Dancehall deejay Beenie Man, is to be be presented with a proclamation from US Councilman Democrat Leroy Comrie (St Albans), for over three decades of outstanding contribution to the reggae industry.

The official presentation will take place at the inaugural Reggae Rhythm & Blues Concert slated for Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York on Labour Day September 4.

“Beenieman has an impressive catalogue. He is a celebrated dancehall recording artiste, a seasoned performer and is worth of this very important United States recognition,” Clarke said.

Beenieman, whose real name is Moses Davis, was born in Waterhouse, Jamaica started his career as a youngster. He garnered his first real break on the international scene in 1997 with the hit single Who Am I that was a staple on Hot 97 radio in New York and earned multiple spins on urban stations across the USA. The single quickly went Gold and opened the door for Beenieman to grace the pages of Newsweek and other major media outlets. His album on Virgin Records, Art and Life was certified Gold and won him an all important Grammy award for Reggae Album of the Year in 2001. His international star power was further cemented when Janet Jackson, the Neptunes and Lil’ Kim all turned up as guests on his 2002 album Tropical Storm. He has since released a number of big hits in Jamaica and delivered many stellar performances including a crowning performance at Sumfest 2010.

Joining the Doctor Beenieman on stage at Reggae Rhythm & Blues will be Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, the successful R&B, pop singer, songwriter, keyboardist, record producer, film producer and entrepreneur who has written and produced songs for some of the biggest names in contemporary music and nd soca star Machel Montano.

“We are pulling out all stops to make Reggae Rhythm & Blues one of the biggest Caribbean concerts ever staged in the US. We are limiting the number of acts that will perform to ensure each has the opportunity to perform a full set,” Clarke noted.

Clarke said he is pleased with the positive response from patrons since the concert date was announced a few weeks ago. He said the festival will be filled with excitement and magic given the diversity of the lineup.