Beenie Man’s Top 5 summer anthems

In the entertainment world, a Jamaican summer officially begins with the perfect dancehall song celebrating the sunny weather, the fairer sex, generous servings of libations and an all-around good time. There’s something about summer – from the parties, to the link-ups, to the fashion and lifestyle – that demands the ideal soundtrack for the season.

Throughout his career, Beenie Man has had his fair share of summer-themed dancehall hits. One in particular, Who Am I? (Sim Simma), seems to have influenced the Sum Summa campaign which Beenie Man headlines for communications and entertainment provider Flow.

With summer being such a key period in the entertainment calendar and with so many memorable hits of his own over the years, what could be Beenie Man’s top dancehall summer anthems of all time? Here they are, in no particular order:

No Letting Go – Wayne Wonder

“For starters, Wayne Wonder’s No Letting Go is a masterpiece in its own right,” revealed Beenie. “From the vocals to the production to how the fans gravitated to it – absolutely timeless.”

Beenie Man recently shared the stage with Wayne Wonder and saw him perform this classic up close at Reggae Sumfest during the tribute performance to producer extraordinaire Dave Kelly. No Letting Go was also a huge crossover track that introduced Wayne Wonder to a bigger international audience.

Summertime – Vybz Kartel

“It’s definitely one of the most popular songs that has gone beyond the Caribbean diaspora in the last decade or so. More while you just have to take your hat off and show your appreciation; another timeless masterpiece,” the artiste christened Moses Davis said.

Holiday – Ding Dong

“Summer will always be Daddy’s time, especially for the younger ones because I’m the fun dad, so they always want to be there with me. When they’re all together they often turn the TV to YouTube and one song that is always on repeat is Ding Dong’s Holiday. So, for me, that song is tied with happy memories. Yeah, big up Ding for that,” said Beenie.

Let’s Go – Beenie Man

Beenie Man rounds out his top five dancehall summer songs with two of his own smash hits.

Let’s Go was a sure party hit in the summer of 2011 with an infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics.

Who Am I? (Sim Simma) – Beenie Man

Beenie Man had fans from Jamaica to Japan singing “ Sim Simma, who got the keys to my Bimma?” The release of Who Am I in 1998 was a seminal moment in Beenie’s career which established him as a global dancehall icon.

“ Who Am I was definitely a defining moment in my career and it still get nuff forward anytime it play or I perform it,” Beenie Man said.