Veteran dancehall artiste Spragga Benz will be honoured for his contribution to dancehall music at Friday’s staging of the Miramar Selecta Showdown.

Set to unfold at the Shirley Branca Park in Miramar, Florida, the event is a precursor to the Afro-Carib Festival which is scheduled for Saturday, February 17. It also forms part of the week-long celebration of Dancehall Week.

The Miramar Selecta Showdown promises to be an evening of music and entertainment as DJ Fergie, the 2023 Selecta defending champion, faces off against DJ Toots and DJ Shawty Redz. The DJs will battle it out in a showdown that promises to be epic.

Vice Mayor Alexandra P Davis, who is hosting the event, shared her thoughts on Spragga Benz’s significance in the world of music.

“Spragga Benz has not only influenced the dancehall genre but has also transcended borders and genres, making him a true icon. His music resonates with audiences worldwide, and he has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation. We are proud to honor him at the Miramar Selecta Showdown,” she stated.

The highlight of the Selecta Showdown will be the presentation of the inaugural Dancehall Legend Award to Spragga Benz whose contribution in music has left an indelible mark on dancehall music, both locally and internationally.

Spragga Benz is known for a long list of hits including ‘She Nuh Ready Yet’, ‘Funny Guy Ting’, ‘A1 Lover’, ‘Girls Hooray’, ‘Dedicated’ (with Wayne Wonder) and ‘Things a Gwaan’.

Throughout his career, Spragga Benz collaborated with several international acts including Wyclef Jean, KRS One, Nas, Ben E King, Charles & Eddie, Foxy Brown and Kranium.

His contributions extend beyond music, as he has also made a significant impact in the world of acting, starring in cult classics like “Shottas” and the 2022 thriller film “Second Chance.”

Signed to Capitol Records in the early 1990s, Spragga Benz last released a full body of work in 2019 with the Billboard chart-topping set Chiliagon.