Internationally-acclaimed Dancehall superstar, Beenie Man has given a more detailed explanation of why he won’t perform at STING 2011; blaming the show promoter as well as his greatest rival for not appearing this time around.
The Grammy-winning Dancehall star gave an interview on CVM’s OnStage on Saturday night; explaining his reasoning for declining an invitation to perform at the 28th edition of STING. Nearly two weeks ago, Beenie revealed that he would not grace the Jamworld stage in Portmore, St. Catherine due to comments STING promoter, Isaiah Laing made during a recent television interview. Additionally, Beenie said that he was surprised that Bounty Killer accused him of running from a potential clash at STING despite the two making plans to restore the show’s aura after a disappointing 2010 edition.
Speaking from Spain, where’s he’s on a European tour, Beenie Man intimated that he decided not to perform at STING 2011 from last year given how Laing continued to discredit he and other prominent artistes who made the event popular. According to Beenie, he’s never received the respect he deserved from Laing for building up the show.
“I am di man who save di show fi so many years and I neva eva see Isaiah Laing gi mi credit fi bringing back the show… I never see Isaiah Laing come on TV and give me that respect,” Beenie Man said.
The established deejay explained that he and Beenie were building up a “friendly feud” in order to restore some essence to STING. However, following Laing’s interview, where he claimed that Beenie and Bounty’s rivalry had little bearing on the industry, the “King of the Dancehall” was deeply offended by the promoter’s comments; leading Beenie to organize his own show.
Beenie Man then intimated that he proposed an idea to Bounty Killer about hosting a show at the Ewarton Sports Complex in St. Catherine on New Year’s Eve (December 31). The Let’s Go singer said that he and the “War Lord” had a verbal agreement to organize the event and forego appearances at STING. However, once he left for an overseas tour, Beenie claimed that Bounty Killer sabotaged him; accusing him of not wanting a lyrical clash and calling him out in the media.
“Bounty Killer pretend to be my friend to set me up,” he said.
Beenie Man attempted to validate his statements by implying that fellow prominent deejay, Elephant Man got word from Bounty about agreeing to do the show and relayed it to him. However, Bounty was confirmed for STING a few days later; confirming that a show involving Beenie and the “Grung Gaad” won’t take place.
Meanwhile, Beenie Man insisted that he’s currently on his best European tour ever; performing in clubs across Slovakia, Czech Republic, France and Italy. Already having performed 14 shows on the tour, Beenie Man said that he’s enjoyed this tour given that fans in Europe have a greater appreciation for Dancehall and that the vision of young promoters who helped organize these shows played a vital role.
“Promoters are young. Utes now that understand the importance of Dancehall music. Utes dem pick up Dancehall as dem life..Ute dem buying dem own clubs in places within the areas which we couldn’t keep parties before,” he said.
Beenie’s lone local outing will take place on December 23 at Diamond Splash in Negril. Bounty Killer will also be performing at that event.
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