Beenie Man Talks Legacy And Life Lessons In New ‘Teach Dem’ Interview

Veteran dancehall vanguard, Beenie Man, given name Moses Davis, shared his remarkable journey and life lessons on the latest episode of Teach Dem. Riddled with anecdotes, little known facts and harrowing accounts of ghetto life, the lengthy discussion reflected Beenie’s larger than life legacy. From how he earned his stage name, to his fifty siblings and counting, the sit down covered much ground in the deejay’s 45 year career.

Held at the Grammy winner’s partially complete new studio, the moment was a toast to his perseverance and pioneering spirit. 

Beenie Man knew he was destined for the world stage at just 4 years old while living in Waterhouse. He recounted overcoming poverty, politics, and even a speech disorder in his earliest years, drawing more and more people to his impeccable talents as he grew. He would quiz elders including his uncle Sydney Wolfe who played percussion for Jimmy Cliff about the industry while learning key, timing and writing lyrics. One elder gave him the name “Beenie Man” as he was “a big man trap inna ah likkle boy body” and from that day, he set his sights on stardom.

His first step was correcting his persistent stutter which he says got much easier through singing. At one point, he says people thought he was dumb as he was too ashamed to talk, and so he deejayed everything from ‘reading books’ to ‘shop lists’. Right around then, his success began as he was busily entering many deejay competitions, even earning a nod from veteran media personality Barry G at just 5 years old.

Also around this time, he says he became aware of his family’s financial straits, and his next move in this regard saw him sizing up on stage with Yellow Man.The King of the Dancehall says he entered the Tastee Talent Contest not for popularity or fame, but the one year supply of patties which he actually intended to sell. When he placed second after Yellowman, he doubled down on his efforts and claimed the title the following year with the song Too Fancy .

Becoming even more serious about his craft, he eventually ran away from home, but didn’t go far, heading next door to join the local sound system crew. From there, Beenie was in charge of his own rapidly advancing career, dropping his first album at age 10, winning over audiences both here and abroad, and eventually starting the Shocking Vibes Crew.

“From me a likkle yute me a do music enuh so yuh haffi understand people fascinated wid I & I”, he said, summing up the extent of his impact and appeal.

The dancehall legend also detailed his stint in Canada, his experience during Hurricane Gilbert, and named his three fathers as well as friends who turned out to be bad influences.

Many of his remarks in the two hour exchange sparked fervid laughter, as the deejay’s hidden comedic flair complemented his honest storytelling well. 

Check out Part 1 of the Teach Dem interview below.