The internet came alive on Saturday May 23, 2020 as the world watched Jamaican culture on display in a positive way as Verzuz (IG: @verzuztv) hosted an iconic musical sound clash between Jamaican dancehall legends Bounty Killer and Beenie Man. Filled with music, comedy, drama and pure entertainment, thousands of viewers across the world watched the Instagram Live showdown with glee, excitement and pride in the Jamaican culture. Both entertainers went back and forth digging deep into their extensive catalogue or iconic singles complimented by an entertaining exchange of comedic banter and witty ad libs.
Bounty Killer VS Beenie Man. Screenshot provied by Dancehall World
The internet, through the Live’s comment section existed in a state of euphoria throughout the showdown as they were treated to a series of feel good moments and nostalgia through old school Jamaican vibes, hearing songs from both entertainers that had not been heard for some time. This global iconic moment for Jamaican music and culture was seen by Jamaicans across the world and many others, which included many note worthy public figures. Among the celebrities and famous faces which tuned into the global event were Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Spice, Timbaland, Diddy, Lil Kim, Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beats and superstar Rihanna (who received a shout out from both entertainers when they noticed her presence).
It was a true Jamaican dance party as viewers enjoyed their favourite songs from the Bounty and Beenie era of dancehall music. However, like most Jamaican dances, the evening was met with some disruption as the Jamaica Constabulary Force showed up to “lock off di dance”. The event, which was taking place during a national curfew in Jamaica, saw the JCF joining the live first questioning in the comments if the curfew was not applicable to both men. It got more exciting however, as officers apparently showed up to the clash.
However, Beenie Man was not having it; as he engaged the officers sharing that thousands of persons across the world were watching and further asking the officer “do you want to be that guy?”. The moment resonated with the Jamaicans watching as this was something experienced all too often in our Jamaican party scene. The attention on Jamaica saw us trending on social media platforms. In true internet form, there were many entertaining moments which became gifs and were parodied for comedic value.
For every Jamaican national and lover of Jamaican music and culture; it was definitely a moment that filled our hearts with pride and joy to see the world recognize and celebrate our culture in such a positive way; it was truly a beautiful time to be Jamaican. While it can be debated which of the entertainers won the sound clash, it’s safe to say the true winner of the clash was the Jamaican music and culture.
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The internet came alive on Saturday May 23, 2020 as the world watched Jamaican culture on display in a positive way as Verzuz (IG: @verzuztv) hosted an iconic musical sound clash between Jamaican dancehall legends Bounty Killer and Beenie Man. Filled with music, comedy, drama and pure entertainment, thousands of viewers across the world watched the Instagram Live showdown with glee, excitement and pride in the Jamaican culture. Both entertainers went back and forth digging deep into their extensive catalogue or iconic singles complimented by an entertaining exchange of comedic banter and witty ad libs.
The internet, through the Live’s comment section existed in a state of euphoria throughout the showdown as they were treated to a series of feel good moments and nostalgia through old school Jamaican vibes, hearing songs from both entertainers that had not been heard for some time. This global iconic moment for Jamaican music and culture was seen by Jamaicans across the world and many others, which included many note worthy public figures. Among the celebrities and famous faces which tuned into the global event were Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Spice, Timbaland, Diddy, Lil Kim, Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beats and superstar Rihanna (who received a shout out from both entertainers when they noticed her presence).
It was a true Jamaican dance party as viewers enjoyed their favourite songs from the Bounty and Beenie era of dancehall music. However, like most Jamaican dances, the evening was met with some disruption as the Jamaica Constabulary Force showed up to “lock off di dance”. The event, which was taking place during a national curfew in Jamaica, saw the JCF joining the live first questioning in the comments if the curfew was not applicable to both men. It got more exciting however, as officers apparently showed up to the clash.
However, Beenie Man was not having it; as he engaged the officers sharing that thousands of persons across the world were watching and further asking the officer “do you want to be that guy?”. The moment resonated with the Jamaicans watching as this was something experienced all too often in our Jamaican party scene. The attention on Jamaica saw us trending on social media platforms. In true internet form, there were many entertaining moments which became gifs and were parodied for comedic value.
For every Jamaican national and lover of Jamaican music and culture; it was definitely a moment that filled our hearts with pride and joy to see the world recognize and celebrate our culture in such a positive way; it was truly a beautiful time to be Jamaican. While it can be debated which of the entertainers won the sound clash, it’s safe to say the true winner of the clash was the Jamaican music and culture.
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