Beenie, Bounty, Cham ignite Guinness celebration

IT is often said that 'one swallow does not a summer make,' but here in Jamaica we often 'tek sleep mark death'. This time 'round we are claiming the latter in describing what could possibly be
the turn-around for in local dancehall music.

On Saturday night the team from Guinness rolled out one of the most entertaining shows of the year -- a tribute to Arthur Guinness, the
founder of the famous dark, rich beverage -- inside the National
Stadium in kingston.

The publicity and advertising material did mention that dancehall rivals, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer would appear on stage, and
throughout the night MC Richie B did hint that history would be
created, however, what the audience did not expect, is exactly what they
got.

It is 1:35 am and the audience is milling about during yet another band change. Richie B then announces the moment. The curtains open ( yes
there were crutains!) and reveals Beenie Man and Bounty Killer rising
on platforms to the back of the stage. All around is the sound of
thunder and lightning crashing, and the backdrop and screens on stage
comes alive with bolts of lightning.

What transpires are pricless moments as these two leaders of dancehall music go head-to-head in the most friendly rivalry seen on a local stage
in years.

Both deejays dressed in contrasting black (Bounty) and white (Beenie), seem to be genuinely enjoying themselves, flashing bright smiles, and
their fans savour every moment. Then Beenie declares, "mi a go do a
Bounty Killer tune and you do one a mine," Bounty responds, "yeah let's
flip it!" The friendship on stage is passed down to the audience as die
hard Bounty fans enjoy Beenie's take, and vice versa.

The dancehall vets then continue 'tune-fi-tune'. Beenie does Ole Dawg, Bounty responds with Gal a ride mi nature, Beenie counters with Girls
dem sugar, and Bounty responds -- Lexus and Bimma. This continues with
Beenie's Let him go and Bounty is sharp with Wutless Boy. Not to be
outdone Beenie draws for New Suzuki, and Bounty snaps back with We di
girl dem a cry for.

This continues for a good 30 minutes. An entertaining back and forth of the dancehall hits and anthems from these two great acts.

In an industry so polarised by allegiance, this marks a refreshing change which allowed for all sides to meet on common ground, and enjoy
the music -- which is what it should really have been.

The greatness continues as Bounty exits. More Beenie hits followed by cameos from Lisa Hyper, the Swaggerific Mr G and the man of the moment
Khago who sends waves through the thick stadium crowd with Nah sell out
mi fren dem.

But, there is more. Beenie is closing the set with his current hits I'm Ok and Rum and Red Bull. For the latter his calls on Future Fambo, who
shows that he knows a thing or two about drinking rum and Red Bull. The
Drunken Master first spills whatever is in his cup, then tosses the cup
to a waiting audience. Next was his sunglasses, that too is sent across
the stadium field, followed by his necklace. With nothing else to give,
he begins to twirl the microphone which then falls to the stage with a
loud thud. Seeing this, Beenie then playfully escorts Fambo off stage,
closing out another great set.

The fireworks continue as Bounty returns to centrestage for his solo act. He is not on stage alone for long, as he is soon joined by the
Energy god, Elephant Man. More classics and hits follow and then the
Greatness is amped up with Bounty's call, "weh Damian Beckett deh?"

That paves the way for another moment as Babycham takes to the stage sending the audience to another dizzying height. Cham and Bounty have
had differences over the years, but seem to have mended fences. More hit
tunes -- Cant' believe mi eyes, Another level, Look into my eyes, plus
their current hit Stronger, serve to bring the curtains down on a great
night.

Ahead of this exciting climax the audience was treated to performances from Lady Saw, Wayne Wonder, Freddie McGregor, Chino, Stephen 'Di
Genius' McGregor, Wyclef, Busta Rhymes, Shaggy and Mavado.

Kudos to the production team which gave patrons an appealing look, sound and feel.

— Richard Johnson