The King of Dancehall, Beenie Man, brought the full fire of Kingston to Washington D.C., overcoming his initial contemplation of the small office space to deliver a performance accustomed to maximum velocity on a giant stage. The man born Moses Anthony Davis paused to celebrate his incredible longevity, telling the crowd, “I’ve been doing music since the age of 5. I did my first single at the age of 7. Now I’m 50-something and I’m doing the same thing.” Just in time for the Black Music Month anniversary theme, his most commercially successful album, ‘Art and Life’, turned 25, marking an exciting moment for the artist who recently had his work visa reinstated after a ten-year ban from the United States. With real dancehall fans front and center holding flags, easing any doubts he might have had, Beenie Man powered through a decades-spanning set of club classics that proved why he remains absolutely vital.
SET LIST
- “Who Am I”
- “Romie”
- “Girls Dem Sugar”
- “Toy Friend”
- “Miss L.A.P.”
- “Let Him Go”
- “Dude”
- “King of the Dancehall”
- “Rum & RedBull”