Following decades of contribution to Jamaican music, veteran artistes Beenie Man and Bounty Killer received Order of Distinction individually on Monday.
Born Moses Davis and Rodney Price, both deejays rose to prominence during an era many view as the pinnacle of Dancehall, the 1990s. The artistes were central figures in Dancehall’s golden age, rising to both local and international success with their two distinctive styles.
With hardcore vocals as well as lyrics, Bounty became known as the “poor people’s governor,” with his music resonating with inner-city youths surrounded by crime and those suffering in a struggling economy.
On the other hand, with his on-stage grandeur and confidence already instilled in him from performances from as young as five, Beenie Man won the hearts of many. He would later be described as the ‘Girls Dem Sugar’ and even the ‘King of the Dancehall.’
With their Dancehall counterparts Shaggy, Sean Paul, Wayne Marshall, and Shabba Ranks already honoured with ODs, there was a public outcry for both men to be honoured.
The deejays have also addressed the matter in the past. The call for Bounty and Beenie to be honoured was finally answered earlier this year, when it was announced that the artistes would receive an OD in the rank of officer for their contributions to the development of Jamaican music.
As the country celebrates National Heroes Day with its annual national honours and awards ceremony, Beenie and Bounty are among the many Jamaicans that received national awards today.
Congratulations have since been pouring in for the veteran deejays.
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