaeton, and Afrobeats. Though dancehall has massively influenced global pop culture, it has often been sidelined to the underground scene. Frustrations reached a boiling point in 2020 when Beenie Man and Bounty Killer were excluded from a Billboard magazine cover celebrating the success of Verzuz—a platform that showcased their talents and underscored the demand for respect for Jamaican artists by mainstream American culture.

In an interview before the Verzuz event, conducted by reggae and dancehall journalist and filmmaker Reshma B, both Beenie Man and Bounty Killer illuminated their excitement about representing dancehall on such a global stage. “Representing dancehall means everything to me,” Bounty Killer stated. “It’s always important to lift up the youth and be the voice of the people.” Beenie Man echoed this sentiment: “It’s my culture, so it wasn’t a question. Verzuz is about your life work and your legacy. It’s about how many hits you have, and I have a lot.”

The Beenie Man and Bounty Killer Verzuz was the most watched episode in Verzuz history.

Beenie Man and Bounty Killer were bitter rivals. The rivalry between them wasn’t just a season of discord; it defined an era. Their lyrical clashes, known as “clashes” in dancehall terminology, were more than just music; they were battlegrounds for supremacy. These confrontations often unfolded in live concerts and on tracks, with each artiste taking jabs at the other, striving to outdo their rival in creativity and impact.

Despite their fierce rivalry, both artistes have, on occasions, shown mutual respect. Their collaborative work, though limited, hinted at a deeper recognition of each other’s talents and contributions to the genre. The Verzuz battle in 2020, where they performed together, much to the delight of fans worldwide. This event stood as a testament to their enduring significance in dancehall music and brought end to the bitter dancehall feud.

Therefore, it was fitting for the Prime Minister to honour these two dancehall giants together.

“It is my great pleasure to honor Rodney Price, known as Bounty Killer, and Moses Davis, known as Beenie Man. In the spirit of our creativity, these two gentlemen have not only created a unique music genre but have also significantly contributed to Jamaica’s global recognition,” said Prime Minister Andrew Holness as he presented citations to Beenie Man and Bounty Killer at the National Stadium on Tuesday the Independence Grand Gala 2024.

“It is my great pleasure to honor Rodney Price, known as Bounty Killer, and Moses Davis, known as Beenie Man. In the spirit of our creativity, these two gentlemen have not only created a unique music genre but have also significantly contributed to Jamaica’s global recognition,” proclaimed Prime Minister Andrew Holness as he passionately presented citations to Beenie Man and Bounty Killer.

While it’s true that Beenie and Bounty didn’t originate any genre of Jamaican music, the Prime Minister warmly continued, “They are icons of our music and culture. On behalf of the people of Jamaica, I reverently acknowledge your invaluable work and monumental contributions to our nation.”

Beenie Man, 51, beamed as he responded, “Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, and thank you, Jamaica. I have been striving for this recognition all these years. Can somebody shout Zagga Zagga Zow?” His words were met with thunderous applause.

Bounty Killer, 52, expressed his gratitude with heartfelt emotion, “Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. I am deeply humbled and eternally grateful to receive this honor. This is something many of us only dream about. My brother Moses and I have journeyed from rivals to revered idols.”

With a poignant hint of nostalgia, Bounty Killer added, “It’s been over a decade since I last traveled, so this moment is undoubtedly a milestone for Jamaica.”

In an electrifying moment, both artists then ascended the stage, delivering an unforgettable medley of songs. They ignited the crowd with Beenie Man’s RIAA Gold-selling single “Who Am I,” prompting an exhilarating chorus from the audience: “Who got the keys to the bimma?” As they continued to trade hits, the entire stadium was consumed by the pulsating energy of Dave Kelly’s Showtime riddim.

The fervor reached a fever pitch when the stadium lights dramatically dimmed, casting the spotlight on these legendary 90s dancehall icons.

Both men will be formally honored on Heroes Day on October 21 in a grand ceremony at King’s House.