Moses Davis, Jamrock Orchestra to rock Jamaica Rum Festival
Singing consciousness is a big deal for me, says Beenie Man
Published:Friday | July 12, 2024 | 2:59 PM
Orchestral music, with its vibrant textures and dramatic flair, has significantly influenced dancehall and reggae from the early ‘90s to today, playing a pivotal role in the evolution and global reach of the genres.
Next Thursday, July 18, dancehall lovers attending the 2024 Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival in Montego Bay will be treated to an ethereal performance by the legendary King of Dancehall, Beenie Man. Set to grace the stage using the name his parents gave him, Moses Davis, the Grammy Award-winning artiste will be accompanied by the Jamrock Orchestra from the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA).
Performing new arrangements of Beenie Man’s hits, including Who Am I, Romie and Girls Dem Sugar, the 15-piece, non-vocal outfit will feature the musical flair of popular Jamaican instrumentalists: arranger Brinton Haughton; baritone saxophonist Tafane Buschaecab, and Othniel ‘Taddy P’ Campbell.
While commenting on the evolution of dancehall music and the heavy influence orchestral music has maintained on the genre over the decades, Ewan Simpson, chairman at JaRIA, hinted at what fans of Moses Davis can expect at the Rum Festival.
“Our talented arrangers have developed a style and system of presenting reggae on orchestral instruments, including a horn and string section. For this special performance with Moses Davis, we have added novel instruments, such as the pan and marimba, to create a pop orchestra with a very Jamaican twist. Moses Davis’ [catalogue] speaks for itself; we’ve spent the last few weeks arranging the content for the orchestra, so fans can look forward to many of their favourites presented a little differently,” said Simpson, who has distinguished himself as a drummer
He continued, “We are grateful for the opportunity to present reggae and dancehall music in this way, and we look forward to this form of musical presentation becoming a staple part of the higher-taste elevation that the Rum Festival has become known for.”
No stranger to infusing sweeping strings and brass sections with rhythmic dancehall beats in songs like World Dance, Beenie Man shared his thoughts on performing as Moses Davis.
“For me to perform as Moses Davis, it is obviously a pleasure. It gives the fans a side of me they haven’t seen in a long time, or rarely get to see, where I will get to sing certain songs that I wouldn’t and can’t perform in a regular stage show setting. The idea of a whole acoustic band setting, that’s Moses Davis ... I love to deejay, but I also love to sing, and singing consciousness is a big deal for me,” Beenie Man shared.
He added, “And for me to be headlining the festival this milestone year is phenomenal. I attended one year and participated in the dominoes tournament; and now, we’re taking all those vibes back to the festival, and more. The energy is good because we’re maintaining the Jamaican culture. It’s a great feeling to be a headliner for the show.”
Having established itself as a market leader in combining rum education with the wider Jamaican culture, the fifth staging of the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival promises a showcase of the finest rums, culinary delights, and an unparalleled fusion of music and entertainment.
Patrons are encouraged to visit the Jamaica Rum Festival website to find out more about the Blitz concert.
Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica’s premier summer reggae festival, is scheduled for July 14 - 20 in Montego Bay. Eight events will unfold over seven days, starting with the Family Fun Day at Catherine Hall, followed by the Street Dance, All-White, Global Sound Clash, and Rumfest Blitz.
The stage shows on July 19 and 20 will showcase Beres Hammond, Babyface, Anthony B, Capleton, Dexta Daps, Aidonia, Nigy Boy, TeeJay, Munga Honorable, YG Marley, Valiant, Turbulence, Jada Kingdom, 450, Marcy Chin, Ras-I, Norris Man, Kaka Highflames and others.