Dancehall king parties in Harare

SEVEN years ago, thousands of dancehall fans experienced one of the most epic shows ever staged in the country when King of Dancehall, Beenie Man, performed at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare.The legendary artiste, born Moses Davis, will once again light up Alex Sports Club on August 26 when he makes his much awaited return to the capital courtesy of 2 Kings Entertainment.

This particular show will be special as the chanter is using the gig to celebrate his birthday (born August 22, 1973), 33 years in the music industry and the silver jubilee of being the King of Dancehall.

Beenie Man arrives in the country as one of his tracks “Super Dad”, is making inroads in the country after conquering the Caribbean Islands as one the biggest tunes right now.

Prior to his gig in Zimbabwe, the chanter, who will be accompanied by his full band, has two other shows lined up in South Africa. Producer, radio personality and promoter Simukai Mandizvidza, popularly known as Abra Simms, spoke to the “Who Am I” hit-maker for The Sunday Mail Society. Read on. . .

Q: Greetings Mr Davis, King of the Dancehall aka Beenie Man, do you recall last time you were in Zimbabwe how big the show was?

A: It was massive, a sold-out stadium and a beautiful show because my fans were feeding me powerful energy every minute of my performance.

Q: What do you expect this time around and what can you guarantee fans?

A: An exceptional performance. Nothing but the best of dancehall music. It’s the same week as my earth strong day (August 22) so I am celebrating my life and my music with Zimbabwe when I take to the stage.

Q: You are celebrating your birthday and 25 years of being in the music business successfully, what advice can you give young artistes in Zimbabwe who look up to you?

A: Respect the music. She will feed, clothe and shelter you and your family. She will provide you with more opportunities than you can handle because she will give you wings to see and impact the world. Treat her with respect. Commit the time to improve your craft. Practice. Stay in learning mode because there is always something to learn. Be patient while you develop your skills and never give less than your best. And never watch a next man’s talent or try to fight it. Hard work beats talent every time so as long as you work hard, you will reap the rewards.

Q: As you continue on your “Unstoppable Tour”, you will be in South Africa where you have been invited to the Mandela house . . .

A: It is like being part of one of the most powerful legacies in history. It will be one of the greatest days of my life since I have been travelling. Mandela has a special connection to Jamaica and their fight for freedom and equality is the greatest reminder of the power of our race, we move as a collective, pursuing the same goal. Jamaicans used our music, money and influence to be part of the greatest fight for freedom in my generation so to actually walk through those hallways is an emotional and humbling experience.

Q: You have achieved so much in your career, what other achievements would you like to complete?

A: I just want to maintain my standard of excellence. I have done all I wanted to do as a musician so now, I am focused on preserving my legacy and making sure it means something to the world even after I leave this earth.

Q: I am not sure you are aware but you have voiced a Zimbabwean riddim called the “Purple Hayaz” with a song called “Clean like This” produced by African award winner Jusa Dementor. Are you open to collaborating with Zimbabwean artistes?

A: Most definitely and I would want it to reflect the beat and melodies of Africa, because my music and your music are from the same source. As long as the sound is authentic and the vibration is right, I would definitely record music with a Zimbabwean artiste.

Additional reporting by Andrew Moyo