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 The ongoing melee between Bounty Killer and Beenie Man has been getting more intriguing and has show promoters on the edge. Shows like Bling Dawg's 'Summer Jam' in Portland and Capleton's 'St. Mary Mi Come From' are two of the most recent ones to be disrupted while the artistes have been at each other's throat. But while some promoters are sitting on the edge of their seats in the fear that their shows may be disrupted others are quite excited that a potential clash draws crowds.
Jomo Cato, director of marketing for Summerfest Productions, producers of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, says "we had both of them (Bounty and Beenie) without incident and they poked fun at each other too.
Cato however pointed out that, "there are always concerns if you have any two entertainers who have a feud being aired in public space and the influence it might have on the fans, but both entertainers were very focused on putting on a good show more than focusing on other issues," he said.
Dissing stuff
"Even with the dissing stuff at the festival, it was in jest and it didn't come off as overly insulting. We also had a heavy presence of security where both entertainers and fans could feel comfortable."
Sumfest's strategy was made simpler, Cato says, as "Bounty had indicated from the time of negotiation that he wanted to perform early and that made things easier for us. We had both of them on one of the biggest dancehall nights and we are looking forward to having both of them next year."
But in a country where war of words please audiences, the battle of the superstars will always provide entertainment for the sometimes rowdy onlookers. "Jamaican people dem love di mix-up...," said Bexton Ennis, Teen Splash promoter.
'Di mix up can work'
Another promoter, MC Nuffy, also staged an event, 'Portmore Awards' where both Bounty Killer and Beenie Man performed said that; "di mix up can work because it push Jamaica music a lot, it's part a di culture, di whole rivalry ting, but is a MC ting, a promoter ting, a respect ting an pon a level, di artiste must show patrons respect also cause it can work."
One partygoer told THE WEEKEND STAR that while he wants peace to reign he cannot help but anticipate any Bounty/Beenie clash. "It will always be a crowd puller because di people want to see them clash ...it will always add excitement, so why not?" said Lionel Thelfer, a regular party goer. He said that along with having a healthy line-up, the drama adds more to any event.
Big bucks on security
There are, however, those who would like to see the conflict between the artistes come to an end. "Mi nuh like it at all, too much back and front. The fact seh you cant guh to a show wid dem and don't know what to expect is scary. If I go to a show I want to enjoy myself without worries," said Tenesha Graham.
But the feuding is not limited to the Beenie/Bounty ongoing saga. This is why Ennis said he spends big bucks on security and manages his own stage. Whenever a fight or any other disruption occurs, he will be ready to tackle the problem.
But the Bounty camp is saying there should be no worries. According to Julian Davis, Bounty public relations rep, Bounty has declared that it all just fun and games and should not be taken seriously. "The number of incidents over 12 years have been about five or six..if anything was going to happen, it would have happen already," Davis said.
Beenie's manger is also singing the same song. "Both men are headliners and it is all just a musical hype, nothing physical," Patrick Roberts said.
Taken from www.jamaica-star.com |