Sharon Burke Hailed As The MVP Behind-The-Scenes Of Beenie Man & Bounty Killer’s Verzuz Clash
In the aftermath of Saturday night’s phenomenal Verzuz clash between titans Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, the dancehall/reggae fraternity is lauding Sharon Burke, president of Solid Agency as the behind-the-scenes superstar of the event. Several entertainers have come forward to applaud Burke for marshaling the stellar production, which was witnessed by more than 3.5 million worldwide.
Burke, who formed the artist management, bookings, and event management company in 1992, has been the genie behind some of the most significant dancehall events ever produced in Jamaica. These include Buju Banton’s Long Walk to Freedom, Reggae Sunsplash 1995, Saddle to the East, Fully Loaded, Re-Loaded, and Overloaded. She was also involved with the Shaggy & Friends Charity Concert in 2009 and Bounty Killer’s It’s a Party.
While Bounty Killer and Beenie Man lauded Burke as Saturday night’s first lady, Shaggy poured out his heart to the music executive, hailing her for her outstanding contribution to not only the electrifying Verzuz show but also the development of the careers of some of the most iconic names in Jamaican music, including himself.
“I especially want to big up my sister Sharon Burke,” Shaggy noted in an Instagram post, which was shared by both Burke and Bounty Killer. “You were the real MVP tonight! A lot of people fail to give you credit where it’s due… but as far as I can remember almost every highlighted moment in dancehall, you have been a part of it in some way, shape or form,” Shaggy noted.
“You have been an intricate part of the culture and still continue to uplift and push it. I salute you and you should be recognized,” Shaggy said.
In her response, Burke, who has served as the booking agent for shows and concert tours for the likes of Freddie McGregor, Admiral Bailey, Barrington Levy, Third World, Bounty Killer, Voicemail, Aidonia, Wayne Marshall, Etana, Kiprich, Tony Matterhorn, Wyclef Jean, I-Wayne, Nanko and Bass Odyssey, thanked the dancehall megastar wholeheartedly.
“Thank you for every kind word you have said,” she noted. “I had to post it, because my ratings for you [are] top of the top. It means so much to me little bro, always looking out for me,” she said.
“You are going so hard now and receiving so much high and good energy and letting go so much music. You are winning and it looks good and that’s the kind of energy I like to participate in; positive energy let us run the world!” she added.
Beenie Man also paid his respects to Burke sharing photos on his IG page of himself and Bounty Killer posing with her at the show, while in his repost of the exchange between Shaggy and Sharon, Bounty Killer added his salutations.
“What’s due unto Cesar give it. Sharon Burke may have her ways as we all [do], but her contribution to the development of this industry and so many artists credit as to be given despite. I salute you Madam Sharon Burke musical stalwart cheers to that folks,” said the Warlord.
“Also thank you for hooking up the Verzuz battle last night” he added.
Commenting on Beenie Man’s post, which she shared, Sharon thanked both The Doctor and the One General.
“Thank you!!Thank you!!! @grunggadzilla @kingbeenieman. So many people thought that it could not have been done so quickly, but from day one when Swizz Beatz got on the phone we knew it would work!!!’ she exclaimed.
“I am so happy Bounty Killer. I will always be a part of your team no matter what!!!!! You did so well and the dancing, I need to study the moves!!!!! Beenie Man, you are always the life of the party you give more jokes than anyone can handle!!! “Do you want to be that Guy?”… Who won? The producers! Who won? Jamaica! Who won? The culture!!!! Who won? Dancehall!!!! Who won? The Caribbean!!!!! One word…FLAWLESS!!!!!!!!”
Further afield, Wyclef Jean with whom Sharon has worked, referred to her as “The Big Boss” as he heaped praises on her. “Since fully loaded, you’ve always repped your culture and of course Bounty and Beenie Man…. You are the real boss; give you your flowers while you’re here… always sending so much energy to the culture,” Wyclef said.
Sharon also shared a short video clip of Swizz singing her praises, noting that “without Sharon”, there would be no Bounty-Beenie Verzuz clash.
Spice also so lauded Burke as being the “Dancehall Mother”, while Jesse Royal lauded her as “One of the Greatest, as did Charly Black and Macka Diamond.