Summa Sizzle returns All-star line-up promised for August 15 show

Beenie Man’s annual birthday bash/stage show Summa Sizzle returns on August 15 at Woodleigh Sports Complex in Clarendon with a sizzling line-up, after being on a hiatus since the pandemic.

It was actually ‘The Doctor’s arrival at 12:52 p.m. – in full superstar mode – that signalled the start of what was supposed to be an 11 a.m. event at 100 on Hope Road, St Andrew.

“We are coming back stronger,” Beenie Man told THE STAR, as he mingled with guests, doing a meet-and-greet and posing for pictures, while awaiting the arrival of Entertainment and Culture Minister Grange.

“Just look at the poster and see all di artiste dem who we have to perform at Summa Sizzle,” he said, boasting of the line-up. Among the artistes scheduled to perform are Beenie Man himself, Ashanti, Capleton, Spragga Benz, Louie Culture, Harry Toddler, Nigy Boy, Silver Cat, Shaneil Muir, Yaksta, Skeng, I-Waata, Intence, Tifa, Rajah Wild, Shane-O and Dovey Magnum.

“Yeah, mi have Ashanti … she ah mi bredren …. oonu know how di ting go. But, I am excited to see everybody,” Beenie Man emphasised.

“I like to see when artistes perform,” he declared.

“On my show, they are coming with their best, and that’s what I love. Sometimes yuh go some show and yuh see some artiste and dem perform like how dem waan perform. But my show, if dem perform lame, dem nuh have nuh fame. So my show, perform at your best. And every artiste come to do that,” Beenie Man told THE STAR.

The formalities included a history of Summa Sizzle from Clyde McKenzie, comments from representatives from the sponsors, Irie FM, as well as from the Kingston Public Hospital, the beneficiary of the event. Beenie Man’s fiancée, Camille McIntosh, was called on to read out the line-up.

When Grange arrived, Beenie Man told those standing near to him that “the boss of all bosses is here”, and subsequently saluted her as only a dancehall deejay can.

“Babsy gimme di support from day one,” Beenie Man told guests as he and the minister stood side-by-side at the podium. “Stand up and give Babsy … the minister of gender and music and sports and everything … a round of applause. Babsy, you a mi favourite person inna Jamaica. Yuh a di boss and I love you for the dedication that you put in music and culture.”

The only thing he didn’t say was ‘One Babsy pon di app’, but it was understood.

The admiration was mutual, and Grange commended Beenie Man for being “talented, focused, dedicated and committed to this country”.

“Beenie Man is the most respectful artiste to me… always have manners and respect. He’s special to me and I always go the extra mile for him. I should have been with the Festival Queen contestants courtesy call on the prime minister, but I am here,” Grange said, as she pledged her ministry’s full support and sponsorship for Summa Sizzle.

She also took the time to remind members of the entertainment fraternity to sign up for the insurance plan put in place by the ministry, and recalled that she had told Stranger Cole’s son, Squiddly, to take advantage of it for him and his father. Stranger Cole, however, passed away the following day.

Speaking directly to the young artistes, Grange said, “[You are] standing on the shoulder of some great artistes ... it starts with people like Beenie Man, and people like Stranger Cole and many others who have passed on. Beenie Man is a great example of what it is to be a true artiste. Long live dancehall.”